Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) Recipe

If you are ready to fall in love with a stew that bursts with rich, complex flavors and tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef, the Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This traditional Greek comfort food blends the warmth of cinnamon and allspice with the sweet notes of dried apricots and prunes, all simmered to perfection in a luscious red wine and tomato sauce. Each bite tells a story of slow-cooked goodness that brings family and friends together around the table, making it an unforgettable culinary experience you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the list of ingredients fool you—each one in this Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) Recipe plays a vital role in layering flavor, building deep texture, and creating that hearty, comforting color that makes this dish so irresistible. Plus, most of these ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find, which means deliciousness is just a shopping trip away.

• 2 Tbsp plain flour: Coats the beef for a beautiful sear and helps thicken the sauce later on.
• 1 kg stewing beef/chuck steak (cut into 3cm chunks): The heart of the stew, providing tender, juicy chunks after slow cooking.
• 2 Tbsp olive oil: For browning the meat and softening the onions, adding rich Mediterranean flavor.
• 12 pearl onions (baby onions or shallots, peeled): These sweet little bulbs add mild, caramelized bursts of flavor throughout the stew.
• 3 garlic cloves (chopped): Garlic infuses the dish with its signature aromatic punch.
• 500 ml red wine: Adds depth, acidity, and richness to the braising liquid.
• 400 g can chopped tomatoes: Brings body and a subtle tang to the sauce.
• 75 ml red wine vinegar: Introduces a pleasant sharpness that balances the stew’s sweetness.
• 1 Tbsp Worcester sauce: Enhances umami and gives the stew a savory backbone.
• 1 Tbsp tomato paste/tomato purée: Concentrates the tomato flavor and enriches the sauce’s texture.
• 4 bay leaves: Infuse the stew with subtle herbal notes throughout the slow cook.
• 2 tsp oregano: Classic Greek herb that brightens and lifts the stew’s profile.
• 1 cinnamon stick: Brings warmth and a gentle sweetness that defines Stifado.
• 1 tsp allspice berries: Adds a fragrant, spicy depth to complement the cinnamon.
• 2 beef stock cubes: Concentrate flavor and ensure the sauce is rich and savory.
• 10 dried apricots (optional): Sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices and acidity.
• 10 prunes (optional): Intensify the stew’s complexity and add luscious fruitiness.
• Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the vibrant flavors.
• Sea salt and black pepper: To taste, for seasoning the final dish perfectly.

How to Make Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Toss your beef chunks in the seasoned plain flour, which helps create a gorgeous crust and thickens the stew later. Heat olive oil in a heavy, flameproof casserole or Dutch oven, then brown the meat in batches over high heat. This step is crucial; those gorgeous golden edges lock in flavor and create depth you won’t get otherwise. Set the browned beef aside once done.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

Using the same pot, gently cook your peeled pearl onions until golden and soft. The onions will soak up all those beefy bits left behind in the pan, adding sweetness and texture. Toss in the chopped garlic and cook until fragrant—this builds your base and primes the pot for the next flavorful stage.

Step 3: Combine All Ingredients

Now comes the magic moment: add the red wine, chopped tomatoes, red wine vinegar, Worcester sauce, tomato paste, bay leaves, oregano, cinnamon stick, allspice berries, beef stock cubes, and if using, the dried apricots and prunes. Bring everything to a lively boil, stirring often. Then nestle the browned beef back into the pot along with any resting juices — this layering of flavors from meat and fruit is what makes this Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) Recipe unforgettable.

Step 4: Slow Braise in the Oven

Cover the pot tightly and transfer to your preheated oven. Let it braise for 2 to 3 hours until the beef is irresistibly tender, falling apart with the slightest touch. Check occasionally and add a splash of water if the sauce gets too thick – you want luscious gravy that wraps every forkful in warmth. The slow cook lets all the herbs and spices marry beautifully, creating that iconic Greek stew flavor.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve

Once your stew is tender and aromatic, remove from the oven, take out the cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and allspice berries. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed—this final touch perfects the dish.

How to Serve Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate your stew to the next level. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a burst of bright green color and fresh herbaceous notes that contrast the deep, sweet-spicy sauce. A little lemon wedge on the side is also fantastic to cut through the richness with a hint of acidity.

Side Dishes

Stifado pairs beautifully with garlicky broad beans, honey-roasted carrots, or even classic baked jacket potatoes. If you crave carbs, serving it with a thick slice of fresh, crusty bread is an absolute must—perfect for mopping up every drop of that heavenly sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try serving your Stifado in individual mini-casserole dishes or rustic earthenware bowls to retain heat and add a traditional vibe. You can also spoon the stew over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta for a cozy, modern twist that’s just as satisfying.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Stifado tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen and meld. Cool the stew to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for easy lunches or a quick weeknight dinner.

Freezing

This Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) Recipe freezes wonderfully. To keep the stew at its best quality, let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to 3 months, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy days.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, thaw the stew overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or stock to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving when possible to maintain that lovely texture.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) Recipe?

Absolutely! While chuck steak is ideal for its tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use brisket or beef shank. Just make sure to allow enough time for the meat to become tender and flavorful.

Is it necessary to add dried apricots and prunes?

These dried fruits add a wonderful natural sweetness and complexity, but if you prefer a simpler stew, you can omit them. The dish will still be delicious and rich in flavor.

Can I make Stifado in a slow cooker?

Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing the onions, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Just add extra liquid if needed and adjust seasoning at the end.

What wine is best to use for cooking Stifado?

A dry red wine with good acidity like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works great. Avoid cooking wines with added salt; a drinkable wine will enhance the stew significantly.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin after cooking?

Remove the meat and reduce the sauce on the stovetop over medium heat until thickened. Alternatively, mix a little flour or cornstarch with cold water and stir into the simmering sauce to thicken quickly.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have this wonderful Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) Recipe, you’re just a few steps away from creating a dish full of tradition, warmth, and unforgettable flavor. It’s a dish that invites slowing down, gathering loved ones, and savoring every bite together. Trust me, once you try it, Stifado will become one of your cherished go-to meals for cozy evenings and special occasions alike. So grab that pot, take your time, and dive into a Greek classic that warms both heart and soul.

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