Poor Man’s Steak – Are you, in the mood for something hearty and easy on the wallet? Look no further than the Poor Man’s Steak, a recipe that offers all of that and more! Using ingredients like ground beef, saltine crackers and a flavorful mushroom gravy this dish is about utilizing what you already have in your pantry. It’s perfect for family dinners. When you simply want a comforting meal without spending much. In this post, we’ll explore this recipe and how affordable ingredients can transform into a beloved meal.
I can still vividly recall the first time I prepared Poor Man’s Steak. It was a chilly evening. I was searching for a recipe that would provide both comfort and affordability. That’s when I stumbled upon this gem and decided to give it a try. As I combined the ground beef with crackers and spices I could already sense that something extraordinary was about to come. The kitchen filled with enticing aromas, as the steaks sizzled in the pan and when I finally took the baking dish out of the oven it became evident that I had discovered something special. My husband and our little one absolutely loved it saying it’s now a family favorite. Since then Poor Man’s Steak has become a feature, on our dinner table bringing warmth and contentment every single time.
What makes this Poor Man’s Steak truly satisfying?
What makes Poor Man’s Steak special is its ability to turn budget-friendly ingredients into a culinary masterpiece without breaking the bank. The combination of ground beef infused with seasonings and crushed saltines creates juicy and flavorful patties that prove comfort food doesn’t have to be expensive. To top it off the homemade mushroom gravy adds a layer of deliciousness and richness, to the dish. This recipe showcases the magic of home cooking. Demonstrating that with pantry staples and a sprinkle of love, you can create a meal that’s both deeply satisfying and cherished by families.
What You Need To Make This Poor Man’s Steak Recipe?
Ground Beef: When it comes to selecting ground beef it’s crucial to choose high-quality meat as it forms the base for your steaks. Opting for medium-fat content ensures that your patties are juicy and full of flavor, without being excessively greasy.
Saltine Crackers: Don’t underestimate the power of crushed saltine crackers in this recipe! They serve as a binding agent providing a crunch and enhancing the texture of your steaks. This secret ingredient is what takes your patties from good to exceptional.
Whole Milk: To add a touch of richness to both your patties and gravy we incorporate milk. It brings a consistency that blends harmoniously with ingredients creating a perfectly balanced symphony of flavors.
Italian Seasoning & Spices: The blend of herbs and spices in seasoning including garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and cayenne pepper adds life and depth to your steaks. Each bite becomes a delight with these flavors working seamlessly.
Flour for Dredging: Prepare for some magic! Coating your patties in flour before searing them results, in a crust that locks in all the juices and flavors making every bite truly satisfying.
Butter & Olive Oil: This powerful pair is ideal, for searing your steaks giving them a brown crust. The butter adds a touch of indulgence while the olive oil ensures an even cooking process.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This essential pantry ingredient transforms into a gravy when mixed with milk and parsley creating a sauce that perfectly complements your steaks.
Fresh Parsley: Make sure not to overlook this herb! It not only adds color but also brings a refreshing burst of flavor to balance out the richness of the dish.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Steps To Make Poor Man’s Steak:
Step 1: Let’s start by preheating your oven to 350°F and make sure to grease a 9×13 inch baking dish using nonstick spray. It’s important that everything goes smoothly right?
Step 2: Take a bowl and whisk together the creamy mushroom soups and milk. Add some parsley, for both color and flavor. Keep it aside for now; we’ll come back to it soon.
Step 3: Now comes the exciting part! In a bowl mix together the ground beef, crushed crackers, milk and all those delicious spices. Get your hands there (or use a spoon if you prefer) and combine everything well until it’s nicely mixed. Shape them into patties. Not too small, just the right size.
Step 4: Place a cup of flour in a dish. Don’t forget to season it with some salt and pepper. Give those patties a coating of flour; we want them fully covered.
Step 5: Heat up a skillet. Let the butter and olive oil melt together. Once it’s hot enough add the patties. Aim for that brown sear, on both sides. No need to be concerned if they’re not fully cooked yet; they’ll have time to complete cooking in the oven.
Step 6: Arrange the patties evenly in the baking dish and pour that gravy you prepared earlier directly over them. Cover it with aluminum foil. Place it in the oven. Leave it for 30 to 40 minutes. Until everything is cooked thoroughly and has a delightful aroma. Voila, you have achieved the Poor Man’s Steak!
Tip:
To take your Poor Man’s Steak to the next level it’s crucial to give attention to the searing process of the patties. Ensure that your skillet is properly heated before adding the butter and olive oil. The goal is to achieve a slightly crispy outer layer, on the patties. This not only provides a texture but also seals in all those delicious juices guaranteeing every bite is as succulent as can be. The delightful contrast, between the crispy exterior and the tender flavorful interior of the patties complemented by a rich and savory mushroom gravy, creates a symphony of textures and flavors that truly sets this dish apart. So take your time with the sear—letting the skillet work its magic—. You’ll be rewarded with a Poor Mans’ Steak that surpasses expectations!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of cracker instead of saltines?
Of course! You can use any type of cracker apart from saltines if you desire. Just make sure to pick one that doesn’t have any added flavors as that could alter the taste of the steaks.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You have the choice to prepare the patties and gravy in advance. Simply keep them separate until you’re prepared to bake.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
If you want to reheat leftovers while keeping their texture and flavor using the oven is your best choice. Just tent them with foil and heat at 350°F until they are warmed through.
<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!
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!
