Warm up with Beef Stifado – Greek Beef Stew, a rich, slow-cooked dish blending tender beef, sweet pearl onions, and aromatic spices in a savory tomato sauce. This Cozy Mediterranean Dish brings Greek comfort to your table, perfect for family dinners or chilly evenings. Find this simple recipe on Food and Tips for a hearty Greek stew that’s full of flavor!
Why You’ll Love Beef Stifado – Greek Beef Stew
- Rich and Hearty: Beef Stifado – Greek Beef Stew offers deep flavors in this simple recipe.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for cozy nights or a cozy Mediterranean dish.
- Flavorful Leftovers: Tastes better the next day for this hearty Greek stew.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples for this savory beef dish.
- Customizable: Swap meats or spices for a versatile simple recipe.
Ingredients for Beef Stifado – Greek Beef Stew
Here’s what you’ll need for this hearty Greek stew (serves 6):
- 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1 lb (450 g) pearl onions, peeled
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
- 1 cup (240 ml) dry red wine (e.g., Merlot)
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz/425 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 whole cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Small pot for blanching onions
Ingredient Tips
- Beef: Chuck for tenderness in this cozy Mediterranean dish.
- Onions: Pearl onions add sweetness to this hearty Greek stew.
- Wine: Dry red for depth in this savory beef dish.
- Spices: Cinnamon and cloves for warmth in this simple recipe.
- Tomatoes: Crushed for a rich base in this cozy Mediterranean dish.
Directions for Beef Stifado – Greek Beef Stew
Let’s create this flavorful savory beef dish!
Prep Onions
I blanch 1 lb pearl onions in boiling water for 1 minute, then rinse in cold water to peel easily for this simple recipe.
Brown Beef
I heat ¼ cup olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat. I brown 2 lbs beef cubes in batches, searing all sides for 5–7 minutes, then set aside for this hearty Greek stew.
Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, I sauté pearl onions and 4 minced garlic cloves for 3–4 minutes. I add 2 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute for this cozy Mediterranean dish.
Simmer Stew
I return beef to the pot, adding 1 cup red wine, 2 tbsp vinegar, 15 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 cinnamon stick, 3 cloves, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp sugar, salt, and pepper. I cover and simmer on low for 1.5–2 hours until tender for this savory beef dish.
Serve Stew
I remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaves, then serve hot for this Beef Stifado – Greek Beef Stew with crusty bread or orzo for a cozy Mediterranean dish.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5–2 hours
- Total Time: ~1 hour 50 minutes–2 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: ~450 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 20g carbs, 35g protein, 25g fat
Variations for Beef Stifado – Greek Beef Stew
Try these twists on this cozy Mediterranean dish:
- Lamb Swap: Use lamb for a traditional hearty Greek stew.
- Shallot Substitute: Replace pearl onions with shallots for this savory beef dish.
- Balsamic Twist: Use balsamic vinegar for a richer simple recipe.
- Spicy Kick: Add ¼ tsp red pepper flakes for a bold cozy Mediterranean dish.
- Veggie Boost: Include carrots for a heartier hearty Greek stew.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with Food and Tips’ Greek salad for a fresh savory beef dish.
- Serve with Food and Tips’ mashed potatoes for a comforting cozy Mediterranean dish.
- Enjoy with Food and Tips’ red wine for a refined simple recipe.
Storage
I store this hearty Greek stew in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days or freeze for 3 months, reheating gently on the stove for this simple recipe.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve Beef Stifado – Greek Beef Stew in bowls for a rustic cozy Mediterranean dish.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with parsley for this savory beef dish’s appeal.
- Pairing: Enjoy with Food and Tips’ orzo for a hearty Greek stew.
- Portion Size: 1 cup per person for a satisfying serving.
- Occasions: Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or cozy evenings.
FAQs About Beef Stifado – Greek Beef Stew
Here are answers to common questions about this cozy Mediterranean dish:
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate for 4 days; flavors improve for this hearty Greek stew.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate for 4 days or freeze for 3 months for this savory beef dish.
Can I use a slow cooker?
Brown beef, then cook on low for 6–8 hours for this simple recipe.
What can I use instead of pearl onions?
Shallots or small white onions work for this cozy Mediterranean dish.
Can I substitute the wine?
Use beef broth or grape juice for a non-alcoholic hearty Greek stew.
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Conclusion
Beef Stifado – Greek Beef Stew is a soul-warming dish that blends tender beef, sweet onions, and warm spices for a comforting meal. This simple recipe delivers rich, authentic Greek flavors perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings. Enjoy the hearty depth and aromatic goodness in every satisfying bite!

Beef Stifado - Greek Beef Stew
Ingredients
- 2 lbs 900 g beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1 lb 450 g pearl onions, peeled
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup 60 ml olive oil
- 1 cup 240 ml dry red wine (e.g., Merlot)
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can 15 oz/425 g crushed tomatoes
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 whole cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prep Onions
- I blanch 1 lb pearl onions in boiling water for 1 minute, then rinse in cold water to peel easily for this simple recipe.
Brown Beef
- I heat ¼ cup olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat. I brown 2 lbs beef cubes in batches, searing all sides for 5–7 minutes, then set aside for this hearty Greek stew.
Sauté Aromatics
- In the same pot, I sauté pearl onions and 4 minced garlic cloves for 3–4 minutes. I add 2 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute for this cozy Mediterranean dish.
Simmer Stew
- I return beef to the pot, adding 1 cup red wine, 2 tbsp vinegar, 15 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 cinnamon stick, 3 cloves, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp sugar, salt, and pepper. I cover and simmer on low for 1.5–2 hours until tender for this savory beef dish.
Serve Stew
- I remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaves, then serve hot for this Beef Stifado - Greek Beef Stew with crusty bread or orzo for a cozy Mediterranean dish.
Notes
- For a traditional twist, substitute beef with rabbit or lamb.
- If pearl onions are unavailable, use shallots or small white onions.
- Balsamic vinegar can replace red wine vinegar for a richer flavor.
- This stew develops deeper flavors when made a day in advance.
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