Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) Recipe
If you’re craving pure comfort with a Mediterranean twist, look no further than Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew). This soul-warming dish combines meltingly tender beef, sweet pearl onions, and a gently spiced tomato sauce infused with cinnamon, cloves, and red wine. The flavors become richer and more inviting as they mingle, making it the kind of meal you want to cozy up with on a cool evening or serve at a festive family gathering. With a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and subtle spice, Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) is the ultimate way to bring the spirit of Greece to your kitchen table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each item plays a unique role in building deep flavor, tender texture, and that signature reddish-brown color you’ll recognize from classic Greek homes.
- Beef chuck: Choose well-marbled chunks for a stew that becomes deliciously tender and succulent after long, slow cooking.
- Olive oil: The heart of Greek cuisine, it adds richness and helps develop beautiful flavor during the searing process.
- Large onion: Brings a mellow sweetness as it caramelizes during cooking.
- Pearl onions: These little gems add subtle sweetness and a lovely, rustic look; if you can’t find them, small shallots are great too.
- Garlic: Infuses the sauce with essential aromatic depth—don’t skimp!
- Red wine: Deepens the stew’s flavor and brings home that unmistakable Mediterranean profile.
- Red wine vinegar: Just a splash brightens the sauce and balances the tomato’s sweetness.
- Crushed tomatoes: The base of the sauce, giving rich body, tang, and color.
- Tomato paste: Adds extra depth and intensifies the tomato flavor.
- Bay leaves: Delivers herbal undertones to complement the bold spices.
- Cinnamon stick: A classic Greek touch that transforms the stew with a warm, subtle complexity.
- Whole cloves: Just a handful goes a long way for sweet, earthy aroma.
- Ground allspice: Enhances the stew’s depth with gentle peppery notes.
- Dried oregano: Classic Greek herb that ties everything together.
- Sugar: A pinch balances acidity and rounds out the tomato flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, and absolutely essential for brightening every element.
- Water or beef broth: Helps the flavors meld and gives the sauce its perfect consistency.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a final pop of color and freshness when serving.
How to Make Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew)
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chuck in batches, browning each piece on all sides. This makes all the difference—those caramelized edges add depth and richness to the finished stew. Transfer the browned beef to a plate as it’s ready to keep things from steaming instead of searing.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Aromatics
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally until softened and golden. Next, toss in the pearl onions, minced garlic, and tomato paste. Let these cook for a couple of minutes so the garlic sweetens and the tomato paste develops a more complex, roasted flavor.
Step 3: Deglaze with Wine and Vinegar
Pour in the red wine and vinegar, using your spoon to scrape up any stuck bits from the bottom of the pot—these are flavor gold! Let the liquids simmer for a minute or two to reduce very slightly and mellow out the sharpness.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cloves, allspice, dried oregano, sugar, and your choice of water or beef broth. Return the seared beef (along with any juices that collected on the plate) right back into the pot. Give everything a good stir and season generously with salt and black pepper.
Step 5: Simmer Low and Slow
Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 2 to 2.5 hours. The magic happens now—the beef becomes tender, the onions melt into the sauce, and those gorgeous spices perfume the whole home. Stir every so often and check occasionally for tenderness; you want the beef melt-in-your-mouth soft!
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
When the stew is thick and the beef is fork-tender, fish out the cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and whole cloves (if you can find them). Scoop generous portions into bowls, then sprinkle with fresh parsley for color and brightness. Now you’re ready to savor Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) at its very best.
How to Serve Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew)
Garnishes
This stew is already beautiful, but a finishing touch of chopped fresh parsley (or fresh oregano) really wakes up the flavors and adds a pretty, inviting contrast to the rich sauce. A fresh squeeze of lemon is also classic, offering a zesty edge to every bite.
Side Dishes
Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) is traditionally ladled over orzo pasta, but it’s just as happy on a fluffy pile of mashed potatoes, a scoop of buttery rice, or simply with thick slices of crusty bread to mop up all that gorgeous sauce. You can’t go wrong with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp Greek salad, either!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting or simply want to treat yourself, serve the stew in individual bowls with a swirl of Greek yogurt on top for a creamy contrast. For a rustic look, settle the Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) right in a family-style pot at the table and let everyone dig in. You can also try serving it over wide pappardelle noodles or even inside hollowed-out bread loaves for a fun, edible bowl experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best things about Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) is that it tastes even better the next day! Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to four days, making them perfect for easy lunches or cozy weeknight dinners.
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully. Spoon cooled Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. It’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the luscious texture of the beef.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a covered pot over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, individual portions can be microwaved until hot. Be sure to stir occasionally as it reheats to distribute the sauce and warm everything evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is perfect for its tender result, you can swap in brisket or stewing beef. Just make sure to pick a well-marbled cut so the stew stays rich and flavorful during the long simmer.
Do I have to use pearl onions?
Pearl onions are traditional for their sweetness and look, but shallots or even regular small onions cut into wedges will work great if you can’t find them. The stew will still be delicious, I promise!
How do I make Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) gluten-free?
Good news: the classic recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your beef broth doesn’t have any additives or starches if you’re especially sensitive.
Can I make Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) in advance?
Yes, and it actually gets better with time! The flavors develop beautifully overnight. Just store covered in the fridge and gently reheat when you’re ready to serve.
What do I do if my sauce is too thin?
If your stew’s sauce seems a bit loose at the end, simply simmer uncovered for the last 10 to 15 minutes, stirring now and again, until it thickens to your desired consistency. It should be glossy and able to coat the back of a spoon.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like gathering around a table for a homemade Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew)—the aroma, the flavors, and the sense of tradition just make it irresistible. Give this recipe a try and see how simple ingredients and timeless technique can create a dish worth savoring together!
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Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Beef Stifado recipe is a traditional Greek beef stew packed with bold flavors from red wine, vinegar, and aromatic spices. Slow-cooked until tender, this hearty dish is perfect for a comforting meal on a cozy night.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Stew:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 6–8 pearl onions, peeled
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4–5 whole cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven, brown beef, and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Cook chopped onion, garlic, pearl onions, and tomato paste.
- Deglaze: Add red wine and vinegar, then stir in crushed tomatoes, spices, and water/broth.
- Simmer: Return beef to the pot, season, cover, and simmer for 2-2.5 hours.
- Finish and Serve: Remove spices, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Traditionally served with orzo, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
- You can substitute shallots for pearl onions if needed.
- For extra depth, marinate the beef in wine and vinegar before cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
