Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a vintage “stretcher” meal that transforms simple ground beef into a hearty, fork-tender steak dinner. The secret is the cracker-crumb binder and a slow bake in a savory mushroom gravy bath.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: 1.5 lbs lean beef.
- Saltine Crackers: 1 cup, crushed fine.
- Binding Agent: 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup flour (for dredging).
- Aromatics: 1/2 cup minced onion and 1 tsp garlic powder.
- Gravy: 2 cans Cream of Mushroom soup and 1/2 cup water.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Form and Chill
Mix the beef, crackers, milk, and spices. Press firmly into a 9×13 pan and chill for 1 hour. This compaction step is essential to give the ground beef a “steak” texture that won’t crumble.
2. Dredge and Sear
Cut the meat into rectangles, dredge each in flour, and sear in a hot skillet for 2 minutes per side. This creates a savory crust and helps the meat retain its juices during the long bake.
3. The Slow Gravy Bake
Place the seared steaks back in the pan and cover with the mushroom soup mixture. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes until the meat is tender and the gravy is bubbly and thick.
