Description
Beef Stifado is a traditional Greek stew made with tender beef chunks slowly simmered in a rich tomato and red wine sauce. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, and paired with pearl onions, this comforting dish delivers bold, aromatic flavor and satisfying depth. It’s perfect for slow weekend meals or make-ahead dinners.
Ingredients
2 lbs beef chuck, cut into chunks
2 cups pearl onions
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup dry red wine
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cinnamon stick
4 whole cloves
2 bay leaves
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups water or beef stock
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef chunks in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté pearl onions and garlic until golden and fragrant.
3. Add tomato paste, red wine vinegar, and red wine. Scrape up the browned bits at the bottom of the pot.
4. Add cinnamon stick, whole cloves, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Return beef to the pot. Add water or stock until meat is just covered. Bring to a gentle boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours until beef is tender.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Simmer uncovered for 15 more minutes if needed to thicken sauce.
8. Serve hot with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or orzo.
Notes
Use a heavy-bottomed pot to avoid scorching the sauce during long simmering.
Don’t skip searing the beef—it adds essential depth to the final flavor.
If using frozen pearl onions, thaw and pat dry to reduce water content during sautéeing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 105mg