Description
Slow-cooked to perfection, Beef Stifado is a traditional Greek stew rich in flavor and comfort. Tender chunks of beef simmer in a spiced tomato and red wine sauce, alongside sweet pearl onions and aromatic herbs. This dish brings a warm Mediterranean flair to your kitchen and makes for the perfect cozy dinner idea. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weekend meal or want a make-ahead dish to impress guests, this easy recipe is packed with flavor and history. It’s also a great option to add to your collection of dinner ideas and food ideas when you need something nourishing, deeply savory, and satisfying.
Ingredients
1 kg beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into chunks
300 g pearl onions, peeled
4 garlic cloves, minced
250 ml red wine
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 cinnamon stick
4 whole cloves
2 bay leaves
2 tbsp tomato paste
400 g canned crushed tomatoes
250 ml beef stock
3 tbsp olive oil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1 tsp sugar (if needed for acidity balance)
Instructions
1. Blanch pearl onions in hot water for 1–2 minutes to peel them easily. Cut beef into large chunks and mince the garlic.
2. In a heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and brown the beef in batches on all sides. Set aside.
3. Add more olive oil if needed, then sauté the pearl onions until caramelized and golden.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook briefly to deepen the flavor.
5. Deglaze the pot with red wine and vinegar, scraping the browned bits off the bottom.
6. Return beef to the pot, then add crushed tomatoes, beef stock, cinnamon stick, cloves, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook over low heat for 2.5 to 3 hours until beef is tender and sauce is thickened.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning; add sugar if the sauce is too acidic. Remove bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and cloves before serving.
9. Serve hot with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice.
10. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
Notes
Browning the beef properly adds depth and richness to the final dish. Don’t skip it.
Use fresh pearl onions for best texture, but shallots work as a substitute if needed.
Letting the stew sit overnight makes it even more flavorful the next day.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stewing
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 105mg