Beef Stifado Recipe – Greek Special
Beef Stifado is a classic Greek stew that brings warmth and deep flavor to your table. Chunks of beef chuck (or stew meat) are slowly simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce enhanced with red wine, beef broth, and aromatic spices such as cinnamon, cloves, oregano, and bay leaves. Sweetness from optional sugar balances the savory, while onions (or pearl onions) soften into the sauce, adding texture and depth. Served with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes, this dish captures the essence of Greek home cooking and is ideal for weekend meals or cozy evenings.
- 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:
Meat Marination: For deeper flavor, marinate the beef in red wine with some garlic and spices for a few hours before browning.
Onion Choices: Using small pearl onions adds elegance and lets them cook down sweeter; large onions work well too if sliced.
Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for the last 20-30 minutes to reduce and thicken.
Make-Ahead Benefit: Beef Stifado tastes even better the next day after flavors meld, so feel free to prepare ahead and reheat.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up the sauce; garnish with fresh parsley for brightness.
