Hearty & Homestyle: The Ultimate Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe

June 30, 2025

When it comes to comforting, no-fuss meals that truly hit the spot, few dishes compare to the humble yet incredibly delicious Amish Poor Man's Steak. This isn't your fancy restaurant steak; it's a dish born from resourcefulness and a desire for hearty, satisfying flavor without breaking the bank. Featuring tender cube steak enveloped in a rich, creamy mushroom and onion gravy, it's the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile.

Growing up, dishes like this were a staple for many families, offering substantial nutrition and flavor with readily available ingredients. The beauty of Amish Poor Man's Steak lies in its simplicity and the magical transformation of a humble cut of meat into something incredibly tender and flavorful through slow simmering. It’s a true testament to the idea that delicious food doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.

Table of Contents

What Makes Amish Poor Man’s Steak a Family Favorite?

This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a comforting hug in a bowl. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:

Budget-Friendly: Cube steak is an economical cut of beef, making this an ideal recipe when you want a beefy meal without the high cost.
Incredibly Flavorful: The savory dredge, browned steak, and rich mushroom and onion gravy combine for a depth of flavor that's hard to beat.
Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, even novice cooks can master this dish.
Versatile: It pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, from classic mashed potatoes to simple rice or noodles.
Ultimate Comfort Food: Perfect for a chilly evening or any time you crave a warm, satisfying meal that feels like home.

Ready to transform simple ingredients into a truly memorable meal? Let's dive into how to make this heartwarming Amish Poor Man's Steak.

Essential Ingredients for Your Poor Man’s Steak

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful dish. Most of these are likely already in your pantry!

For the Steak:

4 cube steaks
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

1 onion, sliced
1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
1/2 cup milk

For the Toppings & Garnish (Optional):

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Red pepper flakes

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Amish Poor Man’s Steak

Follow these simple steps to bring this comforting meal to life. For another simple and flavorful chicken dish, consider trying our Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken & Green Beans Skillet.

Preparing the Cube Steaks

Step 1: In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. Whisk them together until well mixed.

Step 2: Dredge each cube steak thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated. Gently shake off any excess flour.

Step 3: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the dredged steaks to the skillet.

Step 4: Cook the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned. The goal here is to get a good sear, not to cook them through. Remove the browned steaks from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

Building the Rich Gravy

Step 5: In the same skillet (no need to clean it, the browned bits add flavor!), add the sliced onion. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup and the milk. Mix well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

Step 7: Return the browned steaks to the skillet, nestling them into the simmering sauce. Make sure each steak is coated with the gravy.

Step 8: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the steaks simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the steaks are very tender. The simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and tenderizes the meat. If you're looking for another robust beef dish, check out our recipe for Espresso Braised Short Rib.

BESTSELLER #1

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes Free App with over 1900 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 3 Quart

$59.99

Buy on Amazon

BESTSELLER #2

CUSIMAX Stand Mixer, Dough Mixer with Digital Switch Control Timer 15mins & 8-Speed, 5-Quart 650W kitchen Electric Mixer, Tilt-Head with handle, Dough Hook, Wire Whip & Beater, Grey

$99.98

Buy on Amazon

BESTSELLER #3

Amazon Basics Glass Food Storage Containers with Locking Lids, Set of 7, 14 pieces including lids, BPA-Free, clear with blue silicone ring

$30.20

Buy on Amazon

Finishing Touches and Serving

Step 9: Before serving, garnish the steaks with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice subtle kick.

Step 10: Serve immediately with your favorite sides. This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh!

Tips for the Most Tender Poor Man’s Steak

Don't Rush the Browning: Getting a good brown crust on the steaks adds a layer of flavor that's crucial to the finished dish.
Low and Slow Simmer: The magic of tenderizing cube steak happens during the gentle simmer in the gravy. Don't skip this step!
Adjust Consistency: If your gravy is too thick, add a splash more milk or beef broth. If it's too thin, a cornstarch slurry can fix it.
Rest After Cooking: While not strictly necessary for this dish, letting the steaks rest for a few minutes after simmering allows the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.

A Note on Cube Steak

Cube steak is a cut of beef, usually top round or sirloin, that has been tenderized by a mechanical process called cubing or needling. This process breaks down tough muscle fibers, making it suitable for quick cooking or simmering. Learn more about this versatile cut on Wikipedia.

Enjoy Your Homestyle Meal!

Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a testament to simple, delicious cooking that feeds the body and soul. It’s a comforting classic that proves you don't need expensive ingredients to create an extraordinary meal. We hope this recipe becomes a cherished favorite in your home, bringing warmth and flavor to your family dinners. Enjoy!

FAQs

What is Amish Poor Manu2019s Steak?

Amish Poor Man's Steak is a traditional, budget-friendly dish featuring tenderized cube steak, dredged in seasoned flour, browned, and then simmered in a rich, creamy mushroom and onion gravy until fork-tender. It's known for its comforting, savory flavors and ease of preparation.

Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe?

While cube steak is traditional for its tender texture and affordability, you could experiment with other cuts like thinly sliced round steak or even sirloin, though cooking times and tenderness may vary. The key is a cut that benefits from slow simmering to become tender.

What are the best side dishes to serve with Poor Manu2019s Steak?

This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with classic comfort sides. Mashed potatoes are ideal for soaking up the delicious gravy. Other great options include egg noodles, steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a simple garden salad to balance the richness.

How can I thicken the gravy if it's too thin?

If your gravy is too thin, you can create a simple slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Gradually whisk this mixture into the simmering gravy and continue to cook for a few minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.

Eldralys Recipes

Hearty & Homestyle: The Ultimate Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe

What Makes Amish Poor Man’s Steak a Family Favorite?