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Our Cherished Budget-Friendly Salisbury Steak
I've gotta tell you about this killer budget-friendly meat dish that keeps everyone at my table coming back for seconds. Picture this - juicy beef patties cooked in butter till they're nice and brown, then drenched in the most mouthwatering mushroom sauce you'll ever try. We always pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, and trust me, the plates end up spotless every time. It's down-home cooking that's easy on your wallet.
What Makes This Affordable Meat Dish So Darn Good
The magic of this budget-friendly meat dish is how it turns basic ingredients into something that feels like you're dining out somewhere fancy. The patties come out incredibly juicy and that mushroom sauce? It's downright habit-forming. Whenever I need to feed a bunch of people or want some ready-made meals for hectic evenings, this is my trusted go-to.
Your Shopping List
- 2 lb. hamburger: For the tastiest results, I use a combo of ground round and chuck.
- 1 cup saltine cracker crumbs: The secret to keeping your patties super juicy.
- 1 cup milk: This adds that wonderful succulence to the meat.
- ½ small onion: Nothing beats the flavor of diced fresh onion.
- 1 ½ tsp salt: Just the right amount to enhance everything else.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Try to use freshly ground for best results.
- ½ tsp chili powder: Gives a subtle warmth without overpowering.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: A must-have for depth of flavor.
- ¼–½ cup flour: This creates that irresistible outer crust.
- 3 tbsp butter: The key to amazing flavor when browning.
- 1–2 cans cream of mushroom soup: This transforms into your incredible sauce.
- 1 ½ cups milk: Creates the perfect velvety sauce texture.
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Simple Cooking Steps
- Create Your Patties
- Throw your saltines milk onions and spices into a large bowl. Work in the hamburger then form into chunky patties.
- Brown Them Up
- Roll each patty in flour and brown them in melted butter until they look irresistible.
- Add The Sauce
- Arrange your browned patties in a baking dish stir together mushroom soup with milk pour it all over cover and bake at 350°F for around 60 minutes.
- Serve It Hot
- Dish it up steaming with plenty of that delicious sauce over your favorite mashed potatoes or pasta.
Pro Tips From My Kitchen
For the tastiest budget meat patties, try using different types of ground meat together. Chill your shaped patties in the refrigerator before cooking and they won't fall apart. If your family loves sauce like mine does, don't hesitate to add extra milk. And always be generous with your seasonings for maximum flavor.
Fun Variations
Want something different? Ground turkey works great for a lighter meal, or go wild with ground venison for rich flavor. This affordable meat dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles. In my house, we always make a double batch of sauce because everyone wants extra.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why is it called Poor Man's Steak?
It's a thrifty meal. Mixing beef with crackers and milk transforms it into a dish that tastes like an upscale steak.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Of course! Shape and chill the patties a day in advance, then fry and bake them when you're ready.
- → Why dip the patties in flour?
The flour forms a golden crust when fried and also thickens the sauce as it bakes.
- → Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of cream soup?
Fresh mushrooms work great for homemade gravy, but the canned soup simplifies the process.
- → Why cover while baking?
Covering keeps it moist, makes the patties tender, and prevents the gravy from drying out.