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Savory Beef Stifado

Savory Beef Stifado: Your New Comfort Food Classic

Savory Beef Stifado is a tender Greek beef stew that brings warmth and comfort to any meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Stew
  • 2 pounds Beef Chuck Essential for tenderness; well-marbled cuts yield the best flavor.
  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil Used for browning the beef and sautéing vegetables.
  • 2 large Onions Adds natural sweetness and depth; pearl onions caramelize well.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Enhances flavor significantly; fresh is preferable.
  • 1 cup Red Wine Introduces acidity and depth.
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes Base of the stew; whole tomatoes can be crushed by hand.
  • 1 stick Cinnamon Stick Adds warming complexity.
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves Infuse flavor; remove before serving.
  • 2 teaspoons Dried Oregano Provides herbal notes.
  • 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar Brightens flavors.
  • 1 tablespoon Honey Balances acidity.
  • 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley For serving; sprinkles of color and freshness.
For Serving
  • Crusty Bread Ideal accompaniments for the stew sauce.
  • Rice Ideal accompaniments for the stew sauce.
  • Mashed Potatoes Ideal accompaniments for the stew sauce.

Equipment

  • Large pot

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef chuck in batches, searing chunks until well-browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
  2. In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed, then toss in sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
  3. Pour in 1 cup of red wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape up the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Bring the mixture to a simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, a cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and dried oregano. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for just a couple of minutes.
  5. Return the browned beef to the pot along with any juices. Add 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar and 1 tablespoon of honey. Cover and reduce heat to low, simmering gently for 1.5 to 2 hours.
  6. After slow-cooking, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaves.
  7. Ladle out the stewed beef stifado into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot alongside crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 850mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months.

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