There is nothing quite like cozying up with a hearty, soul-soothing stew on a chilly day, and the Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) Recipe delivers exactly that comforting experience. This classic Greek dish melds tender chunks of beef with a rich blend of aromatic spices, sweet shallots, and a luscious tomato-wine sauce, creating a flavor symphony that’s simultaneously robust and delicately nuanced. Whether you’re craving a new stew to impress your family or wanting to explore authentic Greek cuisine at home, this recipe is a surefire way to fill your kitchen with inviting scents and your table with warmth and joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) Recipe features a straightforward lineup of ingredients that come together effortlessly but bring so much depth to the dish. Each item plays a crucial role—some add sweetness, others bring warmth and spice, and together they create the stew’s unmistakable character and hearty texture.
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast: Perfectly marbled for slow cooking, it becomes tender and flavorful as it simmers.
- ¼ cup olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef and shallots beautifully.
- 15-20 shallots, peeled: Their natural sweetness is the soul of this stew, mellowing as they cook down.
- 6 ounces tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, lending a vibrant color and depth to the sauce.
- 1 cup dry red wine: A good-quality wine introduces acidity and enhances the stew’s complexity.
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth: Provides a savory base that keeps everything juicy and flavorful.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses earthy, aromatic notes that lift the overall taste.
- 1 cinnamon stick: Adds a subtle warmth and exotic hint that makes this stew uniquely Greek.
- 5 whole cloves: Mouth-watering spice bits that punctuate the dish with gentle heat.
- 2 bay leaves: Offer herbal depth and balance to the rich sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Greek herb that brightens the stew’s profile.
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice: Brings a mild, warm aroma reminiscent of holiday spices.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances acidity and enhances the natural sweetness of the shallots and tomato paste.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish: Adds a fresh, vibrant touch to finish the dish beautifully.
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 brown them in batches to avoid steaming. Getting a rich sear on the meat seals in flavor and creates a deep, caramelized base for your stew. Once browned, set the beef aside so you can move on to the next step.
Step 2: Sauté the Shallots
With the same pot, add the remaining olive oil and toss in all those beautiful peeled shallots. Cook them slowly until they soften and turn golden brown—their natural sugars will caramelize, adding a subtle sweetness and luscious texture that’s absolutely essential for the iconic flavor of Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) Recipe.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Return the browned beef to the pot. Now it’s time to add all the magical ingredients that transform this stew: tomato paste, dry red wine, beef broth, minced garlic, cinnamon stick, cloves, bay leaves, oregano, allspice, and sugar. Stir everything together gently and bring to a steady boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about two hours. Patience here is key—slow cooking will tenderize the beef and allow the flavors to blend into an irresistible, hearty sauce.
Step 4: Season and Garnish
Once the beef is perfectly tender and the sauce thickened, taste it and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed. For a finishing touch, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top to add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the stew’s warmth beautifully. Your Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) Recipe is now ready to serve!
How to Serve Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic garnish for this dish, but you can also try a sprinkle of grated lemon zest to brighten flavors or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil to add richness. Presentation with a pop of green makes your stew all the more inviting and Instagram-worthy.
Side Dishes
This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread perfect for soaking up the sauce or a creamy bed of mashed potatoes that balances the rich, spiced flavors. Rice pilaf or buttery egg noodles also make excellent accompaniments, making the meal satisfying and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) Recipe in a rustic clay pot or a beautiful cast-iron skillet straight from stove to table for added warmth and charm. For a festive touch, top it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese to introduce creamy tanginess that complements the beef perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen and intensify after a night or two, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.
Freezing
This stew freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving for best texture and flavor retention.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for slow simmering because of its marbling, you can also use brisket or short ribs. Just make sure to adjust cooking times to ensure tenderness.
Is red wine necessary in the Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) Recipe?
Red wine adds acidity and depth, elevating the flavor profile, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute with extra beef broth and a splash of red wine vinegar for a similar effect.
How do I peel shallots quickly?
Trim the ends of the shallots, then make a small slit in the skin with a sharp knife. The skins should slide off easily. Using a bowl of cold water to soak them briefly can also help loosen the skins.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, after browning the beef and sautéing the shallots, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Just add the spices and liquids as directed.
What wine pairs well with serving Beef Stifado?
A medium-bodied red wine with moderate tannins, like a Greek Agiorgitiko or a fruity Merlot, complements the stew’s spices and rich flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to dive into a dish that tastes like a warm hug from Greece, the Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) Recipe is your perfect go-to. With its satisfying combination of tender beef, sweet shallots, and fragrant spices, every bite takes you on a delicious culinary journey. Don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family, and enjoy the magic of stifado in your own kitchen.
Print
Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
Beef Stifado is a traditional Greek beef stew featuring tender chunks of beef slow-cooked with shallots, aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves, and a rich tomato and red wine sauce. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for family dinners and pairs beautifully with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice pilaf.
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
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 15–20 shallots, peeled
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 6 ounces tomato paste (1 small can)
- 1 cup dry red wine (good quality)
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 5 whole cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the 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. In batches, brown the beef pieces on all sides until a deep golden crust forms, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté Shallots: Add the remaining olive oil to the pot, then add the peeled shallots. Sauté them until they are softened and golden brown, which brings out their sweetness and builds flavor for the stew.
- Simmer the Stew: Return the browned beef to the pot with the shallots. Stir in the tomato paste, dry red wine, and low-sodium beef broth. Add the minced garlic, cinnamon stick, whole cloves, bay leaves, dried oregano, ground allspice, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer gently for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Season and Serve: Taste the stew and adjust salt and black pepper as needed. Remove the cinnamon stick, cloves, and bay leaves before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the beef stifado hot alongside crusty bread, creamy mashed potatoes, or flavorful rice pilaf for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use a good quality dry red wine for the best flavor.
- Beef chuck is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling and tenderness after simmering.
- Peeling shallots can be time-consuming but significantly enhances the stew’s flavor.
- This stew tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded further.
- Remove whole spices before serving to avoid biting into cinnamon sticks or cloves.
