Beef Stifado

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There’s something timeless about a pot of slowly braised beef, infused with red wine, warm spices, and sweet pearl onions. Beef Stifado, a traditional Greek stew, captures all of that comfort in one dish. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with rich aromas and brings people together around the table, especially when served with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes.

This dish is all about patience. The longer the beef simmers, the more tender it becomes, and the flavors deepen beautifully. Cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves set it apart from typical beef stews, creating a medley of sweet and savory that tastes like the Mediterranean countryside in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Stifado

This recipe isn’t just hearty and delicious—it’s layered with flavor and deeply satisfying. The beef becomes fork-tender in a rich, spiced tomato and wine sauce that clings to every bite. It’s perfect for cozy nights in or special family dinners, and it freezes beautifully for a make-ahead meal. It also gives your kitchen the best kind of slow-cooked aroma that makes everyone impatient to dig in.

What Cut of Beef Should I Use for Stifado?

Look for cuts that benefit from slow cooking. Chuck roast or stewing beef are excellent choices. These cuts become meltingly tender during the long braise. Avoid leaner cuts like sirloin or tenderloin—they won’t hold up as well during the long simmer and may turn dry.

Ingredients for the Beef Stifado

Stifado calls for humble, pantry-ready ingredients, but when they come together, the result is deeply flavorful. Each element has a role in building layers of richness, warmth, and balance.

• Beef chuck
• Pearl onions
• Garlic cloves
• Tomato paste
• Red wine
• Red wine vinegar
• Cinnamon stick
• Bay leaves
• Whole cloves
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Water or beef stock

How To Make the Beef Stifado

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven. Brown the beef cubes in batches until they develop a nice sear. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Saute the Aromatics

In the same pot, add the peeled pearl onions and cook until they start to caramelize. Add garlic and tomato paste, stirring to coat everything and awaken the flavors.

Step 3: Build the Base

Return the beef to the pot. Pour in the red wine, vinegar, and just enough water or beef stock to cover. Add the cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and cloves. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Bring the stew to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Let it cook gently for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the whole spices and serve hot. The dish is even better the next day after flavors have had time to meld.

Serving and Storing This Greek Stew

Beef Stifado is rich and saucy, making it perfect to pair with a starchy side. Serve it over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or with chunks of fresh crusty bread. This recipe feeds about 6 people generously, and any leftovers will taste even better after a night in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

What to Serve With Beef Stifado?

H3: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Their smooth, buttery texture soaks up the stifado sauce perfectly.

H3: Orzo or Rice Pilaf

Both make excellent Greek-style bases to catch all that flavorful stew.

H3: Roasted Vegetables

Carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers add color and nutrition to the plate.

H3: Greek Village Salad

Tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta bring a fresh, crisp balance.

H3: Crusty Bread

Sourdough or rustic country bread is a must for mopping up every bit.

H3: Red Wine

A Greek red like Xinomavro or Agiorgitiko will enhance the depth of the stew.

H3: Tzatziki

Cool, garlicky yogurt dip pairs surprisingly well with warm, spiced beef.

H3: Lemon Roasted Potatoes

Greek-style roasted potatoes with oregano and lemon make a perfect side.

Want More Comforting Dinner Ideas?

If hearty meals are your thing, you might love these savory recipes too:

• Cajun Potato Soup for a spicy, creamy twist.
• Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini for a fun fusion of Italian and Tex-Mex.
• Creamy Chicken and Broccoli for another cozy one-pot wonder.
• Delicious Texas Style Chili if you’re craving deep, smoky flavor.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it again whenever that Greek comfort food craving hits.

I’d love to hear how your Beef Stifado turned out! Did you add a twist of your own? Maybe a splash of balsamic or a different red wine? Let me know in the comments.

Explore more rustic Mediterranean recipes and hearty comfort food on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest—your taste buds will thank you.

Conclusion

Beef Stifado is more than just a stew. It’s a slow-cooked love letter from Greek kitchens, where each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen and every bite tells a story. Whether it’s your first time making it or you grew up with this dish simmering in the background, this recipe will bring a little old-world charm to your modern dinner table.

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