Amish Wedding Steak: Hearty, Tender, and True Comfort Food

If you’re craving an old-fashioned meal that sticks to your ribs and brings a sense of home to your table, look no further than Amish Wedding Steak. This humble yet hearty dish, often served at traditional Amish wedding feasts, is pure comfort on a plate. Imagine tenderized cube steaks smothered in a rich, creamy gravy, slow-baked to fork-tender perfection — it’s the kind of meal that gathers people around the table and keeps them coming back for seconds.

In Amish communities, food is an expression of hospitality and care, and Amish Wedding Steak is no exception. Traditionally served at weddings, church potlucks, and family celebrations, this dish is a reminder that simplicity and flavor go hand in hand.

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Why You’ll Love Amish Wedding Steak

🥩 Tender and flavorful cube steaks smothered in savory gravy
🍲 One-pan oven-baked recipe — minimal cleanup, maximum flavor
⏳ Perfect for make-ahead meals or large family dinners
🥕 Pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, noodles, or seasonal veggies
🫶 A true comfort food classic with a rich backstory

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What Is Amish Wedding Steak?

Amish Wedding Steak is made from cubed or tenderized beef steaks, often referred to as cube steak or minute steak. The meat is seasoned, floured, browned, and then slow-baked in a creamy onion gravy until meltingly tender. It’s not overly fancy, but it’s satisfying, soul-warming, and deeply rooted in tradition.

The “wedding” in the name refers to its popularity at Amish wedding dinners, where dishes are prepared in large batches by family and community members.

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Ingredients

This recipe serves 6, but can easily be doubled for gatherings.

For the Steak:

• 2 lbs cube steak (about 6 pieces)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp butter or lard (for browning)
• 1–2 tbsp oil (for frying)

For the Gravy:

• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp flour (for thickening)
• 2 cups beef broth
• ½ cup heavy cream or milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp dried thyme or parsley (optional)

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How to Make Amish Wedding Steak

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Step 1: Prepare the Meat

1. In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Dredge each piece of cube steak in the seasoned flour, coating both sides well. Set aside.

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Step 2: Sear the Steaks

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the oil.
2. Brown the steaks in batches, about 2–3 minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
3. Transfer browned steaks to a 9×13-inch baking dish.

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Step 3: Make the Gravy

1. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the onions until soft and golden.
2. Sprinkle in the 2 tablespoons of flour, stir, and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, stirring constantly until smooth.
4. Add the heavy cream (or milk) and stir until thickened — about 3–5 minutes.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs if desired.

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Step 4: Bake to Tender Perfection

1. Pour the gravy over the steaks in the baking dish. Cover tightly with foil.
2. Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 1½ to 2 hours, or until steaks are tender and gravy is bubbling.
3. Optional: Remove the foil in the last 15 minutes to allow the top to slightly brown.

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Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot with:

• Mashed potatoes
• Egg noodles or Amish-style buttered noodles
• Steamed carrots or green beans
• Homemade dinner rolls or buttermilk biscuits

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Tips for the Best Amish Wedding Steak

✔️ Use tenderized cube steak for that classic texture
✔️ Don’t skip the browning step — it builds deep flavor
✔️ Use beef broth, not just water, for rich, savory gravy
✔️ If gravy thickens too much while baking, add a splash of broth before serving
✔️ For a twist, add sliced mushrooms to the onion gravy

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Make It in a Slow Cooker

Want a more hands-off version?

1. Brown the steaks and onions as directed.
2. Transfer to a slow cooker and pour in the prepared gravy.
3. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until tender.

Perfect for Sunday dinners when you want to walk into the kitchen to amazing aromas.

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Storage and Reheating

🧊 Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

♨️ Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 300°F.

🥶 Freeze: This dish freezes well! Store in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Nutrition Information (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 34g
• Fat: 24g
• Carbs: 18g
• Sugar: 2g
• Fiber: 1g

Nutrition will vary depending on ingredients and sides served.

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Variations and Additions

🥩 Pork Steak Version: Substitute cube steaks with boneless pork chops
🧄 Extra Flavor: Add minced garlic or garlic powder to the gravy
🍄 Mushroom Gravy: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the onions
🧀 Cheesy Bake: Sprinkle a bit of shredded Swiss or cheddar over the top for the last 10 minutes
🌶️ Spicy Touch: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or hot sauce to the gravy base

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History of Amish Wedding Meals

In Amish culture, weddings are all-day affairs filled with family, faith, and food. The wedding meal — typically prepared by female family members and community volunteers — is comforting and abundant, often featuring roast chicken, mashed potatoes, homemade bread, and dishes like Amish Wedding Steak.

The dish reflects the Amish values of simplicity, practicality, and hospitality, using affordable ingredients and time-tested cooking techniques to create meals that are rich in flavor and tradition.

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Why This Recipe Works

✅ Classic, no-fuss preparation with hearty ingredients
✅ Long baking time makes cube steak fall-apart tender
✅ Creamy gravy is rich and savory — perfect over mashed potatoes
✅ Crowd-pleasing and great for batch cooking or family gatherings
✅ A timeless, budget-friendly recipe full of heart

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Final Thoughts: Hearty, Homestyle, and Unforgettable

Amish Wedding Steak is more than just a meal — it’s a nostalgic, heartwarming dish that brings people together. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner, family gathering, or just on a chilly Sunday afternoon, this dish offers comfort, flavor, and that unmistakable homemade touch.

It’s the kind of recipe that doesn’t need fancy ingredients or techniques — just good, honest food made with care.

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