Coming from Pennsylvania, I’ve had my fair share of Amish recipes passed down through the generations. These recipes are timeless, rarely tweaked, and always a hit. This one is no exception. It’s simple, semi-homemade, and perfect for throwing together after a long day. Trust me—after a shift in healthcare, where “plop on the couch and do nothing” sounds like a dream, this dish has been a lifesaver. Plus, it’s man-approved in my house! So, rally that last bit of energy, and let’s make magic happen in the kitchen.
Amish Poor Man’s Steaks
Course: EntreeCuisine: Homestyle CookingIt’s simple, semi-homemade, and perfect for throwing together after a long day.
Ingredients
1 pound of ground chuck
1 cup milk
1 cup Club Cracker Crumbs
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 can Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup
1 can beef broth
A few splashes of Worcestershire sauce, to taste
1–2 cups of flour
Directions
- Two Ways to Prepare
The Overnight Loaf: Mix all your ingredients, form them into a loaf, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, slice into patties—it’s super convenient.
Same-Day Patties: Mix and shape your patties immediately. Quick and efficient!
Both methods work beautifully, so it’s all about your time and energy. - Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Mix It Up: Combine the ground chuck, milk, cracker crumbs, salt, pepper, onion, and Worcestershire sauce in a large mixing bowl.
- Heat Your Skillet: Add a couple of tablespoons of canola or olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium.
- Form the Patties: Either slice your meatloaf into patties or shape your mixture into burger-sized rounds.
- Flour Power: Dredge each patty in flour, shaking off the excess. This step gives them a light coating for searing.
- Sear ‘Em: Place the patties in the hot skillet and sear until golden brown on both sides. Remember, this is just for color and flavor—you’re not cooking them through yet. (As Chef Anne Burrell says: “Brown food tastes GOOD!”)
- Assemble the Dish: Transfer the seared patties to a baking dish.
- Make the Gravy: Whisk together the cream soup with an equal amount of milk (or water if you prefer lighter gravy). Pour this over the patties, making sure they’re all coated in creamy goodness.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 1 hour. This ensures the beef is cooked through and all those flavors meld into something magical.
- Rest and Serve: Let the steaks rest for 5–10 minutes after baking.
The links above are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the blog and helping to keep these recipes coming!
Serving Suggestions
I usually serve these hearty patties with mashed potatoes and a veggie like sautéed green beans. Buttered noodles or a crisp side salad also pair wonderfully. It’s a cozy, comforting meal with a touch of Pennsylvania tradition.
Final Thoughts
This recipe is more than just dinner; it’s a little taste of Amish heritage and homey goodness. Let me know in the comments how yours turned out or if you added your own twist—I’d love to hear!
Enjoy this warm, satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!