Amish Beef Roast: A Timeless Recipe for Hearty Comfort
This tender, slow-cooked Amish beef roast combines simplicity with deep, savory flavors, making it a centerpiece for family gatherings and Sunday dinners. Infused with aromatic herbs and a rich broth, the dish embodies the tradition of Amish cooking—wholesome, practical, and deeply satisfying. Below, we’ll walk through the recipe and its cultural roots.
Recipe: Classic Amish Beef Roast
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3–4 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes – 4 hours 15 minutes
Serves: 6–8
Ingredients
- 3–4 lbs beef chuck roast (or rump roast)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3–4 garlic cloves, halved
- 4–5 carrots, peeled and halved
- 2 cups beef broth (or water)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 cup brewed coffee (optional, adds depth)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp seasoned salt (or Creole seasoning)
- ¾ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Sear the Roast: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Pat the roast dry, then sear on all sides until browned (4–5 minutes per side). Transfer to a plate.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add onions, garlic, and carrots. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until lightly caramelized.
- Deglaze: Pour in beef broth, soy sauce, and coffee, scraping up browned bits from the pot.
- Season: Place the roast back in the pot. Sprinkle with garlic salt, seasoned salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Add bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary.
- Slow Cook: Cover and simmer on low heat for 3–4 hours (or bake at 325°F), until the meat shreds easily with a fork.
- Serve: Discard herbs. Shred or slice the roast, drizzle with juices, and serve with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.
Pro Tip: For a thicker gravy, mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with 3 tbsp cold water, stir into the broth after cooking, and simmer for 10 minutes.
The Amish Touch: Tradition in Every Bite
Amish cooking emphasizes resourcefulness and communal meals. This roast, often prepared in cast-iron Dutch ovens, reflects their no-waste philosophy—using affordable cuts, garden vegetables, and pantry staples like coffee to enhance richness. The long, slow cook time tenderizes tougher meats, a hallmark of Amish practicality.