Poor Man’s Steak

Name: Poor Man’s Steak
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 25 min
Yield: 9 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup crushed saltine crackers (about 30 crackers); 1/3 cup water; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 pounds ground beef; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons canola oil; 2 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted; Hot cooked noodles or mashed potatoes; Minced fresh parsley, optional

Total Time Prep: 25 min. + chilling Cook: 4 hours

Yield 9 servings

Test Kitchen Approved

Poor man's steak combines ground beef with crackers to create a comforting steak dinner that fits any budget. We'll give tips for how to make this poor man's steak recipe in the slow cooker, in the oven or on the stovetop.

Ingredients

1 cup crushed saltine crackers (about 30 crackers)
1/3 cup water
Salt and pepper to taste
2 pounds ground beef
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
Hot cooked noodles or mashed potatoes
Minced fresh parsley, optional

Directions

In a large bowl, combine cracker crumbs, water, salt and pepper. Crumble beef over cracker mixture and mix lightly but thoroughly. Press into an ungreased 9-in. square pan. Refrigerate, covered, for at least 3 hours.
Cut into 3-in. squares; dredge in flour. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat; add beef and cook until browned on both sides, 2-3 minutes per side.
Transfer to a 3-qt. slow cooker with a slotted spatula or spoon. Add soup.
Cook, covered on high until meat is no longer pink, about 4 hours. Serve with noodles or mashed potatoes. If desired, top with minced parsley.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 292 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 372mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.

These flavorful "steaks" fit into everybody's budget. A special friend shared the recipe, and I think of her each time I make it. - Susan Wright, Mineral Wells, West Virginia

Recipe Creator