Description

This Beef Stifado is a rich, cozy, and deeply flavorful Greek beef stew made with tender beef, pearl onions, tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and warm spices. It is an easy dinner idea for slow-cooked comfort food lovers, a hearty family meal for cold nights, and a satisfying beef recipe that works beautifully for weekend cooking, dinner ideas, meal prep, and comforting food ideas.

Ingredients

2 1/2 pounds beef chuck, cut into large cubes

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 pound pearl onions, peeled

5 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 can 28 ounces crushed tomatoes

2 cups beef broth

2 bay leaves

1 cinnamon stick

1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

1 teaspoon dried oregano

4 sprigs fresh thyme

1 pound small potatoes, halved, optional

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Pat the beef cubes dry, then season them with salt and black pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches on all sides, then transfer it to a plate.

3. Add the pearl onions to the same pot and cook until lightly golden.

4. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring well.

6. Pour in the red wine vinegar and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

7. Return the beef to the pot, then add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, allspice, oregano, and thyme.

8. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

9. Add the potatoes during the last 35 to 40 minutes of cooking if using.

10. Remove the bay leaves and cinnamon stick, taste, adjust seasoning, and finish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Brown the beef in batches so it sears instead of steaming. This gives the stew a richer flavor.

Keep the simmer gentle. A hard boil can make the beef tough instead of tender.

Beef Stifado tastes even better the next day, so it is excellent for make-ahead dinners.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Greek-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 485
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 690mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 42g
Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: Beef Stifado, Greek beef stew, easy dinner, hearty dinner ideas, slow-cooked beef, comfort food, family dinner, beef recipe