This Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a simple yet hearty dish that brings comfort to any table. With tender beef, onions, and tasty seasoning, it’s satisfying and full of flavor!
You’ll love how easy it is to make, just throw everything in a pan and let it cook. I enjoy serving it with mashed potatoes, so you can soak up all the delicious juices! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Round Steak: Thin round steak gives this dish its tender texture. If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use sirloin or flank steak, but be sure to cut them thinly to mimic the cooking time.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well for dredging. If you want a gluten-free option, try using cornstarch for coating the steak. It won’t be as crunchy, but it’ll still work well!
Onion: A large onion adds sweetness to the dish. You could substitute with shallots or even use caramelized onion for richer flavor. If you’re not a big onion fan, try using leeks instead!
Beef Broth: Beef broth creates a savory base. You can use chicken broth if you prefer a lighter flavor, or vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist. If broth isn’t handy, water with a bouillon cube works too!
How Do You Get the Steak Perfectly Tender?
The key to tender steak in this recipe is a gentle cooking process. After browning the steaks, simmer them in the beef broth low and slow. This allows the meat to absorb flavor and become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Make sure not to rush the simmering time! It helps break down tougher fibers in the meat.
- Covering the skillet traps steam, keeping the steak moist. If your broth reduces too much, you can add a splash of water to keep it juicy.
- Use tongs for flipping the steaks gently during cooking to retain their juices.
Amish Poor Man’s Steak Easy Dinner Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak:
- 4 thin round steak pieces (about 1/2 inch thick)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
For Cooking:
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or bacon grease
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and about 1 hour for cooking, making it perfect for a quick yet hearty dinner. The simmering time helps to tenderize the meat and develop rich flavors, so don’t rush!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Dredging the Steaks:
In a shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder together. Take each piece of steak and coat it well in the flour mixture, making sure to shake off any excess flour. This will help create a nice crust when we cook the steak.
2. Browning the Steaks:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil or bacon grease over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated steak pieces to the pan. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until they are browned but not cooked through. Remove the steaks from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Cooking the Onions:
In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onions. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become soft and slightly caramelized. This adds a wonderful flavor to the dish.
4. Bringing It All Together:
Once the onions are cooked, place the browned steaks back in the skillet on top of the onions. Pour the beef broth over the steaks and onions. If you’re using Worcestershire sauce, add it now too. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Simmering for Tenderness:
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. This slow cooking will make the steak nice and tender. Feel free to check occasionally and make sure it doesn’t dry out. If needed, you can add a little water or broth.
6. Final Touches:
After the cooking time, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. This rich onion gravy is what makes the dish so comforting!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Poor Man’s Steak hot, ladling the onion gravy generously over each piece. Pair it with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles to soak up all that flavor. Enjoy this comforting, easy-to-make Amish classic!
FAQ for Amish Poor Man’s Steak
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Yes! While round steak is traditional, you can also use sirloin or flank steak. Just make sure to cut them thinly to ensure they cook evenly and tenderly in the same time frame.
What Can I Substitute for Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, you can use chicken broth for a milder flavor or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Water with a bouillon cube can also serve as a quick substitute!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, ensuring it stays moist by adding a splash of broth if needed.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish in advance, then simply reheat it on the stove when you’re ready to serve. The flavors often deepen and improve after a day in the fridge!