Beef Stifado – A Hearty Greek Beef Stew You’ll Love | CookedByAndy

Beef Stifado – A Hearty Greek Beef Stew You’ll Love

If you’ve never tried Beef Stifado, you’re in for a real treat. This rich, slow-cooked Greek beef stew is packed with deep flavors—tender beef, caramelized pearl onions, warm cinnamon, and a touch of red wine or vinegar for that perfect balance. It’s comfort food at its finest, with a uniquely Greek twist. Serve it over mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Deep, rich flavors – The slow-cooked spices and wine make it unforgettable.
  • Perfect for cold weather – Warm and cozy, like a hug in a bowl.
  • Even better the next day – The flavors meld beautifully overnight.

Ingredients

(A quick preview—find the full ingredient list below!)

  • Beef chuck or stew meat
  • Pearl onions
  • Garlic, cinnamon, bay leaves
  • Red wine or red wine vinegar
  • Tomatoes and beef broth

Directions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large pot and sear the beef until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

In the same pot, add the pearl onions and cook until caramelized, then stir in the garlic and spices.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in red wine (or vinegar) to deglaze the pan, then add the tomatoes and beef broth. Return the beef to the pot.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and let it simmer for at least 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender and the sauce is rich.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice, and enjoy every bite!

Expert Tips and Tricks

  • Use pearl onions for authentic flavor – If you can’t find them, shallots work too.
  • Low and slow is key – The longer it cooks, the better the flavors develop.
  • Cinnamon adds warmth – It’s the secret to that signature Greek taste.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

  • Make it with lamb – Swap beef for lamb for a different take.
  • Add a touch of honey – A little sweetness balances the acidity.
  • Use white wine – Some regions of Greece use white instead of red.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

  • Over pasta or mashed potatoes – The sauce is too good to waste!
  • With crusty bread – Perfect for dipping.
  • Paired with a Greek salad – A fresh, crisp contrast to the rich stew.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days—it tastes even better the next day!
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed.

FAQs

  1. Can I make Beef Stifado in a slow cooker?
    Yes! Brown the beef first, then cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  2. What’s the best cut of beef for Stifado?
    Chuck roast or stewing beef works best.
  3. Can I make this ahead of time?
    Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day.
  4. Is Stifado spicy?
    No, it’s more warm and aromatic than spicy.

Conclusion

Beef Stifado is a rich, hearty, and flavorful Greek stew that’s perfect for cozy nights. Serve it with your favorite starch and let the slow-cooked flavors transport you straight to Greece!

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Beef Stifado – A Hearty Greek Beef Stew You’ll Love

Beef Stifado – A Hearty Greek Beef Stew You’ll Love

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A rich and hearty Greek beef stew made with slow-cooked beef, caramelized pearl onions, and warm spices like cinnamon and bay leaves. The flavors develop beautifully over time, making it even better the next day.

  • Author: Touria Elkoudssi
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop (or Slow Cooker)
  • Cuisine: Greek
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cut into chunks
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb pearl onions, peeled
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar (or 1/2 cup red wine)
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp honey (optional, for balance)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef – Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Onions – In the same pot, add pearl onions and cook until golden. Stir in the garlic, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, oregano, allspice, and cloves.
  3. Deglaze and Simmer – Pour in the red wine (or vinegar) and let it simmer for a minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Return the beef to the pot.
  4. Slow Cook – Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens.
  5. Serve and Enjoy – Remove bay leaves and cinnamon stick. Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread.

Notes

  • If you can’t find pearl onions, use shallots or quartered regular onions.
  • A touch of honey balances the acidity of the tomatoes and vinegar.
  • The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
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