If you’re craving a dish that perfectly captures the charm and warmth of traditional Greek cooking, look no further than this Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) Recipe. Imagine tender chunks of beef slowly simmered in a rich, savory sauce infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, balanced by the sweetness of caramelized shallots and a splash of red wine. It is the kind of meal that invites you to slow down, savor every bite, and share good conversation with loved ones around the table. This stew is truly a celebration of deep flavors and comforting textures that becomes even better the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the list—these ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a vital role in creating the signature soulfulness of this stew. From the hearty beef chuck that holds the stew together, to the gentle sweetness of shallots and warm spices, every element contributes to making this dish unforgettable.
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch chunks: Ideal for slow cooking, it becomes tender and flavorful.
- ¼ cup olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps with browning the meat and shallots.
- 15-20 shallots, peeled: Their sweetness mellows and deepens the stew’s flavor.
- 6 ounces tomato paste (1 small can): Concentrates the tomato essence and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup dry red wine (good quality): Brings acidity and depth, enhancing all the flavors.
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth: Keeps the stew moist and boosts its meaty taste.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- 1 cinnamon stick: Provides a subtle sweet and spicy undertone.
- 5 whole cloves: Adds a fragrant, slightly peppery note.
- 2 bay leaves: Impart a woody, herbal aroma that complements the beef.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Greek herb that ties the flavors together.
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice: Gives a hint of warmth and complexity.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to balance all ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Helps to balance acidity and enhance sweetness naturally.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish: Brightens each serving with a fresh contrast.
How to Make Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season your beef chunks generously with salt and pepper, then sear them in batches until they develop a gorgeous brown crust. This step locks in the juices and builds a deep, savory foundation for the stew. Set the browned beef aside while you prepare the next layers of flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Shallots
To the same pot, add the remaining olive oil and your peeled shallots. Sauté these gentle bulbs until they turn soft, golden, and slightly caramelized. The natural sweetness of the shallots is key—they melt into the sauce and provide that signature, mellow undertone that makes this recipe stand out.
Step 3: Simmer the Stew
Return the browned beef to the pot and stir in the tomato paste, red wine, and beef broth. Then add minced garlic, the cinnamon stick, whole cloves, bay leaves, dried oregano, ground allspice, and sugar. Bring everything to a gentle boil before lowering the heat and covering the pot. Allow the stew to simmer patiently for about 2 hours until the beef becomes fork-tender and all those spices have mingled into a cozy, rich sauce.
Step 4: Final Seasoning and Serving
Once the beef is meltingly tender, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove the cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and cloves before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a splash of color and freshness, then plate this heartwarming dish alongside your favorite sides. You’re now ready to dig into a meal that beautifully blends rustic tradition with comforting richness.
How to Serve Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks—it adds a lovely bright note that cuts through the stew’s richness. You can also add a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil to elevate the flavors just before serving. A wedge of lemon on the side can add an optional zing, balancing the stew’s deep warmth perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) Recipe pairs beautifully with simple, comforting sides. Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that luscious sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes offer a smooth contrast to the spiced stew, while a fragrant rice pilaf can provide a delicate balance that completes the plate in a satisfying way.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic family-style dinner, serve the stew directly from a beautiful earthenware pot at the center of the table. Alternatively, you can plate individual portions topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a side of crisp roasted vegetables for a more refined presentation. Whatever way you choose, this stew’s vibrant colors and rich aroma will be the star of your meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) Recipe actually improves when the flavors have time to meld. Once cooled, transfer leftovers into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for a wonderful next-day lunch or dinner that feels just as homey and indulgent as the first serving.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this classic Greek stew even later, it freezes beautifully. Pack cooled stew into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When thawed, the beef remains tender and the sauce stays rich, making it a perfect make-ahead comfort meal.
Reheating
Gently reheat the stew over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of broth or water helps loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much in the fridge. Avoid microwaving if possible to retain the stew’s texture and flavor at its best.
FAQs
What kind of beef is best for Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) Recipe?
Chuck roast is ideal because it has the right balance of fat and connective tissue, which breaks down during slow cooking to create tender, flavorful meat that’s perfect for stewing.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the beef and sautéing the shallots, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
Is this recipe very spicy?
No, the stew is not spicy in the heat sense. The warm spices like cinnamon and allspice lend aromatic warmth without any chili heat, making it a comforting dish for all tastes.
Can I substitute the wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with extra beef broth and a tablespoon of red wine vinegar or pomegranate molasses to maintain some acidity and depth.
Is Beef Stifado a traditional Greek dish?
Yes, Beef Stifado is a beloved traditional Greek beef stew known for its fragrant spices and slow-cooked tenderness. It’s often enjoyed during festive occasions but is perfect for any cozy meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about slow-cooked dishes that bring friends and family together, and this Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) Recipe does that effortlessly. From the moment the first sizzling sear hits the pot to the last spoonful full of robust, layered flavors, you’re in for a comforting culinary journey straight from Greece. I hope you love making and sharing this stew as much as I do—it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a cherished classic in your kitchen.
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Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This traditional Greek Beef Stifado is a rich and flavorful beef stew slow-simmered with whole shallots, aromatic spices, and red wine, resulting in tender meat infused with a beautifully balanced blend of cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. Perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch chunks
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup olive oil, divided
Aromatics and Spices
- 15–20 shallots, peeled
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 5 whole cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Liquids
- 6 ounces tomato paste (1 small can)
- 1 cup dry red wine (good quality)
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef chunks generously with salt and black pepper. Add the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding and brown each batch thoroughly on all sides. Remove and set the beef aside.
- Sauté Shallots: Add the remaining olive oil to the pot, then add the peeled shallots. Sauté them over medium heat until they soften and turn golden brown, enhancing their natural sweetness, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
- Simmer Stew: Return the browned beef to the pot with the shallots. Stir in the tomato paste, dry red wine, and beef broth. Add minced garlic, cinnamon stick, whole cloves, bay leaves, dried oregano, ground allspice, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 2 hours or until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Season and Serve: Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Remove the cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and cloves before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve the stifado hot, paired with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice pilaf for a hearty meal.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, brown the beef in batches without overcrowding the pot to ensure proper caramelization.
- Peeling shallots can be expedited by blanching them briefly in boiling water before peeling.
- Using a good quality dry red wine is crucial as it greatly affects the stew’s rich flavor.
- Simmering the stew low and slow allows the beef to become tender and absorb all spices fully.
- Remove whole spices like cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and cloves before serving to avoid overpowering bites.
- This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
