This Poor Man’s Steak is a hearty, old-fashioned meal made with ground beef, crushed crackers, and a rich mushroom gravy. Affordable, comforting, and totally delicious!
There are some meals that just stick with you—not because they’re fancy, but because they’re just plain good. Poor Man’s Steak is one of those.
The first time I made this, I wasn’t expecting much. It was one of those clean out the pantry nights, where you look at what you have and just hope it turns into something edible. I had ground beef, saltine crackers, and a couple of cans of mushroom soup, so I figured, why not? I shaped the beef into patties, gave them a good sear, drowned them in gravy, and let the oven do the rest.
And then—it happened. The smell started filling the kitchen. You know, that kind of smell that makes people suddenly appear from other rooms asking, What are you making?
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
By the time I pulled the dish out of the oven, it looked like something straight out of an old-school diner: tender, juicy beef patties smothered in creamy, golden-brown gravy. I plated it up with mashed potatoes (because duh) and took my first bite. It was like a cross between Salisbury steak and meatloaf—but somehow better.
I knew immediately that this was going into permanent dinner rotation. Because when a meal is this good, this easy, and this cheap—why wouldn’t you make it all the time?
Here’s a quick peek at what’s inside:
Table of content
Why You’ll Love This Poor Man’s Steak Recipe?
- It’s budget-friendly. You get all the flavors of steak without the price tag.
- It’s incredibly easy. No complicated steps—just mix, shape, sear, and bake.
- The gravy is unreal. Creamy, rich, and full of flavor, it takes everything to the next level.
- It’s total comfort food. This is the kind of meal that makes you want to curl up on the couch afterward.
- Leftovers? Even better. The flavors get even richer the next day, so don’t be afraid to double the batch!
Ingredient Notes:
This recipe is simple—nothing fancy, nothing complicated. Just good, solid ingredients that come together in the best way possible.
For the “Steak” Patties:
- Ground Beef – I use 80/20 for the best texture and flavor.
- Saltine Crackers – They act as a binder, keeping the patties juicy.
- Whole Milk – Adds moisture and richness.
- Seasonings (Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Cayenne, Salt & Pepper) – A little of everything for that perfect savory flavor.
- Flour for Dredging – Helps create a crispy crust before the patties go into the oven.
- Butter & Olive Oil – A must for getting that golden-brown sear.
For the Gravy:
- Cream of Mushroom Soup – A creamy, flavorful shortcut.
- Whole Milk – Makes the gravy smooth and rich.
- Fresh Parsley – Brightens up the dish (and makes it look fancier than it really is).
How To Make Poor Man’s Steak?
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish (because nobody wants to scrub baked-on gravy).
In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, and parsley. Set it aside for later.
Step 2: Make the Patties
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, crushed saltine crackers, milk, and all the seasonings. Use your hands to combine—just don’t overmix, or the patties might turn out tough.
Shape into oval patties, slightly larger than you’d make for a burger (they’ll shrink a bit when cooking).
Step 3: Dredge & Sear
Pour flour into a shallow dish, season it with salt and pepper, and coat each patty lightly.
Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the patties for 2-3 minutes per side, just until browned. (You’re not cooking them through—just building that flavor.)
Step 4: Bake It All Together
Want To Save This Recipe?
Transfer the patties to the baking dish and pour that mushroom gravy goodness over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 30-40 minutes, until the patties are fork-tender and the gravy is bubbling.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Let everything rest for 5 minutes before serving—this helps the gravy thicken up. Serve with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or whatever makes you happy.
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked patties without the gravy for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F, or microwave in short bursts, stirring the gravy between rounds.
Pro Tip: If the gravy gets too thick in the fridge, just add a splash of milk or broth when reheating!
Variations and Substitutions:
Feeling creative? Try these variations:
- Use Ritz crackers instead of Saltines – Adds a buttery richness.
- Make it extra savory – A splash of Worcestershire sauce in the gravy is a game-changer.
- Spice it up – A pinch of cayenne or hot sauce gives it a little kick.
- Swap the cream of mushroom soup – Not a fan of mushrooms? Use cream of chicken instead.
What to Serve with Poor Man’s Steak?
This dish demands a good side or two. Here are my top picks:
- Mashed Potatoes – Because you need something to soak up that gravy.
- Buttered Egg Noodles – Classic and simple.
- Rice – If you want something a little lighter.
- Steamed Green Beans – A fresh, crisp contrast to all that richness.
- Biscuits or Dinner Rolls – Because gravy-dipping is a must.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yep! Ground turkey or chicken work too—just expect a slightly different texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Just bake when you’re ready.
What if I don’t like mushrooms?
Swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or brown gravy mix!
This Poor Man’s Steak is proof that you don’t need expensive ingredients to make a killer meal. It’s easy, satisfying, and packed with flavor—the kind of dish you make once and then crave forever.
So, what’s your favorite budget-friendly comfort food? Let’s chat in the comments!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Poor Man’s Steak
Ingredients
Steaks:
- 2 lb ground beef
- 1½ c saltine crackers crushed
- 1 c whole milk
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne
- Salt and pepper to taste for the flour dredge and patties
- 1 c flour for dredging or more if needed
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Mushroom Gravy:
- 2 10.75 oz cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1½ c whole milk
- 1½ tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a baking dish that measures 9x13 inches and give it a spray, with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl whisk together two cans of condensed cream of mushroom soup and one and a half cups of whole milk until the mixture becomes smooth. Add in one and a half tablespoons of chopped parsley to the mushroom gravy mixture. Set this aside for later use.
- In a mixing bowl combine two pounds of ground beef, one and a half cups of saltine crackers, one cup of whole milk, half teaspoon each of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika along with a quarter teaspoon cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Using your hands gently mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Shape the mixture into patties.
- Take a dish and pour in one cup of flour. Season it with some salt and pepper. Coat each patty in the flour ensuring they are evenly covered.
- Place a skillet over high heat and add two tablespoons of butter along with one tablespoon of olive oil. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot enough sear the patties, on both sides until they turn brown. You may need to do this process in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Place the seared burger patties in the baking dish that you have prepared. Pour the mushroom gravy, over the patties making sure they are well covered. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Put it in the oven that has been preheated. Allow it to bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until the patties are thoroughly cooked.
- Once they are done cooking remove the dish from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your version of Poor Man's Steak while it's still hot, along, with your favorite side dishes!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
