Few dishes capture the comforting essence of traditional country cooking like Amish Wedding Steak. This rich and hearty meal combines tender pan-fried beef, creamy gravy, and wholesome simplicity that feels like home. Known for its down-to-earth flavors and old-fashioned charm, this Amish-style recipe brings together simple ingredients that transform into something truly special.
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Why Amish Wedding Steak Is a Comfort Food Favorite
Amish Wedding Steak is more than just a main course — it’s a celebration of slow-cooked flavor and tender texture. Unlike regular steak recipes, this version simmers in a savory blend of broth, cream, and herbs until melt-in-your-mouth tender. The creamy gravy coats every bite, creating a comforting dish perfect for Sunday dinners, special occasions, or cozy nights in.
This recipe reflects the Amish approach to cooking: simple ingredients, cooked with care and patience, resulting in a dish that’s both nourishing and deeply flavorful.
Essential Ingredients for Amish Wedding Steak
• Boneless Beef Steaks: The centerpiece of the recipe, chosen for tenderness and richness.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps brown the meat and thicken the creamy gravy.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Basic yet essential seasonings to bring out the beef’s natural flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for searing the steaks to achieve a golden crust.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it caramelizes in the pan.
• Garlic: Enhances the savory base of the sauce with aromatic warmth.
• Beef Broth: The foundation of the rich, flavorful gravy.
• Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce its luxurious, silky texture.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a subtle tang and umami depth.
• Dried Thyme: Offers a hint of earthiness that complements the beef.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright garnish for color and freshness before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions and Alternatives
• Steak Options: Round steak, sirloin, or cube steak can all be used for Amish Wedding Steak if boneless cuts aren’t available.
• Cream Substitute: Half-and-half or whole milk mixed with butter can be used for a lighter version.
• Oil Alternatives: Butter or olive oil adds richness if you prefer a slightly different flavor profile.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can replace dried thyme for a more aromatic sauce.
How to Make Amish Wedding Steak Step-by-Step
- Prepare the Coating
In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each steak thoroughly in this mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated. This step creates a light crust that helps seal in the juices. - Sear the Steaks
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the coated steaks in the skillet and brown each side for about 3–4 minutes. Once browned, remove the steaks and set them aside. - Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the onion turns translucent and fragrant. - Build the Sauce Base
Stir in beef broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to combine and the sauce to thicken slightly. - Simmer Until Tender
Return the browned steaks to the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Let the dish simmer for 45–50 minutes, stirring occasionally. The beef will become tender, and the creamy gravy will deepen in flavor. - Finish and Serve
Once the steaks are fork-tender and the gravy has thickened, remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings: 4 | Calories: ~450 kcal per serving
Expert Tips for Perfect Amish Wedding Steak
- Don’t skip the browning step. It locks in flavor and gives the gravy a beautiful color.
- Use a heavy skillet. Cast iron or stainless steel distributes heat evenly, ensuring a perfect sear.
- Simmer slowly. Low heat helps the beef become tender without drying out.
- Adjust the thickness. If your sauce is too thick, add a bit of beef broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Rest before serving. Allow the steaks to sit for 5 minutes to help the juices redistribute.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
Amish Wedding Steak pairs beautifully with traditional comfort sides. Serve it alongside:
- Mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of the creamy gravy.
- Buttered egg noodles for a hearty Amish-inspired combination.
- Steamed green beans or corn to balance the richness.
- Homemade dinner rolls for a classic country meal.
For variations, try adding mushrooms or caramelized onions to the sauce for extra flavor. You can also make it gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of flour for dredging.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Tips
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before reheating and adding the steaks.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
The Tradition Behind Amish Wedding Steak
This recipe has its roots in Amish and Mennonite communities, where hearty meals are part of every family gathering and celebration. Amish Wedding Steak likely earned its name because of its presence at festive events — slow-cooked, flavorful, and meant to be shared.
The Amish tradition of simple, scratch-made food celebrates the idea that good meals come from care and patience, not fancy ingredients. That philosophy shines through in every bite of this dish.
Final Thoughts
Amish Wedding Steak embodies everything comforting about country cooking — tender beef, creamy gravy, and flavors that feel like home. Whether you’re preparing it for a Sunday family meal or a special gathering, this recipe delivers satisfying, timeless flavor in every forkful.
Once you’ve tried this version, it’s easy to see why Amish Wedding Steak remains a beloved favorite — a simple, hearty meal that connects tradition with the warmth of the dinner table.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amish Wedding Steak
1. Can I make Amish Wedding Steak in a slow cooker?
Yes! To make slow cooker Amish Wedding Steak, brown the steaks and sauté the onions and garlic first. Then transfer everything — including the broth, cream, and seasonings — into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until the steaks are tender and the gravy has thickened.
2. What cuts of beef work best for Amish Wedding Steak?
Boneless steaks such as round steak, sirloin, or cube steak work beautifully in this recipe. The key is to choose a cut that becomes tender with slow cooking. Avoid lean, quick-cook cuts like tenderloin — they won’t absorb the creamy gravy as well.
3. How can I make this recipe lighter or healthier?
To lighten up Amish Wedding Steak, use milk instead of heavy cream, sear the steaks in olive oil instead of vegetable oil, and serve with steamed vegetables instead of mashed potatoes. You can also use low-sodium broth to reduce salt content without sacrificing flavor.
More Relevant Recipes
- French Onion Meatloaf Recipe: This hearty meatloaf is packed with savory onion flavor and topped with a rich, brown gravy, offering a comforting experience similar to Amish Wedding Steak. It’s the perfect cozy dinner for meat lovers.
- Steak and Potato Soup: A creamy and filling soup featuring tender steak pieces and soft potatoes simmered in a flavorful broth — ideal for those who enjoy the rustic heartiness of Amish Wedding Steak in a soup form.
- Herb Crusted Beef Tenderloin Recipe: A refined yet comforting dish where tender beef is coated with herbs and roasted to perfection. Its rich flavor and classic preparation style make it a natural complement to Amish Wedding Steak.
Amish Wedding Steak Recipe
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Amish Wedding Steak is a classic comfort dish made with tender beef steaks simmered in a creamy, savory gravy. This traditional Amish-style recipe combines simple, wholesome ingredients like beef broth, onions, garlic, and heavy cream to create a rich and hearty meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless beef steaks (about 1 inch thick)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each steak in the mixture, coating both sides evenly.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steaks and brown on both sides, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Stir in the beef broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Return the browned steaks to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45–50 minutes, or until the steaks are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving and enjoy hot with mashed potatoes or noodles.
Notes
- Use a heavy skillet like cast iron for even browning and heat distribution.
- Simmer slowly on low heat to keep the steaks tender and juicy.
- To thicken the gravy further, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes before serving.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Amish, American Country
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with gravy
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg