Beef Stifado

A classic Cretan comfort dish, slow-cooked to perfection

If there’s one dish that captures the warmth of a Greek kitchen, Beef Stifado is it. This rich, aromatic stew is all about tender beef, slow-cooked with onions, red wine, and fragrant spices. It’s the kind of food that fills the house with mouthwatering smells and makes you want to grab a chunk of fresh, crusty bread to mop up every last drop. So, let’s get cooking!

Prep & Cook Time:

Prep: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 2.5–3 hours
Serves: 4–6

Ingredients for Beef Stifado

1 kilo of beef
8 tbsp Olive Oil
3 large onions, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
3/4 bay leaves
225 ml red wine
2 tbsp vinegar
3 large tomatoes, chopped
1 teaspoon cumin
1 cinnamon stick
salt, pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat half the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks and sear them on all sides until nicely browned. This locks in all those amazing juices! Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add the rest of the olive oil and toss in the onions. Cook them slowly over medium heat until they become soft and golden. Then, stir in the garlic, cumin, and cinnamon stick, letting their fragrances bloom for a minute.

Step 3: Add the Liquids & Let the Magic Begin

To de-glaze pour in the vinegar and red wine, scraping up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Then, stir in the chopped tomatoes and add the bay leaves.

Step 4: Slow-Cook to Perfection

Return the beef to the pot, season generously with salt and pepper, and give everything a good stir. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours. Stir occasionally, making sure the sauce thickens and the beef becomes fall-apart tender.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Stifado is best served hot and hearty with:

Crusty bread (for dipping into that rich sauce)
Rice or mashed potatoes (to soak up every bit of flavor)
A crisp green salad (to balance the richness)

And of course, pour yourself a glass of the same red wine you cooked with—because what’s a Greek feast without a little wine.

Final Thoughts

Marinate the beef overnight in red wine and spices to take it up a notch, for an even deeper flavor.
If you've no fresh tomatoes use a can of high-quality chopped tomatoes instead.
Let it simmer uncovered for the last 20 minutes if you prefer a thicker sauce.

Beef Stifado isn’t just food—it’s a taste of tradition, history, and family gatherings around a long table. Whether you’re making it for a cozy Sunday meal or impressing friends with a true taste of Crete, one thing’s for sure—you’ll be making this dish again and again!

Kali orexi! (Bon appétit!)