Easy “Poor Man’s Steak”
Poor Man’s Steak is the definition of down-home comfort, transforming simple ground beef into a tender, gravy-smothered meal. As the patties slowly cook in mushroom soup and onion seasoning, they soak up deep savory flavor while becoming incredibly soft. It’s reminiscent of Salisbury steak—ideal for those evenings when you want a filling, stick-to-your-ribs dinner without much effort.
Poor Man’s Steak
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef (80–85% lean) | 1½ lbs |
| Condensed cream of mushroom soup | 1 (10½ oz) can |
| Dry onion soup mix | 1 (1 oz) packet |
| Water | ½ cup |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp |
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Beef
Lightly coat a 4–6 quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In a mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef and black pepper.
💡 Tip: Mix just until combined to keep the patties tender.
2️⃣ Shape the Patties
Divide the beef into four equal portions. Form into patties about ½–¾ inch thick so they cook evenly.
3️⃣ Arrange in Slow Cooker
Place patties in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. They can touch slightly, but avoid stacking so the gravy surrounds each one.
4️⃣ Make the Gravy
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and water until smooth. As the patties cook, their juices will blend with the mixture to create a rich gravy.
5️⃣ Cook
Pour the soup mixture evenly over the patties, making sure they’re fully coated. Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or on HIGH for 2½–3 hours.
6️⃣ Serve
Once the patties are fully cooked and no longer pink inside, gently stir the gravy. Serve hot, generously spooning the mushroom-onion sauce over each portion.
