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 9×13 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!

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use something other than ground beef for this recipe?

You can try using ground turkey, ground chicken, or a meat substitute if you prefer a different protein.

Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary.

Can I make this recipe without using condensed cream of mushroom soup?

While the mushroom soup adds a creamy texture and flavor to the dish, you can make a homemade mushroom gravy from scratch using fresh mushrooms, flour, and milk as a substitute.

It will require additional steps but can be a good alternative.

What can I serve as side dishes with Poor Man’s Steak?

This dish pairs well with side dishes like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a simple salad.

You can also serve it with rice or pasta if you prefer.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance and reheat it later?

Yes, you can make this dish in advance, refrigerate it, and then reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop.

Just make sure to store it properly in an airtight container.

Can I freeze the cooked Poor Man’s Steak for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked dish for future meals.

Store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bags, and when ready to eat, thaw and reheat it in the oven or microwave.

Can I use something other than ground beef for this recipe?

While this recipe traditionally uses ground beef, you can experiment with ground pork, ground turkey, or other ground meats for variation.

Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Is there a gluten-free alternative to saltine crackers for the recipe?

If you need a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs.

This will make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I use fresh mushrooms in the mushroom gravy instead of condensed cream of mushroom soup?

Absolutely! You can sauté fresh mushrooms and create a homemade mushroom gravy using butter, flour, and beef broth.

This will give you a more homemade and less processed mushroom sauce.

What side dishes pair well with Poor Man’s Steak?

You can serve this dish with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad.

It also goes well with rice or pasta.

Can I prepare the patties and mushroom gravy in advance and assemble later?

Yes, you can prepare the patties and mushroom gravy ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator.

When ready to cook, simply assemble and bake in the oven.