Spread mushroom soup across raw ground beef patties, alongside 4 ingredients, into slow cooker for a savory feast that disappears faster than anything else

This slow cooker 6-ingredient Amish poor man’s steak is the kind of humble, stick-to-your-ribs supper that’s been on Midwestern tables for generations. Instead of fussing with a frying pan, we press the seasoned ground beef into thick patties, tuck them into the slow cooker, and spread creamy mushroom soup right over the top, along with just four other pantry ingredients. By the time supper rolls around, those patties have turned into tender, gravy-soaked steaks that taste like something your grandmother might have made on a busy farm day—simple, frugal, and deeply comforting.

Serve these slow-cooked patties and their rich mushroom gravy over a mound of buttery mashed potatoes or plain egg noodles so they can soak up every bit of sauce. A side of buttered corn, green beans, or a simple lettuce salad keeps the plate balanced. Warm dinner rolls or a slice of soft white bread are perfect for swiping through the gravy at the end. This is everyday comfort food, so keep the sides homestyle and unfussy.

Servings: 6

2 pounds ground beef (80–85% lean)

Lightly grease the inside of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with a bit of oil or cooking spray so the patties release easily later.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, beaten egg, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently mix until everything is evenly blended, but do not overwork the meat or the patties will be dense.

Divide the beef mixture into 6 equal portions and shape each into a thick oval or round patty, about 3/4 inch thick. Lay the raw patties in a single layer in the bottom of the slow cooker; it’s fine if the edges touch slightly, but avoid stacking.

Open both cans of condensed cream of mushroom soup and spoon the soup directly over the raw ground beef patties in the slow cooker. Using the back of a spoon or a spatula, slowly spread the mushroom soup across the tops of the patties, letting it drip down around the sides so the meat is mostly covered in a thick, even layer.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the patties are cooked through and very tender. The mushroom soup will thin slightly and turn into a savory gravy as it mingles with the beef juices.

Once cooked, gently lift the patties out with a wide spatula, as they will be very soft. Stir the mushroom gravy in the bottom of the slow cooker, then spoon it generously over the patties when serving.

For a little extra flavor without adding new ingredients, you can brown the formed patties in a hot skillet for 2 to 3 minutes per side before placing them in the slow cooker; this adds a deeper, almost roasted taste to the finished dish. If your family likes a looser gravy, whisk in a splash of water or milk to the mushroom soup before spreading it over the raw patties. To stretch the meal for more people, make smaller patties and serve them over plenty of mashed potatoes or noodles so the gravy goes further. You can also adjust the seasoning to taste: add a pinch more black pepper for a bit of warmth or reduce the salt slightly if you’re watching sodium. Leftovers reheat well in a covered skillet over low heat with a spoonful of water to loosen the gravy, making this a handy make-ahead meal for busy days.