Amish Country Poor Man’s Hamburger Steaks

Amish Country Poor Man’s Hamburger Steaks are a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. This hearty recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, showcasing rich flavors and simple ingredients. With tender beef patties smothered in creamy mushroom gravy, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Its unique blend of flavors makes it a standout choice for both casual weeknight meals and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can have this delicious meal ready in no time.
• Comforting Flavors: The combination of beef and creamy mushroom gravy delivers a classic comfort food experience.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for dinner parties or cozy family nights, this dish fits any occasion beautifully.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients, it’s a great way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The rich taste is sure to impress both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools will make preparing Amish Country Poor Man’s Hamburger Steaks easier. Here are some essential items you’ll need:

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet
• Baking dish (9×13-inch)
• Shallow dish for dredging
• Whisk

Why These Tools Matter

• Large mixing bowl: Makes it easy to combine all ingredients thoroughly for perfectly mixed patties.
• Skillet: Essential for searing patties, achieving that golden brown crust while keeping the insides juicy.
• Baking dish: Provides a safe space to bake your steaks evenly in the oven.

Ingredients

For the Beef Patties

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 1/2 cups saltine crackers, crushed (1 sleeve of crackers, roughly)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• all-purpose flour, for dredging
• kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

For the Gravy

• 2 (10.75 oz.) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Amish Country Poor Man’s Hamburger Steaks

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350º F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. This ensures your patties don’t stick during baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Gravy

In a medium bowl:
1. Whisk together two cans of condensed cream of mushroom soup with one and a half cups of whole milk.
2. Stir in finely chopped parsley.
3. Set aside your prepared gravy mixture.

Step 3: Mix the Beef Patties

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine ground beef, crushed saltines, whole milk, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
2. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.
3. Use your hands or two forks to mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
4. Gently form the mixture into even-sized patties.

Step 4: Dredge the Patties

Place one cup of all-purpose flour (or more as needed) into a shallow dish:
– Dredge each patty in flour on both sides until fully coated.

Step 5: Sear the Patties

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat:
– Once very hot, add patties in batches if necessary.
– Sear each side until golden brown; remember that insides will still be undercooked.

Step 6: Bake with Gravy

Transfer browned patties into your greased baking dish:
– Pour the prepared gravy evenly over the top of the patties.
– Cover the dish securely with aluminum foil.

Step 7: Bake

Place your baking dish into the preheated oven:
– Bake for 30-40 minutes or until cooked through and tender.

Enjoy your delicious Amish Country Poor Man’s Hamburger Steaks!

How to Serve Amish Country Poor Man’s Hamburger Steaks

Amish Country Poor Man’s Hamburger Steaks are a hearty and comforting dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Here are some ideas to enhance your meal.

Classic Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes are a timeless side that complements the savory flavors of the hamburger steaks.

Fresh Garden Salad

• A light garden salad adds freshness to the meal, balancing the richness of the gravy with crisp greens and veggies.

Buttered Corn on the Cob

• Sweet corn on the cob, lightly buttered, is a delightful addition that brings sweetness to each bite.

Sautéed Green Beans

• Crisp-tender green beans sautéed in olive oil or butter provide a nutritious and colorful side option.

Dinner Rolls

• Soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover gravy and add a comforting touch to your table.

Pickled Beets

• Tangy pickled beets offer a unique contrast in flavor and add vibrant color to your plate.

How to Perfect Amish Country Poor Man’s Hamburger Steaks

To ensure your Amish Country Poor Man’s Hamburger Steaks turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose Fresh Ground Beef: Using high-quality ground beef enhances the flavor and texture of the patties.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until combined for tender patties. Overmixing can lead to tough steaks.
• Dredge Generously: Coating each patty in flour creates a nice crust when seared, adding flavor and texture to your dish.
• Sear Properly: Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the patties. A good sear locks in moisture and adds depth of flavor.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure safe cooking, check that the internal temperature reaches 160º F for ground beef.
• Let Rest Before Serving: Allowing the patties to rest for a few minutes after baking helps retain juices for a more flavorful experience.

Best Side Dishes for Amish Country Poor Man’s Hamburger Steaks

Pairing side dishes with Amish Country Poor Man’s Hamburger Steaks enhances your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Creamy Coleslaw: A crunchy and creamy coleslaw adds texture and balances flavors with its tangy dressing.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers bring color and nutrients to your plate.
3. Baked Macaroni and Cheese: This cheesy favorite is always a hit, offering a rich complement to the savory steak patties.
4. Crispy Potato Wedges: Oven-baked potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide a satisfying crunch alongside the main dish.
5. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition while being simple to prepare.
6. Cucumber Tomato Salad: A refreshing cucumber tomato salad with vinaigrette gives a burst of freshness that pairs well with hearty meals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Amish Country Poor Man’s Hamburger Steaks, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your dish.

• Using too much seasoning – It’s easy to overdo spices. Start with less and adjust to taste for a balanced flavor.
• Not forming patties evenly – Uneven patties cook inconsistently. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
• Skipping the dredging step – Dredging adds a delicious crust. Don’t skip it, as it enhances texture and flavor.
• Overcrowding the skillet – Cooking too many patties at once leads to steaming instead of searing. Work in batches to achieve that golden brown color.
• Ignoring resting time – Letting the patties rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute. Skipping this step can result in dry meat.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Amish Country Poor Man’s Hamburger Steaks in an airtight container.
• They will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Freezing Amish Country Poor Man’s Hamburger Steaks

• Wrap individual patties tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Amish Country Poor Man’s Hamburger Steaks

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F and bake covered for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking often to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop – Warm in a skillet over low heat until heated through, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Amish Country Poor Man’s Hamburger Steaks?

Amish Country Poor Man’s Hamburger Steaks are hearty beef patties served with a creamy gravy. They are a comforting and satisfying meal.

How do I customize the flavor of my hamburger steaks?

You can add different herbs and spices like smoked paprika or fresh thyme to change the taste according to your preference.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey works well and makes a lighter option while still maintaining great flavor.

How do I serve Amish Country Poor Man’s Hamburger Steaks?

These steaks pair excellently with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

How long does it take to prepare Amish Country Poor Man’s Hamburger Steaks?

The preparation time is about 15 minutes, followed by baking time of 30-40 minutes, making it a relatively quick dish.

Conclusion

Amish Country Poor Man’s Hamburger Steaks are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite herbs or side dishes. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings!

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