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