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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.

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.

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