Go Back
u3887994962 authentic greek beef stifado slow braised beef ch 995d0864 64d8 44c7 b7a2 6b928aa84bd8 2

Authentic Beef Stifado

A traditional Greek beef stew made with tender slow-braised beef, sweet pearl onions, tomatoes, and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2.5 lb Beef chuck cut into large cubes
  • 1.5 lb Pearl onions fresh or frozen
  • 3 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 large Onion finely chopped
  • 4 cloves Garlic cloves minced
Sauce and Spices
  • 3 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 14 oz Crushed tomatoes 1 can
  • 2 cups Beef broth
  • 2 tbsp Red wine vinegar or mild vinegar
  • 2 Bay leaves
  • 1 Cinnamon stick
  • 4 Whole cloves
  • 4 Allspice berries
  • to taste Salt and black pepper

Equipment

  • Large Dutch Oven or Heavy Pot
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper and brown in batches until well caramelized. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly, then stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
  3. Return beef to the pot. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, vinegar, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cloves, and allspice. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef begins to soften.
  5. Add pearl onions and continue cooking uncovered for 30–45 minutes, until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened.
  6. Remove bay leaves and cinnamon stick. Adjust seasoning and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

This Beef Stifado tastes even better the next day. Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.