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Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew)

Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew)

Beef Stifado is a classic Greek stew made with tender beef, baby onions, red wine, and warm spices, slow-cooked until rich and aromatic.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 2 hours
Marinating Time 12 hours
Total Time 15 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine Greek
Servings 4 serves
Calories 673 kcal

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Ingredients
  

  • 1000 grams chuck steak cut into even cubes
  • 750 grams baby onions peeled
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste heaped

FOR THE MARINADE

  • 80 ml red wine
  • 4 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 4 cloves garlic peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 5 whole cloves
  • 2 teaspoon allspice berries
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon pepper

Instructions
 

  • Marinate the beef: Place the cubed chuck steak in a non-reactive bowl with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
  • Separate the beef: Carefully remove the beef from the marinade and reserve the liquid and spices from the marinade.
  • Cook the onions: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Sauté the baby onions for 8–10 minutes, until softened and lightly caramelised. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  • Brown the beef: In the same pot, add the beef in batches and sear until browned on all sides.
  • Build the stew: Return the onions to the pot. Stir in the marinade, tomato paste, and enough water (or stock) to just cover the ingredients.
  • Simmer low and slow: Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce is thick and glossy.
  • Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy with rice, potatoes, or crusty bread — and, if you like, a glass of good red wine.

Notes

These notes highlight the small details that make a big difference when cooking stifado. Brown the beef properly to avoid steaming the meat and use whole spices for added warmth without overpowering the sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serveCalories: 673kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 50gFat: 39gSaturated Fat: 17g
Keyword Beef Stew, Beef Stifado, Comfort Food, Greek Beef Stew, slow cooked, traditional
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