Whether you call this Poor Man's Steak or seared mini meatloafs, these little patties of seasoned patties are an easy, hearty meal you can get on the table in a snap!
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Why you'll love this recipe
I still remember the first time I had this dish—my mom called it “Poor Man’s Steak,” but to me, it tasted like a million bucks. It was one of those meals she could make stretch on a shoestring budget, and nobody ever left the table hungry.
She’d shape the patties by hand, dredge them in flour, and brown them up just right so they had that golden crust. Then came the gravy—the creamy kind made with mushroom soup that bubbled and thickened as everything simmered away on the stove. It wasn’t fancy, but oh, was it good.
Now I make it the same way, with a little shortcut here and there (hello, Montreal Steak Seasoning!), and it still brings the same kind of comfort. This is one of those recipes that sticks with you—simple, satisfying, and always welcome at the dinner table!!
Ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card below.
Poor Man's Steak Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup crushed saltine crackers or plain breadcrumbs
- â…“ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Montreal Steak Seasoning
- ½ cup all-purpose flour for dredging
- 2 tablespoons oil for frying
- For the Gravy
- 10.5 ounce can cream of mushroom soup
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large bowl, add the ground beef, crushed crackers, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and Montreal Steak Seasoning.
- Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix—just a gentle mash will do. Form into 6 rectangular or oval patties.
- Add the flour to a small plate. Lightly coat each patty in flour on both sides.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat and brown the patties for 3–4 minutes per side. You’re looking for that golden crust, not fully cooked centers yet. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer gently and scrape up those delicious brown bits.
- Nestle the browned patties back into the skillet, spoon a little gravy over each patty. Cover, and place in the oven for 20 minutes. The patties will cook through and soak up the creamy gravy goodness. *
- Dish it up over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. Add a veggie on the side and boom—weeknight comfort food, done!
Notes
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Nutrition
Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)
Use an 80/20 mixture or 80/15 for this recipe. It will keep the patties juicy and flavorful.
If the gravy is too thick for your liking, thin with a little milk or beef broth.
No problem! You can use a mix of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder instead—or use any all-purpose steak or burger seasoning you have on hand.
Deb’s tip
Don’t skip the flour dredge! It gives the patties that gorgeous golden crust AND helps thicken the gravy without any extra steps. It’s like a one-two punch of crispy edges and creamy sauce—my kind of shortcut!
More recipes you’ll love
The French Onion Salisbusy Steak is easy and delicious. Smothered Steak Recipe - a hearty meal and another family favorite!
And if you buy ground beef by bulk, learn how to store ground beef here.
Delicious pairings: what to serve with
As far as side dishes go, creamy mashed potatoes or my cheesy ham and potato casserole are a given. If you're looking for a vegetables, then I'd choose the air fryer roasted carrots or buttered corn on the cob. Add in some fluffy dinner rolls and that would be a meal fit for a king!
Wrapping It Up
Poor Man’s Steak might have a humble name, but it delivers big-time comfort and flavor. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and makes the kind of gravy you want to scoop up with a biscuit (or just a spoon—no judgment here)! I hope this version becomes a regular at your table!
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below, give it a star rating, or snap a pic and tag me on Facebook or Instagram so I can see your delicious results! That would make my day!!
Sherri Rochester says
Grandma used to make this for Sunday dinners. She would make the patties and place in a greased 9x13" pan and then cover it with plastic wrap. She would put it in the fridge to hang until the next day. Then she would put the mushroom soup on & cover with foil and then do a slow bake for couple of hours. Yours sounds much easier. I cannot wait to try it. Either way, the memories are irreplaceable! Thanks.
Debra Clark says
What a wonderful way to make this meal even more flavorful! Thanks for sharing your Grannies tip Sherri, it makes it a good make-ahead meal that way as well!! Love foodie memories!!
Michelle Gosser says
Ohmy gosh! YUM! Thanks
For sharing this amazing recipe l!!
Debra Clark says
You're so welcome Michelle! I hope you really enjoy this recipe!!
ninth1 says
I'm not poor or a man, but my residents sure do love this!!!!!!!
Debra Clark says
Awesome! Do you work in an assisted living facility? Curious on the word residents.
MB says
Sounds tasty and easy. I’m always partial to things with gravy or sauce. I’ve got the ingredients on hand so will be making it this weekend. Looking forward to it!
Robert White says
Made it for lunch today since my wife had to work. I took it to her and we both enjoyed it. She said we need to make it every week now. This time with egg noodles, next going to try it with mashed potatoes.
Debra Clark says
What a wonderful meal Robert, I'm so glad you both enjoyed it! Since it's just the two of you, perhaps you even have a few leftovers for later this week, YAY!!!
Debra Clark says
Wonderful! I hope you really enjoy the recipe!
ColleenB.~Tx. says
Delicious and so easy to make. We have it quite often. I make several patties at a time; flash freeze some and save some for a quick and easy meal for later.
Only thing that I have done different was make a brown gravy with sliced mushrooms and let the patties simmer in the gravy.
Debra Clark says
Oooh!!! That sounds like a wonderful version Colleen, and the mushrooms? YUM!! Thanks for sharing!!!
Sue says
Made this last night. I followed the recipe exactly (sometimes I put my own spin on it) and it came out great. My husband who usually doesn't like cream of mushroom soup had 2 helpings and loved the gravy, his mashed potatoes were swimming it it. This recipe is a keeper and I have some leftovers for another meal.
Sue says
Haven't tried it yet, just saw the recipe, but gave it 5 stars because I know that you test and re-test every recipe before putting it out to your readers so it must be delicious. Thawing out ground beef right now as I was going to make a meatloaf. I have all the ingredients on hand for this recipe so I think I'll make it for supper tonight for something different, get tired of the same old thing. I even have a jar of McCormick Montreal Seasoning in my spice cabinet. Have a lot of leftover mashed potatoes from the other night that will go well with this, plus a side vegetable (maybe fresh broccoli crowns and I'm all set.
Debra Clark says
Sue, it sounds like you're going to have quite the feast tonight! I think you're really going to enjoy dinner!! Thanks so much for your support on the blog!
lois says
Sure does look good. And guess what it is very good. I’ve had it. So tasty Thank you
Jean M says
They look and sound good! I will have to give them a try and soon.
Debra Clark says
Wonderful, thanks Jean! I hope you really enjoy the recipe!!
Debra Clark says
For sure, you get the early tastes every time! Glad you enjoyed the recipe Lois! I appreciate your support!