The Ultimate Amish Wedding Steak Recipe You’ll Love
Amish cuisine is known for its simplicity, wholesome ingredients, and rich flavors. One such dish, Amish wedding steak, is a hearty and satisfying recipe that’s perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. This version of Amish wedding steak uses ground beef, savory mushrooms, and a creamy mushroom sauce, creating a delicious meal that is both comforting and flavorful. In this article, we’ll walk you through a simple, step-by-step guide to making this dish from scratch, and we’ll also explore some variations to suit your preferences.
1. What Is Amish Wedding Steak?
Amish wedding steak is typically a dish served at large family gatherings or weddings, where food plays a central role in the celebration. The steak, traditionally made from hearty cuts of beef, is often cooked in a rich, creamy sauce and served with side dishes that complement its deep, savory flavors. In this recipe, we’ve adapted the classic dish to include ground beef, which is affordable and easy to work with while still delivering that comforting, rich flavor.
This version of Amish wedding steak is especially popular in Amish communities for its ability to feed a crowd without sacrificing flavor or heartiness.
2. Ingredients You’ll Need for Amish Wedding Steak
Before you start, gather all the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Amish wedding steak:
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups whole grain soda cracker crumbs or panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk
- 1 can low-fat cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can of water (use the soup can to measure)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for browning)
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Amish Wedding Steak
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
Start by preparing the meat mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cracker crumbs (or panko breadcrumbs), almond milk (or low-fat milk), chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the ingredients are well incorporated. Once the mixture is ready, transfer it into a square baking dish, pressing it down evenly to ensure it is compact. Cover the dish and refrigerate it overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and gives the mixture a chance to set.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
The next step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your oven is ready to cook the meat once it’s browned and assembled.
Step 3: Prepare the Meat Squares
After the meat mixture has rested overnight, remove the dish from the refrigerator. Using a sharp knife, cut the beef mixture into square portions, making sure the pieces are evenly sized. Lightly dredge each square in whole wheat flour or a gluten-free alternative if desired. This helps create a nice, crispy crust on the meat when it’s browned.
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meat squares on both sides until they develop a golden crust. This step adds flavor and texture to the meat, which will enhance the overall taste of the dish. Once browned, remove the meat squares from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 4: Bake the Meat
Arrange the browned meat squares in a baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with one can of water (using the soup can to measure the water). Stir in the sliced mushrooms, then pour this mixture evenly over the meat squares. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in and ensure the meat remains tender while it bakes.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 90 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and tender. This long, slow cooking process ensures the meat absorbs the flavors of the soup and mushrooms, creating a deliciously rich and savory dish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the Amish wedding steak is finished baking, remove the dish from the oven. Serve the meat squares with the creamy mushroom sauce poured over the top. For a complete meal, pair this dish with sides like creamy mashed cauliflower, sweet potatoes, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with whole grain dinner rolls or cornbread for a traditional Amish touch.
4. Variations and Substitutions for Amish Wedding Steak
This recipe is versatile, and you can make several substitutions to suit dietary needs or personal preferences. Here are some ideas:
4.1. Meat Alternatives
If you want a lighter version of this dish, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. These alternatives provide a similar texture and flavor but with fewer calories and less fat.
4.2. Flavor Enhancements
You can add more depth of flavor by mixing in a sprinkle of garlic powder or paprika into the meat mixture. A dash of Worcestershire sauce mixed into the cream of mushroom soup can also provide a richer, more complex taste.
4.3. Vegetarian Version
For a vegetarian alternative, replace the ground meat with a plant-based ground meat substitute. Make sure the substitute holds its shape well when mixed with the other ingredients and refrigerated overnight. You can also enhance the dish by adding more mushrooms or other vegetables.
4.4. Mushroom Variations
Feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as cremini, portobello, or shiitake. These mushrooms will introduce new textures and earthy flavors to the dish, making it even more delicious.
5. Why Amish Wedding Steak is Perfect for Special Occasions
Amish wedding steak is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or special occasions. Its simple, wholesome ingredients make it an ideal choice for those who want a flavorful and filling meal without too much fuss. The tender meat, creamy mushroom sauce, and savory flavors come together to create a dish that feels both hearty and indulgent.
Whether you’re preparing for an Amish-inspired dinner or just looking for a new family favorite, Amish wedding steak will surely make any meal memorable.
Conclusion: A Delicious Taste of Amish Tradition
Amish wedding steak is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition. With its simple ingredients, rich flavors, and hearty texture, it brings a piece of Amish culinary culture to your kitchen. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a comforting family dinner, this recipe will surely be a hit. The combination of ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and flavorful mushrooms creates a delicious, easy-to-make dish that everyone will love.
FAQs about Amish Wedding Steak
1. Can I use a different type of meat for Amish wedding steak? Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can also try plant-based meat substitutes for a vegetarian option.
2. Can I make Amish wedding steak ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture the night before, refrigerate it, and bake it the next day. This helps the flavors meld together.
3. What can I serve with Amish wedding steak? Amish wedding steak pairs well with mashed cauliflower, sweet potatoes, steamed green beans, roasted vegetables, and cornbread or dinner rolls.
4. Can I freeze Amish wedding steak? Yes, you can freeze leftovers of Amish wedding steak. Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
5. How can I make Amish wedding steak spicier? To add a little heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or chili flakes into the meat mixture or the gravy. You can also add a few dashes of hot sauce to the mushroom soup for extra spice.
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Ingredients
Adjust Servings
2pounds lean ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option) | |
1 large onion finely chopped | |
1cup fresh mushrooms sliced (use a mix of cremini, portobello, or shiitake for added flavor) | |
2cups whole grain soda cracker crumbs or panko breadcrumbs | |
2cups unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk | |
1can low-fat cream of mushroom soup (or homemade version) | |
1can soup can of water | |
Salt and pepper to taste |
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