A Hearty, Homestyle Classic Rooted in Simplicity
Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a timeless comfort food that reflects the heart of Amish cooking—simple ingredients, practical preparation, and deeply satisfying flavor. Created during times when stretching food budgets was essential, this dish transforms humble ground beef into tender, pan-seared “steaks” simmered in a rich, savory gravy.
Despite its modest origins, Poor Man’s Steak delivers big on comfort. The patties become fork-tender as they cook gently in the gravy, absorbing every bit of flavor. It’s the kind of meal that warms both the kitchen and the table, making it perfect for family dinners, busy weeknights, or whenever you crave old-fashioned comfort food.
Ingredients
For the Steak Patties
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
For Cooking and Gravy
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil or butter
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix gently just until combined. Overmixing can make the patties dense.
Shape the mixture into thin patties, about ½ inch thick, so they cook evenly and absorb the gravy well.
Step 2: Brown the Patties
Heat the oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until they develop a golden-brown crust. They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Gravy
In the same skillet, pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this is where the flavor lives.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
If you prefer a thicker gravy, whisk the cornstarch with a small amount of cold water and stir it into the skillet.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Return the patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the patties are fully cooked and tender.
Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Serve
Serve hot with generous spoonfuls of gravy. This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed rice or egg noodles
- Buttered green beans or carrots
Tips for the Best Amish Poor Man’s Steak
- Fresh onion and garlic add depth and warmth to the patties
- Proper browning creates a richer, more flavorful gravy
- Letting the dish rest for a few minutes before serving helps the gravy thicken naturally
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop
- Ground pork or a beef-and-pork blend can be used for variation
Final Thoughts
Amish Poor Man’s Steak is proof that comfort food doesn’t need fancy ingredients to be memorable. With a few pantry staples and a simple cooking method, this dish turns everyday ground beef into a meal that feels warm, nostalgic, and deeply satisfying.
It’s a recipe rooted in tradition, practicality, and care—perfect for anyone who appreciates honest, home-cooked food that brings people together around the table.
