Stifado : Classic Greek Beef Stew

HealthyRecipes
Servings: 4 Total Time: 3 hrs Difficulty: Intermediate
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Classic Greek Beef Stifado with onions, tomato, and cinnamon.
Stifado pinit
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Aromatic Cinnamon & Tomato Stew with Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef

Stifado : Classic Greek Beef Stew

Transport your senses to the Greek Isles with this soul-warming Stifado! This iconic stew blends succulent beef, sweet pearl onions, and a hint of cinnamon in a tomato-rich sauce—slow-cooked until fork-tender.

Packed with Mediterranean flavors and lean protein, it’s a healthy twist on comfort food that’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and diabetic-friendly. Perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests, this recipe guarantees rave reviews.

Recommended Occasions: Sunday family dinners, Holiday gatherings (Easter, Christmas), Meal prep for busy weeks, Cold-weather comfort meals.

Enjoy this taste of Greece! Serve with crusty bread or quinoa for a complete meal.

Author: HealthyRecipes Cooking Method: , Cuisine: Courses: , , Recipe Keys: Dairy Free D Diabetic Friendly Gluten Free Nut Free
Stifado
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Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 150 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 3 hrs Difficulty: Intermediate Servings: 4 Calories: 420 kcal Best Season: Suitable throughout the year, Winter

Ingredients

Optional Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Prep Onions:

    Blanch pearl onions in boiling water for 2 mins. Drain, peel, and set aside.

  2. Sear Beef:

    Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high. Season beef with salt/pepper. Sear until browned (5 mins). Remove.

  3. Sauté Aromatics:

    Add remaining oil. Sauté red onion until soft (5 mins). Add garlic; cook 1 min.

  4. Deglaze:

    Pour in wine, scraping browned bits. Simmer 3 mins.

  5. Combine:

    Add beef, tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, cinnamon, bay leaves, oregano, allspice, and cloves.

  6. Simmer:

    Cover, reduce heat to low. Cook 1.5 hours.

  7. Add Onions:

    Stir in pearl onions. Cook uncovered 45-60 mins until beef is tender. Discard cinnamon stick/bay leaves.

  8. Rest:

    Turn off heat. Let sit 10 mins. Garnish with parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 420kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 5g25%
Cholesterol 95mg32%
Sodium 480mg20%
Potassium 980mg29%
Total Carbohydrate 22g8%
Dietary Fiber 5g20%
Sugars 10g
Protein 38g76%
Vitamin A 135 mcg
Vitamin C 27 mg
Calcium 104 mg
Iron 4.5 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

  • Shortcut: Use frozen pearl onions (thawed).
  • Wine Swap: Non-alcoholic? Use ½ cup balsamic vinegar + ½ cup broth.
Keywords: Stifado, beef stew, Mediterranean stew recipe, easy stifado, diabetic-friendly beef stew, gluten-free Greek recipes

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Sear beef and sauté aromatics first. Transfer to a slow cooker with all ingredients (except parsley). Cook on low 7-8 hours.

Is stifado freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight; reheat gently.

Can I omit wine for a non-alcoholic version?

Substitute with ½ cup balsamic vinegar + ½ cup broth for depth.

Why are pearl onions essential?

They caramelize whole, adding sweetness without dissolving. Frozen work too!

Is this stew high in sodium?

No. Using low-sodium broth and minimal salt keeps it heart-healthy (480mg/serving).

Can I use ground cinnamon?

Yes, but reduce to ½ tsp. Cinnamon sticks infuse flavor subtly without overpowering.