Description
This Beef Stifado recipe is a traditional Greek beef stew made with tender chunks of beef, pearl onions, red wine, tomato paste, and warming spices. Perfect for a cozy dinner or make-ahead meal, this hearty dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread. A comforting Mediterranean recipe full of flavor.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds beef chuck, cut into cubes
2 cups pearl onions, peeled
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup red wine
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 cinnamon stick
2 bay leaves
3 whole cloves
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups water or beef stock
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a heavy pot. Sear beef in batches until browned. Set aside.
2. Saute the Aromatics: In the same pot, cook pearl onions until golden. Add garlic and tomato paste, stirring well.
3. Build the Base: Return beef to the pot. Pour in wine, vinegar, and enough stock to cover. Add spices, salt, and pepper.
4. Slow Cook: Simmer covered on low heat for 2 to 2.5 hours until beef is tender and sauce thickens.
5. Serve: Remove whole spices and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
This stew tastes even better the next day.
You can use shallots if pearl onions aren’t available.
For a richer flavor, use beef stock instead of water.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Braised
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg