Ah, Amish Poor Man’s Steak — a comforting, hearty dish from traditional Amish cooking. 🥩 It’s not fancy, but it’s tender beef cooked in a flavorful gravy with onions and sometimes potatoes, perfect for a family dinner. Here’s a classic recipe:
🥩 Amish Poor Man’s Steak
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
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2 lbs beef chuck or round steak, cut into serving pieces
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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¼ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
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2–3 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
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1 large onion, sliced
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2–3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups beef broth
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
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1–2 medium potatoes, sliced or cubed (optional)
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1–2 carrots, sliced (optional)
Instructions
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Prepare the meat
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Season the steak pieces with salt and pepper.
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Lightly dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
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Brown the steak
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Heat oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
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Brown the steak pieces on both sides (2–3 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
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Sauté onions and garlic
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In the same pan, add sliced onions and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant.
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Make the gravy
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Sprinkle 1–2 tbsp flour over onions and stir to form a roux.
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Slowly add beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
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Add Worcestershire sauce and thyme.
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Cook the steak
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Return browned steak to the pan.
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Add potatoes and carrots if using.
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Cover and simmer 1–1.5 hours, or until steak is tender and gravy is thickened.
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Serve
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Serve hot with the gravy over the steak and vegetables.
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Great with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread.
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⭐ Tips
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Tender meat: Slow cooking is key. Use a lower heat if necessary or finish in the oven at 325°F / 160°C for 1–2 hours.
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Thick gravy: If gravy is too thin, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water and stir in at the end to thicken.
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Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and celery make this a full one-pan meal.
If you want, I can also give a crockpot version of Amish Poor Man’s Steak that’s super easy — just dump and cook all day for melt-in-your-mouth beef.