Name: Poor Man's Steak
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Amish
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef.; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs.; 1/4 cup milk.; 1 small onion.; 1 egg.; 1 tsp salt.; 1/2 tsp black pepper.; 1/4 tsp garlic powder.; 1/4 tsp paprika.; 1/4 cup flour.; 2 tbsp cooking oil.; 1 cup beef broth.; 2 tbsp cornstarch.; 2 tbsp water.

A close-up image of four pieces of grilled steak topped with a glossy brown sauce, served on a white plate alongside a portion of mashed potatoes. | lifesugar.co

A Cozy Comfort Classic: Amish Poor Man's Steak

Let me share one of my all-time favorite comfort food recipes with you! This Amish Poor Man's Steak has been my go-to dinner solution for years. Don't let the humble name fool you this dish is pure comfort food magic. Using simple ingredients and a few clever tricks we're going to create something absolutely delicious without breaking the bank.

Why I Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

You know what I love most about this recipe? It's completely fuss-free but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. I learned it from my grandmother who was a master at transforming simple ingredients into something special. Every time I make it I'm amazed at how ground beef a few pantry staples and some love can create such a cozy satisfying meal.

Let's Talk Perfect Pairings

In my house this dish is always served with a big heap of creamy mashed potatoes the perfect landing spot for all that gorgeous gravy. Sometimes I'll switch it up with buttered egg noodles or fluffy rice. Don't forget the veggies! Some simple green beans or roasted carrots add the perfect balance. And please save a dinner roll or slice of crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of that gravy.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!) here's how to keep them perfect. Let everything cool down completely then pop it in an airtight container. I like to make sure the gravy covers the patties it keeps them nice and moist. When you're ready to reheat just warm it gently in a skillet. Sometimes I add a splash of broth to bring the gravy back to life.

A plate of tender beef covered in rich gravy, accompanied by a side of pasta in the background. | lifesugar.co

What Makes This Recipe Special

I've made this dish for everyone from picky kids to fancy dinner guests and it never fails to impress. It's one of those magical recipes that's simple enough for a busy Wednesday night but special enough for Sunday dinner. Plus it's so budget-friendly you'll feel like a kitchen genius when everyone asks for seconds.

Grab These Ingredients

Here's what you'll need: good ground beef (I like using 80/20 for the best flavor), fresh breadcrumbs (though store-bought work fine too), some milk to keep everything tender, and diced onions. Don't forget salt and pepper! The gravy ingredients we'll talk about in a minute but trust me it's worth getting excited about.

My Best Tips for Success

After making this countless times I've picked up some tricks. Always use fresh ground beef the flavor really matters here. Pop your meat mixture in the fridge for a bit before shaping it makes everything so much easier to work with. And when you're browning those steaks don't crowd the pan give them space to get that beautiful golden crust.

Let's Talk About That Gravy

Oh friends this gravy! It's rich savory and absolutely perfect. The secret is letting it simmer until it's just right. I start with butter and flour to make a roux then slowly add beef broth stirring constantly. Watch it thicken into this gorgeous silky sauce that'll make you want to lick your plate clean.

What to Serve on the Side

I already mentioned mashed potatoes and they're my favorite but let's talk about other options. A big scoop of buttered egg noodles is amazing or try it over rice. For vegetables anything goes but my family loves roasted carrots or steamed green beans. And warm dinner rolls? Non-negotiable in my house!

Sliced beef covered in a rich brown gravy is presented on a white platter. | lifesugar.co

Storage Solutions

Let me tell you the best way to store these little beauties. Once everything's cooled pack it all up in containers that seal well. The gravy keeps everything moist and the flavors actually get even better overnight. Three days in the fridge is perfect but they rarely last that long around here!

Freezer Magic

Yes you absolutely can freeze this! I often make a double batch just to stash some away. Pack everything up tight in freezer containers label them (trust me you'll forget what date you made them otherwise) and they'll keep beautifully for two months. Such a lifesaver on busy nights!

Making It Your Own

Want to make this work for different diets? I've got you covered! My friend Sarah makes hers low-carb with almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and it's delicious. Going gluten-free? Use your favorite GF breadcrumbs or even crushed oats. The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is.

Perfect for Gatherings

Need to feed a crowd? This recipe is your best friend. I make it for potlucks all the time just keep it warm in a slow cooker. Add a little fresh parsley on top for that special touch and watch it disappear. It's always one of the first dishes emptied!

Scaling Up the Recipe

Whether you're feeding two people or twenty this recipe scales up beautifully. Just double or triple everything keeping the ratios the same. I love using my big roasting pan when making it for a crowd and having lots of sides ready to go.

Meal Prep Wonder

Sunday meal prep? This is your answer! Make a batch portion it out with some sides and you've got comforting dinners sorted for the week. I love knowing I have these waiting in the fridge they make busy weeknights so much easier.

A close-up of two tender beef fillets topped with a rich gravy and garnished with thyme, served alongside creamy mashed potatoes. | lifesugar.co

What Everyone's Saying

I can't tell you how many times I've shared this recipe! My friend Lisa calls it her 'secret weapon' for impressing company and my neighbor Tom says it reminds him of his grandmother's cooking. That's exactly what comfort food should do right? Bring back those warm cozy memories.

Simple Food Made Special

This recipe proves you don't need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to make something truly delicious. It's all about taking simple ingredients treating them with love and creating something that makes people happy. That's what cooking is all about!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long does this keep?: Store in refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze in freezer-safe container for longer storage.
→ Why coat with flour?: Flour coating helps create a nice brown crust and helps thicken the gravy while cooking.
→ How thick should the patties be?: Shape patties to about 1/2 inch thick for even cooking and proper gravy coverage.
→ How do I know when it's done?: Patties should be fully cooked and gravy thickened after simmering 10-15 minutes covered.
→ What sides go well with this?: Serve with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice to soak up the rich gravy.

Conclusion

A traditional Amish recipe that transforms simple ground beef into a delicious, budget-friendly meal. The dish involves creating seasoned beef patties, coating them in flour, browning, and then simmering in a rich, flavorful gravy until tender and juicy.

Amish Poor Mans Steak