If you’re craving a hearty and flavorful stew that’s rich in Mediterranean flavors, Beef Stifado is exactly what you need. This traditional Greek beef stew is made with tender chunks of beef slow-cooked in a fragrant, tomato-based sauce with onions, red wine, and aromatic herbs. It’s a comforting dish that will fill your kitchen with delicious scents and leave everyone asking for more. Perfect for chilly nights or whenever you need a cozy, satisfying meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Beef Stifado is the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out. The slow-cooked beef becomes incredibly tender and infuses with all the delicious flavors of onions, garlic, red wine, and a mix of herbs like cinnamon and bay leaves. The stew is perfectly balanced between savory and slightly sweet thanks to the inclusion of small onions (or pearl onions). It’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for a Sunday family dinner, and it pairs wonderfully with a side of rice or crusty bread to soak up that rich, flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
Here’s a quick preview of the ingredients (the full list is below):
- Beef (preferably chuck or stew meat)
- Small onions (or pearl onions)
- Garlic
- Tomatoes (crushed or whole)
- Red wine
- Olive oil
- Cinnamon stick
- Bay leaves
- Red wine vinegar
- Honey
- Herbs and spices (like oregano and allspice)
Read on for the full ingredient list and measurements!
Directions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating some olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks in batches and brown them on all sides. This step is crucial for building a deep, rich flavor in the stew. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed, then toss in the onions and garlic. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. If you’re using small onions, they’ll sweeten and caramelize beautifully as they cook.
Step 3: Deglaze with Red Wine
Now it’s time to add the red wine to deglaze the pot. Stir to loosen any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Let the wine cook down for a few minutes to reduce slightly, adding depth to the flavor.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Herbs
Next, add the crushed or whole tomatoes, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and dried oregano. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes. The tomatoes will break down into a rich, thick sauce that coats the beef beautifully.
Step 5: Slow-Cook the Beef
Return the browned beef to the pot, along with any juices that have collected. Add the red wine vinegar and honey to the pot and give everything a good stir. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Once the beef is tender, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning. You can add a little more salt, pepper, or honey, depending on your taste preferences. Remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaves before serving.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Beef Stifado hot, paired with rice, mashed potatoes, or a thick slice of crusty bread to soak up all that flavorful sauce. Garnish with some fresh parsley if you like, and enjoy a hearty, comforting meal!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Beef Choice: Use a cut of beef that benefits from slow cooking, like chuck roast or stew meat. These cuts break down beautifully and become incredibly tender as they simmer.
- Small Onions: If you can’t find small onions or pearl onions, you can substitute with regular onions. Just chop them into smaller pieces for a similar effect.
- Slow Cooker Option: If you’d prefer to make this in a slow cooker, simply brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Herb Variations: You can experiment with adding different herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley for extra flavor.
- Vegetable Add-ins: For extra richness, you can add carrots, potatoes, or even mushrooms to the stew.
- Wine-Free Version: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with beef broth or a combination of broth and a little splash of vinegar for acidity.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Beef Stifado is a dish that’s rich enough to be enjoyed on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or a thick slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple Greek salad or roasted vegetables on the side would make a perfect accompaniment, as would a glass of red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the flavors of the stew.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? Lucky you! Beef Stifado stores beautifully. Let the stew cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
4 FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! Beef Stifado actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop. Make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze Beef Stifado? Absolutely! This stew freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What can I serve with Beef Stifado? Rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread are classic choices to pair with this rich stew. A fresh salad or roasted vegetables on the side also complement the dish nicely.
Can I make this recipe without red wine? Yes! If you prefer not to use red wine, you can substitute it with beef broth or water and a splash of red wine vinegar to add acidity.
Conclusion
Beef Stifado is the epitome of comforting, home-cooked meals that transport you to the Mediterranean with each bite. The tender beef, rich tomato sauce, and aromatic herbs come together in a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving something hearty and flavorful, this Greek beef stew will become a staple in your recipe collection.
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Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew): A Hearty, Flavorful Mediterranean Delight
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Description
Beef Stifado is a traditional Greek beef stew made with tender chunks of beef, slow-cooked in a tomato-based sauce with onions, garlic, red wine, and aromatic herbs. This hearty dish is perfect for chilly nights or whenever you need a cozy, satisfying meal that’s packed with Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef (preferably chuck or stew meat), cut into chunks
- 1 lb small onions (or pearl onions)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes (or whole tomatoes)
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Brown the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef chunks in batches and brown on all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside. -
Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In the same pot, add more olive oil if needed, then add onions and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until fragrant and soft. -
Deglaze with Red Wine:
Pour red wine into the pot and stir to deglaze, loosening any flavorful bits stuck to the pot. Let it reduce slightly. -
Add the Tomatoes and Herbs:
Add crushed tomatoes, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and oregano. Stir everything and let simmer for a few minutes. -
Slow-Cook the Beef:
Return the beef and any collected juices to the pot. Add red wine vinegar and honey, stir well. Cover the pot and let simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender. -
Taste and Adjust:
Taste the stew and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, or honey) if needed. Remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaves. -
Serve:
Serve hot with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Beef Choice: Use a cut like chuck roast or stew meat, which becomes tender when slow-cooked.
- Slow Cooker Option: Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Wine-Free Version: If you prefer, substitute red wine with beef broth and a splash of red wine vinegar for acidity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg