Looking to bring the rich, hearty flavors of traditional Amish cooking to your dinner table? The Amish Wedding Steak Recipe is a cherished classic that captures the essence of wholesome, home-style comfort food. Known for its simple ingredients and savory, slow-cooked flavor, this dish is often served at Amish gatherings and special occasions like weddings. With tender steak smothered in a rich, homemade gravy, it’s the perfect meal to warm your soul and satisfy your appetite. Whether you’re familiar with Amish cuisine or trying it for the first time, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home kitchen.
What Is Amish Wedding Steak?
Amish wedding steak — often lovingly called “poor man’s steak” — is a cherished comfort food in Amish households. It’s not made from expensive cuts of meat, but from simple ground beef turned into rich, hearty steak patties. These patties are breaded, browned, and simmered in a flavorful brown gravy until fork-tender.
This humble dish is often served at Amish weddings and community gatherings, hence the name. It’s a perfect example of turning basic ingredients into something unforgettable — much like our stuffed aloo bread rolls or masoor dal khichdi, which also celebrate simplicity with taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Steak Patties:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
For the Gravy:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- ½ cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley
Why It’s Called “Poor Man’s Steak”
This dish dates back to rural and budget-conscious households where buying steaks for a large family wasn’t practical. By forming seasoned ground beef into “steaks,” breading them, and slow-cooking them in gravy, they achieved a dish that was just as satisfying — without breaking the bank.
Fun fact: This dish is traditionally served at weddings alongside sides like buttered noodles, green beans, and Amish-style mashed potatoes.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions : How to Make Amish Wedding Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, mix:
- Ground beef
- Breadcrumbs
- Chopped onion
- Eggs
- Seasonings
Use your hands to combine well. Form into rectangular or oval-shaped patties — about ¾ inch thick.
Step 2: Brown the Patties
- Heat a skillet with oil.
- Dredge patties lightly in flour or extra breadcrumbs.
- Brown them on both sides (3–4 minutes per side). Don’t worry about cooking through; they’ll finish in the gravy.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter.
- Whisk in flour to make a roux.
- Gradually add beef broth and milk, whisking until smooth.
- Simmer until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Simmer the Patties
- Place browned patties in a deep pan or Dutch oven.
- Pour gravy over them.
- Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes – 1 hour, or simmer on stove at low heat until tender.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with sides like:
- Amish mashed potatoes
- Steamed green beans
- Homemade wheat bread
- Beetroot raita for a tangy twist
Why You’ll Love This Dish
✅ Budget-friendly
✅ Crowd-pleaser
✅ Kid-approved
✅ Meal prep-friendly
✅ Freezer-friendly
Like this kind of rustic, soulful food? Don’t miss our cabbage curry — another underrated classic!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
Note: These values vary slightly depending on meat cut and gravy thickness.
Variations to Try
| Variation | What to Add |
|---|---|
| Cheesy Patties | Mix shredded cheddar into the beef |
| Spicy Twist | Add chili flakes or jalapeños |
| Gluten-Free | Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornstarch gravy |
| Vegan Version | Use plant-based meat, almond milk, and veggie broth |
Experimenting with fusion? Our jalapeño peanut chutney can even pair with a spicy steak variant!
How to Store and Reheat
- Fridge: Keeps for 3–4 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Freeze patties (with or without gravy) for up to 2 months
- Reheat: In microwave or oven at 350°F for 15 minutes
Tip: Freeze gravy separately in ice cube trays for easy portioning!
Pairings for a Full Amish Meal
| Dish | Link |
|---|---|
| Garlic Rice | Rich base |
| Buttered Egg Noodles | Traditional Amish side |
| Ragi Ladoo | Healthy dessert |
| Fruit Custard | Light finish |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but browning adds flavor. If baking, cook uncovered for a crispy crust.
Absolutely! This recipe scales beautifully and is perfect for large gatherings.
Yes. After browning, place patties and gravy in a crockpot on LOW for 4–6 hours.
Amish wedding steak is more than a recipe — it’s a slice of tradition served with rich gravy and nostalgic flavor. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or prepping hearty freezer meals, this dish never fails to deliver.
