Last Updated on August 31, 2025 by Souhail
There’s something so comforting about sitting down to an Amish Sunday Supper—a meal that feels less like dinner and more like an experience. Growing up in the Northeast, I always associated Sunday dinners with hearty food, laughter at the table, and that irresistible aroma of meat and vegetables slowly baking away in the oven. The Amish have perfected this tradition, and their Sunday supper is a wonderful glimpse into their simple, wholesome way of life.
This recipe is the kind of meal that doesn’t just feed your stomach—it warms your soul. A tender beef roast surrounded by potatoes, carrots, onions, and green beans, all baked together in a Dutch oven with broth and tomatoes until everything is perfectly tender and flavorful. It’s rustic, it’s hearty, and it’s exactly the kind of dish you’ll want to share with loved ones after a long week.
What makes it so special is its simplicity. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques—just good, fresh food and a little patience while it cooks low and slow. Serve it with a loaf of homemade bread, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate Amish-style comfort meal that tastes like tradition.
Why This Recipe Works (And Why You’ll Love It)
There’s a reason this Amish Sunday Supper has been a staple for generations—it’s the definition of comfort food. When I first made it, I couldn’t believe how much flavor came from such simple ingredients. It’s the kind of recipe that proves you don’t need fancy tricks to create something unforgettable.
Here’s why it works so well:
- One-pot wonder: Everything cooks together in a Dutch oven, so the flavors mingle beautifully and cleanup is a breeze.
- Hearty and satisfying: Packed with tender beef, root vegetables, and garden-fresh green beans, this meal is filling enough for the hungriest appetites.
- Old-fashioned cooking: Slow baking gives the beef time to break down and turn melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the vegetables soak up all that savory broth.
- Customizable: You can swap the beef for chicken or turkey, use sweet potatoes instead of white, or even go heavier on the beans for a lighter twist.
- Perfect for family dinners: It’s a classic “set it and forget it” recipe, leaving you free to actually enjoy time with your family while it cooks.
What to Prep Ahead (So You’re Not Rushing Later)
If you’re anything like me, Sundays are equal parts relaxing and hectic. That’s why a little prep goes a long way with this recipe. You can easily get things ready earlier in the day (or even the night before), so when it’s time to bake, all you need to do is assemble.
Here’s what you can prep ahead:
- Chop the veggies: Peel and cube the potatoes, slice the carrots, and chop the onion. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge.
- Trim the green beans: Wash and trim the ends so they’re ready to toss in.
- Season the beef: You can rub the beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder a few hours before cooking to let the flavors sink in.
- Mix the broth and tomatoes: Combine them in a pitcher or container so you can pour it straight in when it’s time to bake.
Doing these little steps ahead of time means less stress later and more time to relax while dinner slowly bakes to perfection.
How to Make It
Pro Tips for Success (Amish Style Secrets)
You know how some recipes just feel like they’ve been perfected over decades? That’s exactly what this Amish Sunday Supper is—simple, yet full of little tricks that make it taste like something out of a farmhouse kitchen. Here are my favorite tips to make sure yours turns out just right:
- Sear for extra flavor: If you have a few extra minutes, brown the beef on all sides in a hot skillet before baking. It adds a deeper, richer flavor.
- Don’t skimp on liquid: The broth and tomatoes keep everything moist. If your beef cut is especially lean, you can add a splash more broth.
- Cut veggies evenly: This ensures everything cooks at the same pace, so you don’t end up with mushy carrots and undercooked potatoes.
- Check halfway: Peek under the lid around the 90-minute mark—if the liquid looks low, add a bit more broth to prevent drying out.
- Plan the rest of your meal: While the Amish supper bakes away, you could whip up a lighter starter like this comforting lasagna soup recipe for variety at the table.
- Rest before serving: Let the dish sit covered for about 10 minutes after baking. The juices settle and the flavor deepens.
