Beef Stifado Recipe – Greek Special
Beef Stifado is a traditional Greek dish known for its rich, hearty flavors and tender meat. This slow-cooked stew features succulent chunks of beef simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves, giving it a unique balance of sweetness and warmth. Often accompanied by small onions or pearl onions, the dish is typically served with rice, crusty bread, or potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce. Perfect for a comforting family meal, Beef Stifado is a satisfying and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Greek home-cooking.
- Prep Time20 min
- Cook Time2 hr 45 min
- Total Time3 hr 5 min
Beef Stifado Recipe Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) beef (stew meat or chuck), cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 3-4 whole cloves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Brown the Beef:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the beef chunks and brown them on all sides.
Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
Saute the Onions and Garlic:
In the same pot, add the sliced onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add Liquids and Spices:
Return the browned beef to the pot.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, red wine, beef broth, and tomato paste.
Add the oregano, cinnamon, bay leaves, and whole cloves.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer the Stew:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
Let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors are well combined.
Adjust Seasoning:
Taste the stew and add sugar, salt, or pepper if needed for balance.
Serve:
Serve the Beef Stifado hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
It pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Recipe Notes:
For even more flavor, marinate the beef in red wine and spices for a few hours before cooking.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer the stew uncovered for the last 20 minutes to reduce the liquid.
This dish tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time and reheat it!
