Amish Wedding Steak Recipe

Experience the comforting taste of Amish Wedding Steak, a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. This classic recipe combines ground beef with simple ingredients for a dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of ground beef
• 1 diced onion
• 1 can of mushrooms (fresh mushrooms can also be used)
• 2 cups of crushed soda crackers
• 2 cups of milk
• 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can of water (using the soup can for measurement)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, crushed soda crackers, milk, and salt and pepper. Mix until well blended. Pat the mixture into a square cake pan and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the mixture to set.

2. Preheat Oven:
When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the meat mixture from the refrigerator and cut it into squares.

3. Brown the Meat Squares:
Coat each square with flour. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat and brown the squares on all sides. This step adds a rich flavor and helps to lock in moisture.

4. Prepare the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, water (using the soup can for measurement), and mushrooms. This will create a creamy and flavorful sauce.

5. Bake:
Transfer the browned meat squares to a baking dish. Pour the mushroom sauce mixture over the meat. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 90 minutes. This slow cooking process ensures the meat is tender and flavorful.

6. Serve:
After baking, allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

• Accompaniments: Amish Wedding Steak pairs perfectly with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. The rich mushroom sauce complements these sides wonderfully. Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as green beans, carrots, or corn, add a fresh contrast to the dish.
• Garnishing: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a touch of color and added flavor. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a hint of freshness.
• Portioning: Serve the steak squares with a generous ladle of sauce over the top. For a more formal presentation, consider plating the steak squares individually with the sauce drizzled artistically.
• Temperature: Amish Wedding Steak is best served hot. Ensure the dish is heated through before serving, and allow it to rest for a few minutes after baking to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Amish Wedding Steak will keep for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the dish cools to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator to prevent condensation and sogginess.
• Freezing: To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. For best results, freeze in individual portions to make reheating easier.
• Reheating: To reheat, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the oven will help maintain the texture of the meat and sauce.
• Avoid Overcooking: When reheating, avoid overcooking as it can dry out the meat. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy Amish Wedding Steak fresh and flavorful, whether you’re serving it immediately or saving it for later.

Variations:

1. Southwestern Amish Wedding Steak

• Additions: Mix in 1 cup of diced green bell peppers and 1 cup of corn to the meat mixture. For extra flavor, add 1 teaspoon of cumin and 1 teaspoon of chili powder.
• Cheese Option: Top with shredded cheddar cheese before baking for a cheesy twist.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of Mexican-style rice and a dollop of sour cream.

2. Italian-Style Amish Wedding Steak

• Additions: Add 1 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the meat mixture.
• Cheese Option: Use mozzarella cheese instead of Muenster for an Italian flair.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with garlic bread and a side of pasta or a fresh Italian salad.

3. BBQ Amish Wedding Steak

• Additions: Mix 1 cup of barbecue sauce into the cream of mushroom soup and add 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika to the meat mixture.
• Cheese Option: Top with a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses before baking.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with coleslaw and cornbread for a classic BBQ meal.

4. Mushroom Lover’s Amish Wedding Steak

• Additions: Use a mix of fresh mushrooms such as cremini, shiitake, and portobello for the mushroom topping.
• Cheese Option: Add a layer of crumbled blue cheese on top of the mushrooms before baking.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of risotto or creamy polenta.

5. Spicy Amish Wedding Steak

• Additions: Incorporate 1-2 finely chopped jalapeños or a tablespoon of hot sauce into the meat mixture for a spicy kick.
• Cheese Option: Use pepper jack cheese for added heat.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of spicy baked sweet potatoes or a zesty salad.

6. Creamy Herb Amish Wedding Steak

• Additions: Mix 1 tablespoon of dried thyme and 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary into the meat mixture. Add 1 cup of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the sauce.
• Cheese Option: Use a creamy cheese like fontina or Gruyère.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with herb-roasted potatoes and a side of sautéed greens.

7. Mediterranean Amish Wedding Steak

• Additions: Add 1 cup of chopped Kalamata olives and 1 cup of diced tomatoes to the meat mixture. Incorporate 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
• Cheese Option: Use feta cheese instead of Muenster for a Mediterranean twist.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with couscous and a side of Greek salad.

8. Vegetarian Amish Wedding Steak

• Substitution: Replace the ground beef with a mixture of finely chopped vegetables such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers or use a meat substitute like lentils or tofu.
• Cheese Option: Use a plant-based cheese alternative.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with quinoa or a hearty grain salad.

9. Bacon-Topped Amish Wedding Steak

• Additions: Sprinkle crumbled cooked bacon over the top of the steak squares before baking.
• Cheese Option: Use a smoky Gouda or cheddar cheese.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of creamy mac and cheese and steamed broccoli.

10. Asian-Inspired Amish Wedding Steak

• Additions: Mix in 1 cup of chopped water chestnuts and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce into the meat mixture. Add 1 teaspoon of ginger and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil.
• Cheese Option: Skip the cheese and serve with a side of stir-fried vegetables and jasmine rice.
• Serving Suggestion: Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Feel free to experiment with these variations to put a unique spin on the classic Amish Wedding Steak and tailor it to your taste preferences!

FAQs:

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
   • Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. The flavor will be lighter, and you might need to adjust the seasoning to enhance the taste.
2. Can I use homemade cream of mushroom soup instead of canned?
   • Absolutely! Homemade cream of mushroom soup can be used as a substitute. It will add a fresh and personalized touch to the dish.
3. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   • To make Amish Wedding Steak gluten-free, use gluten-free soda crackers and ensure that the cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free. Additionally, use gluten-free flour for coating the meat squares.
4. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
   • Yes, you can prepare the dish up to a day ahead. Assemble it in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
5. How do I store leftovers?
   • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the dish cools completely before refrigerating to maintain quality.
6. Can I freeze Amish Wedding Steak?
   • Yes, you can freeze it. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
7. What is the best way to reheat Amish Wedding Steak?
   • Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. For a quicker option, use the microwave, but the oven helps maintain the dish’s texture.