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

Scale

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