Poor Man’s Steak is a hearty and budget-friendly recipe featuring tender ground beef patties simmered in a creamy mushroom gravy. This comforting dish is easy to prepare and pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a satisfying family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ground beef and pantry staples.
• Comforting and Hearty: Rich, savory flavors in a creamy gravy.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, perfect for weeknights.
• Customizable: Easily adjust seasonings or add vegetables to the dish.
• Family-Approved: A classic recipe that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Steak Patties:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup crushed saltine crackers or breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Mushroom Gravy:

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon oil or butter (for frying)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Steak Patties

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed saltines or breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well until evenly combined.
3. Shape the mixture into oval-shaped patties, about 1/2 inch thick.

Step 2: Sear the Patties

1. Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the patties and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, until browned.
3. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Mushroom Gravy

1. In the same skillet, add the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Simmer the Patties

1. Return the browned patties to the skillet, spooning the gravy over them.
2. Cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for 20–25 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve the patties warm over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
2. Spoon the creamy mushroom gravy on top and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy Option: Add shredded cheese to the ground beef mixture for extra flavor.
• Vegetable Add-Ins: Sauté mushrooms, peas, or carrots with the gravy for added texture.
• Herb Twist: Add fresh parsley or thyme to the gravy for a fragrant finish.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crackers and cream of mushroom soup.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the beef mixture.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked patties and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to refresh the gravy.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a leaner option that works well in this recipe.

2. How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?

Ensure the mixture is well-combined and not overly wet. Adjust with more breadcrumbs if necessary.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the patties and gravy ahead, then reheat together before serving.

4. What’s a good substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

Use cream of chicken soup, or make a homemade mushroom sauce with sautéed mushrooms and heavy cream.

5. Can I bake the patties instead of frying?

Yes, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, then simmer in the gravy.

6. What sides pair well with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or buttered corn are classic options.

7. How do I thicken the gravy?

Simmer the sauce uncovered, or whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).

8. Can I make smaller patties?

Yes, make mini patties for a fun twist or for appetizers.

9. Can I use fresh mushrooms in the gravy?

Absolutely! Sauté fresh mushrooms in butter before adding the soup and broth.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and use a larger skillet or cook in batches.

Conclusion

Poor Man’s Steak is a delicious and budget-friendly recipe that combines the rich, savory flavors of ground beef patties with a creamy mushroom gravy. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or anytime you’re craving hearty, homemade goodness. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy a satisfying meal!

Poor Man’s Steak

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• Author: fella
• Prep Time: 15min
• Cook Time: 30min
• Total Time: 45min
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: stovetop
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Savor the comfort of Poor Man’s Steak! Ground beef patties in a rich mushroom gravy make this budget-friendly recipe a family favorite. Perfect over mashed potatoes or rice.

 

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Patties:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup crushed saltine crackers (or breadcrumbs)
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Gravy:

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp oil or butter (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Steak Patties

• In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed crackers, milk, onion, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Mix until well combined and form into oval-shaped patties.

2. Sear the Patties

• Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add the patties and cook until browned on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
• Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce

• In the same skillet, combine cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
• Stir until smooth and bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Simmer the Patties

• Return the patties to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them.
• Cover and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

5. Serve and Enjoy

• Serve warm over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, with the mushroom gravy spooned on top.

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Notes

• For extra flavor, sauté sliced mushrooms with the gravy.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
• Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery for a different flavor