Poor Man’s Steak

 Poor Man’s Steak

My Mom was so good about stretching a dollar to feed her kids. When my Dad was killed suddenly in a tragic accident she had to work two jobs to make ends meet. We were poor.  But we never knew we were poor.  We thought we were rich because she made the best suppers. 

I remember this dish like it was yesterday. The patties are kind of a cross between steak and meatloaf....so moist and tender, yet meaty.... and baked in a delicious mushroom gravy.  This is down home comfort food that will bring back childhood memories and a meal the whole family will love.  

Poor Man’s Steak

1 ½ pounds lean ground beef

1 cup Italian breadcrumbs

1 small can evaporated milk

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 small sweet onion

 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

All-purpose flour, for dredging

Gravy

2 (10.75 oz.) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

2 teaspoons dried parsley

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease or spray a baking dish with non-stick spray.  In a medium bowl, whisk together condensed cream of mushroom soup, cream, and parsley. Set aside.

In a separate large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, canned milk, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, minced onion, garlic and onion powders.  Using your hands, combine ingredients until just mixed. Gently form into even-sized patties.  Poke a hole in the center of each patty. This will keep them flat while frying.

Place about a of the flour (or more, as needed) in a shallow dish and dredge all patties. Shake off excess flour and set aside.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and, once very hot, sear patties on both sides until golden brown. You do not want to complete the cooking process at this time as they will continue to bake later in the oven. Meat should still be under cooked inside.

Spoon some of the mushroom gravy into the bottom of the greased dish.  Transfer hamburger patties to the baking dish and pour remaining gravy on top.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until cooked through. 

Remove from oven and allow to cool for about 5 minutes and then serve! YUM.

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