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Step 1: Make the Patties
Start by preparing the ground beef patties. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined. Once mixed, form the mixture into 4 to 6 patties, depending on the size you want. Set the patties aside while you prepare the gravy.Step 2: Brown the Patties
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil or butter. Once hot, add the patties to the skillet. Brown them on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). They don’t need to be cooked through at this point, as they will continue cooking in the gravy later. Once browned, remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.Step 3: Make the Gravy
In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, add the thinly sliced onions. Cook the onions over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent (about 5 minutes). Once the onions have softened, sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. This will help thicken your gravy. Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken slightly.Step 4: Simmer the Patties in the Gravy
Return the browned patties to the skillet with the gravy. Spoon some of the gravy over the patties and then cover the skillet with a lid. Let the patties simmer in the gravy over low to medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and tender. The gravy should thicken to a nice, pourable consistency.Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the patties are cooked through, serve them hot with plenty of gravy on top. This dish is traditionally served with mashed potatoes, but you can also enjoy it with rice, noodles, or even a piece of crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.Tips for Perfect Amish Poor Man’s Steak
- Don’t Skip Browning the Patties: While it may seem like an extra step, browning the patties first adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the dish and gives the gravy a deeper color.
- Customize the Gravy: Feel free to add other seasonings to the gravy, like garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make It a One-Pan Meal: To make cleanup easier, you can cook the patties, make the gravy, and simmer everything in the same pan.
- Serve with Sides: While mashed potatoes are the traditional side, this dish pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables.
- Freeze Leftovers: Amish Poor Man’s Steak makes great leftovers! You can freeze any extra patties and gravy for a quick meal later.
