This recipe is simple to prepare with affordable ingredients you likely already have on hand. Despite its name, Poor Man’s Steak delivers rich flavor and hearty comfort. It’s ideal for feeding a family on a budget while still delivering a meal that feels special. The ground beef patties are tender and flavorful, and the gravy brings everything together with classic home-cooked warmth.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Eggs
Milk
Crackers or breadcrumbs
Onion, finely chopped
Garlic powder
Salt and pepper
All-purpose flour
Vegetable oil or butter (for frying)
Beef broth
Worcestershire sauce
Cornstarch or flour (for thickening the gravy, optional)
Directions
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, milk, crushed crackers or breadcrumbs, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined but do not overmix.
Shape the mixture into thick, steak-shaped patties.
Lightly dredge each patty in flour, shaking off the excess.
In a skillet over medium heat, add oil or butter and fry the patties until browned on both sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked through).
Remove patties and set aside.
In the same skillet, add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer, scraping up the browned bits from the pan.
Optional: Thicken the gravy with a slurry of cornstarch or flour mixed with water.
Return the patties to the skillet, cover, and simmer on low for 20–30 minutes until cooked through and tender.
Serve hot with gravy spooned over the top.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4–6 servings, depending on patty size. Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30–35 minutes Total time: 45–50 minutes
Variations
Add finely chopped mushrooms to the gravy for extra flavor.
Use ground turkey for a different take.
Swap crackers for oats or cooked rice for a different texture.
Add a dash of mustard or ketchup to the beef mixture for a deeper flavor.
Bake the patties in a casserole dish with gravy instead of pan-frying for a more hands-off method.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. Freeze cooked patties with or without gravy for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
What is Poor Man’s Steak made of?
It’s made from ground beef combined with simple pantry ingredients like breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, and seasonings, then shaped into patties and cooked in gravy.
Can I bake this instead of frying?
Yes, you can place the patties in a baking dish, cover with gravy, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–40 minutes until fully cooked.
Do I need to dredge the patties in flour?
It’s optional, but dredging helps create a nice crust on the patties and thickens the gravy slightly when cooked in the same pan.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey works well, just be sure to season it well since it’s leaner and milder in flavor.
What sides go well with Poor Man’s Steak?
Mashed potatoes, rice, buttered noodles, green beans, or roasted vegetables are great sides for this dish.
How do I keep the patties from falling apart?
Make sure your mixture includes a good binder like eggs and breadcrumbs. Letting the patties rest in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before cooking can also help.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers and ensure your broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.
Is this the same as Salisbury steak?
They’re similar, but Poor Man’s Steak typically has a thicker patty and a more meatloaf-like texture, while Salisbury steak often includes more seasonings and is served with onion or mushroom gravy.
Can I add cheese to the patties?
Yes, adding a small amount of shredded cheese to the mixture can give the patties extra richness and flavor.
How can I make the gravy more flavorful?
Add sautéed onions, mushrooms, garlic, or a splash of wine or soy sauce to enhance the depth of flavor in your gravy.
Conclusion
Poor Man’s Steak is a classic comfort food that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to make a delicious meal. With its savory beef patties and hearty gravy, it’s a recipe that delivers on both taste and nostalgia. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is satisfying, simple, and sure to become a favorite.
Poor Man’s Steak is a budget-friendly, comforting dish made from seasoned ground beef patties cooked in a rich brown gravy. It’s a hearty, nostalgic meal that mimics the flavor of traditional steak, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:35 minutes
Total Time:50 minutes
Yield:4–6 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
1.5 lbs ground beef
2 eggs
1/3 cup milk
3/4 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter (for frying)
2 cups beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch or flour (optional, for thickening gravy)
2 tbsp water (for slurry, optional)
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, milk, crushed crackers or breadcrumbs, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
Shape the mixture into 4–6 thick, oval patties.
Dredge each patty lightly in flour and shake off the excess.
Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the patties on both sides (they do not need to be cooked through). Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
If desired, mix cornstarch or flour with water to form a slurry and stir it into the simmering broth to thicken the gravy.
Return the patties to the skillet. Cover and simmer over low heat for 20–30 minutes, until patties are cooked through and tender.
Serve hot with gravy spooned over the patties.
Notes
Chilling the patties before cooking helps them hold their shape.Add sautéed onions or mushrooms to the gravy for extra flavor.You can bake the patties in a casserole dish with gravy instead of pan-frying.Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative.Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensuring your broth and Worcestershire sauce are GF-certified.