Variations to Try (Because One Amish Supper is Never Enough)
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s flexible—you can adjust it to your family’s taste, the season, or whatever’s in your pantry. Here are a few fun spins you might love:
- Chicken Amish Supper: Swap the beef for bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks. Bake for about 2 hours instead of 3. The chicken will be juicy and tender with a lighter flavor. For another cozy chicken dinner, you might also love this Pillsbury chicken pot pie recipe.
- Sweet Potato Twist: Replace the white potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, more earthy version. This works especially well in fall and winter. And if you’re in a baking mood, a loaf of banana pumpkin bread makes the perfect seasonal dessert to follow.
- Vegetarian Amish Supper: Skip the beef and double up on root vegetables—like parsnips, rutabaga, or turnips. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Bake for 1 ½–2 hours.
- Spicy Version: Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes and a pinch of smoked paprika to the broth for a little kick. Or, if you love chili-style flavors, try this creamy white chicken chili another night of the week.
- Herb Garden Style: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves to the broth before baking. It gives a more fragrant, herby twist to the traditional flavor.
- Breakfast-for-Dinner Twist: While Amish supper is the ultimate Sunday night meal, sometimes it’s fun to flip the script and enjoy a hearty breakfast dish like this Mountain Man crock pot breakfast instead. Both are rustic, filling, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Serving Suggestions (Making Amish Supper Shine)
One of the best parts of a hearty Amish Sunday Supper is how well it pairs with simple, rustic sides. Since the meal itself is rich and filling, I like to keep the extras light but flavorful. A loaf of warm homemade bread or soft dinner rolls is a must—it’s perfect for soaking up all that savory broth. If you want to round things out, add a fresh garden salad for balance or even a comforting starter like this cozy lasagna soup recipe to make it feel like a full-course family feast.
For dessert, you can keep the farmhouse vibe going with something seasonal. A sweet slice of banana pumpkin bread is the perfect way to finish the meal, especially in fall when warm spices are calling.
FAQs About Amish Sunday Supper
Traditionally, an Amish Sunday Supper is a hearty, family-style meal served after church. It usually features a simple roast or stew with garden vegetables, fresh bread, and often a pie or cake for dessert. The idea is less about fancy cooking and more about nourishing food that brings people together.
Yes! A slow cooker works beautifully for this recipe. Simply add all the ingredients to the pot, cover, and cook on low for 8–9 hours or high for 5–6 hours until the beef is tender. The flavors will be just as comforting, and you’ll have more flexibility if you’re busy during the day.
Chuck roast is my go-to because it becomes incredibly tender when cooked low and slow. Stew meat also works if you prefer pre-cut pieces. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin, which can dry out during long cooking.
Absolutely. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day since the flavors have more time to meld. You can prepare it a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and simply reheat before serving.
If you prefer a thicker consistency, whisk together 1 tablespoon of flour (or cornstarch for a gluten-free option) with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir it into the dish during the last 30 minutes of baking, and the broth will thicken into a rich, stew-like sauce.
Classic pairings include homemade bread, cornbread, or dinner rolls. A light salad or seasonal dessert like pumpkin bread also balances out the richness. If you want another cozy pairing idea, try serving it alongside a bowl of white chicken chili on chilly nights—it’s a flavor-packed combo that warms you right up.
Bringing It All Together (Your New Favorite Sunday Tradition)
At the end of the day, an Amish Sunday Supper is so much more than just beef, vegetables, and broth—it’s about slowing down, gathering around the table, and enjoying food that’s both hearty and soul-warming. What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a few hours in the oven, you can create a meal that feels timeless, like something passed down from one generation to the next.
Whether you’re serving it after church, making it the centerpiece of a cozy family dinner, or cooking ahead to enjoy all week long, this recipe delivers every single time. It’s rustic, flavorful, and endlessly comforting—the kind of meal that earns a permanent spot in your Sunday rotation.
So go ahead, give it a try. Light some candles, slice up a loaf of warm bread, and let this Amish tradition bring a little extra comfort and connection to your table.