Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) Recipe

This Beef Stifado is a classic Greek stew that’s perfect for a hearty and comforting meal! Imagine tender chunks of beef simmered with sweet shallots in a rich and flavorful tomato-based sauce with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. This recipe is easy to make and delivers a delicious and satisfying stew that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Aromatic: The combination of tender beef, sweet shallots, and warm spices creates a delicious and aromatic stew that’s bursting with flavor.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal active cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
• Versatile: Serve this Beef Stifado with your favorite sides, such as crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice pilaf. It’s also great for meal prepping or freezing for later.
• Perfect for Cold Weather: This hearty stew is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days and nights.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Beef chuck roast: Cut into 2-inch chunks, this flavorful cut of beef becomes incredibly tender when slow cooked.
• Olive oil: Used to brown the beef and sauté the shallots.
• Shallots: Peeled and adds a sweet and slightly tangy flavor to the stew.
• Tomato paste: Adds richness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Red wine: A good quality dry red wine adds complexity and acidity to the sauce.
• Beef broth: Adds flavor and forms the base of the stew. Use low-sodium or no-sodium broth for better control over the saltiness.
• Garlic: Minced and adds a fragrant and savory punch.
• Cinnamon stick: Adds a warm and sweet spice note.
• Whole cloves: Adds a warm and slightly pungent flavor.
• Bay leaves: Adds a subtle aromatic flavor to the broth.
• Dried oregano: Adds a slightly bitter and earthy flavor.
• Ground allspice: Adds a warm and complex spice note.
• Salt and pepper: Season the stew to perfection.
• Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped and adds a pop of color and fresh flavor as a garnish.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Beef Stifado

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper, then brown them in batches, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Remove the browned beef and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Shallots

Add the remaining olive oil to the pot and add the peeled shallots. Sauté until they start to soften and turn golden brown.

Step 3: Simmer the Stew

Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the tomato paste, red wine, beef broth, minced garlic, cinnamon stick, cloves, bay leaves, dried oregano, ground allspice, and sugar. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Check the seasoning of the stew and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Remove and discard the cinnamon stick, cloves, and bay leaves. Ladle the stifado into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice pilaf.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Brown the beef in batches: Browning the beef in batches ensures that it caramelizes properly without overcrowding the pan.
• Adjust the consistency: If the stew seems too thick, add a bit more beef broth during cooking to adjust the consistency.
• Let the flavors meld: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
• Garnish just before serving: Garnish with fresh parsley just before serving to add a burst of color and freshness.

How to Serve

This Beef Stifado is delicious with a variety of sides:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread for dipping and sopping up the flavorful sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for beef stew.
• Rice Pilaf: A simple rice pilaf complements the rich flavors of the stew beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Beef Stifado is great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, you can! Beef stew meat or even boneless, skinless chicken thighs would work well in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I make this recipe without wine? Yes, you can! You can substitute the red wine with an equal amount of beef broth or water.

3. Can I use a different type of onion? Absolutely! Yellow onions, white onions, or even red onions would be delicious in this recipe.

4. Can I add other vegetables to the stew? Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, or green beans.

This Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) Recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. With its simple preparation, versatile ingredients, and rich flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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