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Stifado : Classic Greek Beef Stew

Stifado

Aromatic Cinnamon & Tomato Stew with Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 150 mins
Rest Time 10 mins
Total Time 3 hrs
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine:
Courses: , ,
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4
Calories: 420 kcal
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year, Winter
Description

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.

Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs, 700g beef, chuck roast (cubed)
  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 large red onion (sliced)
  • Tomato Base: 1 cup (240g) crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup 240ml dry red wine (sub: beef broth)
  • 1 cup 240ml low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/4 tsp cloves
  • 12 oz 340g pearl onions (peeled, whole)
  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Garnish: Fresh parsley
    • Optional Ingredients
  • Sweetener: 1 tsp honey (balances acidity)
  • Heat: Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Vegetables: Add 2 carrots (chopped, for extra fiber)
  • Herbs: Replace parsley with dill for freshness
Instructions
  1. 1
    Prep Onions:

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

  2. 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. 3
    Sauté Aromatics:

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

  4. 4
    Deglaze:

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

  5. 5
    Combine:

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

  6. 6
    Simmer:

    Cover, reduce heat to low. Cook 1.5 hours.

  7. 7
    Add Onions:

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

  8. 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
Read it online: https://healthyrecipes.info/recipe/stifado-classic-greek-beef-stew/