Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe
Introduction
Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a comforting and budget-friendly dish that transforms simple ground beef into tender, flavorful steaks. With a creamy mushroom sauce and classic sides like mashed potatoes or noodles, it’s perfect for a hearty family meal.

Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed saltine crackers (about 30 crackers)
- 1/3 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 2 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
- Hot cooked noodles or mashed potatoes, for serving
- Minced fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the crushed saltine crackers, water, salt, and pepper.
- Step 2: Crumble the ground beef over the cracker mixture and mix lightly but thoroughly to combine.
- Step 3: Press the mixture evenly into an ungreased 9-inch square pan. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to firm up.
- Step 4: After chilling, cut the mixture into 3-inch square steaks.
- Step 5: Dredge each steak in all-purpose flour, coating both sides well.
- Step 6: Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the steaks on both sides, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Step 7: Transfer the browned steaks to a 3-quart slow cooker using a slotted spatula or spoon.
- Step 8: Pour the undiluted condensed cream of mushroom soup evenly over the steaks.
- Step 9: Cover and cook on high for about 4 hours, or until the meat is no longer pink and fully cooked.
- Step 10: Serve the poor man’s steaks over hot mashed potatoes or noodles. Garnish with minced fresh parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or sautéed onions to the mushroom soup before pouring it over the steaks.
- Try using a mixture of ground beef and ground pork for a richer taste.
- If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can bake the steaks covered with soup at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Use gluten-free crackers and flour if you need a gluten-free version.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. This dish also freezes well; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the steaks ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix and form the steaks and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking to save time on the day you want to serve.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute with cream of chicken soup, a homemade mushroom sauce, or a white sauce flavored with mushrooms for a similar creamy texture and flavor.
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Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a comforting, classic slow-cooked dish featuring seasoned ground beef patties simmered in creamy mushroom soup. This hearty meal is perfect served over hot mashed potatoes or noodles, delivering a nostalgic and satisfying taste of traditional Amish cooking.
Ingredients
For the Steak Mixture
- 1 cup crushed saltine crackers (about 30 crackers)
- 1/3 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 pounds ground beef
For Cooking and Sauce
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 2 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
To Serve
- Hot cooked noodles or mashed potatoes
- Minced fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the crushed saltine crackers, water, salt, and pepper, mixing well to create a moistened base.
- Add Ground Beef: Crumble the ground beef over the cracker mixture and mix lightly but thoroughly to evenly distribute the ingredients without overworking the meat.
- Form and Chill: Press the mixture into an ungreased 9-inch square pan, spreading evenly. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to firm up the mixture for easy slicing.
- Cut into Steaks: After chilling, remove the slab from the pan and cut it into approximately 3-inch square steaks to create individual portions.
- Dredge in Flour: Lightly coat each steak on both sides with all-purpose flour. This helps create a crust and thickens the sauce later.
- Brown Steaks: Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the floured steaks for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown, adding flavor and texture.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Using a slotted spatula or spoon, transfer the browned steaks to a 3-quart slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer.
- Add Mushroom Soup: Pour the undiluted condensed cream of mushroom soup evenly over the steaks, covering them well to keep them moist during cooking.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for about 4 hours, or until the meat is no longer pink and tender.
- Serve: Spoon the steaks and mushroom sauce over hot cooked noodles or mashed potatoes. Garnish with minced fresh parsley, if desired, for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- Refrigerating the meat mixture overnight can enhance the flavor and make cutting easier.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free crackers and flour.
- The mushroom soup can be substituted with cream of celery or cream of chicken for different flavor variations.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Amish Poor Man’s Steak, slow cooker recipe, ground beef mushroom stew, easy comfort food, creamy mushroom beef

