Instant Pot Greek Beef Stifado – A Rich and Hearty Greek Stew

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Instant Pot Greek Beef Stifado – A Rich and Hearty Greek Stew

Greek Beef Stifado is a traditional dish known for its deep, aromatic flavors and tender, slow-cooked beef. This Instant Pot version captures all the rich taste of the classic dish while significantly reducing the cooking time.

What Makes Stifado Special?
This hearty Greek stew features slow-braised beef, caramelized pearl onions, and a rich tomato-based sauce infused with warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, and oregano. The dish develops a unique depth of flavor, thanks to the addition of red wine vinegar, which enhances the beef’s natural taste and brings out a subtle tangy contrast.

Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep, this dish is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Authentic Greek Flavors: A combination of aromatic spices, tomatoes, and tender beef.
  • Quick & Easy: Traditional stifado takes hours to cook, but the Instant Pot makes it in just 45 minutes.
  • Comforting & Hearty: A perfect dish for colder days or when you crave a rich, savory meal.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Stifado tastes even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead meal.

Ingredients for Greek Beef Stifado

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes (rich in flavor and becomes tender when slow-cooked)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (adds depth and richness)
  • 1 large onion, chopped (for a flavorful base)
  • 1 lb pearl onions or small shallots, peeled (key ingredient that gives stifado its signature taste)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced (adds a bold, aromatic touch)

Tomato-Based Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste (deepens the richness of the sauce)
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (provides the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness)
  • 1/2 cup red wine vinegar (adds a tangy depth and helps tenderize the beef)

Seasonings & Spices:

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (adds warmth and authenticity)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (classic Mediterranean flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice (for a hint of sweetness and depth)
  • 1 bay leaf (adds a subtle herbal note)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (enhances all the flavors)

For the Cooking Liquid:

  • 2 cups beef broth (provides a rich and flavorful base)

For Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (adds color and a fresh finish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Beef for Maximum Flavor

  1. Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add the olive oil.
  2. Once hot, add the beef cubes in batches, searing them for 2–3 minutes per side until browned.
  3. Remove the seared beef and set aside.

Why This Step Matters: Browning the beef locks in flavor and creates a rich base for the stew.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and pearl onions.
  2. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Stifado Sauce

  1. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing it to deepen in color.
  2. Add the crushed tomatoes, red wine vinegar, cinnamon, oregano, allspice, and bay leaf.
  3. Mix everything well to coat the onions in the flavorful sauce.

Pro Tip: The red wine vinegar helps balance the richness of the beef while intensifying the stew’s flavors.

Step 4: Pressure Cook the Stifado

  1. Return the seared beef to the Instant Pot.
  2. Pour in the beef broth, ensuring the meat is fully submerged.
  3. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. Secure the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes.
  5. Once the cooking time is done, allow a 10-minute natural pressure release, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Final Touches & Serving

  1. Open the Instant Pot and discard the bay leaf.
  2. Taste the stifado and adjust seasoning if needed.
  3. Stir the stew gently and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
  4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

This rich and flavorful beef stifado pairs well with a variety of sides:

  • Over Rice: The perfect way to soak up the flavorful sauce.
  • With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the hearty stew.
  • With Crusty Bread: Ideal for dipping into the rich tomato sauce.
  • Over Pasta: A delicious twist that pairs beautifully with thick noodles.

Expert Tips for the Best Stifado

  • Use the Right Cut of Beef: Beef chuck is ideal because it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender when cooked under pressure.
  • Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the stew to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld even further.
  • Make It Ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
  • Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it in after pressure cooking.
  • For a More Traditional Flavor: Some versions of stifado include a small amount of cloves for added warmth. Feel free to add a pinch for a deeper taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing:

  • Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

  • Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
  • If the stew thickens too much after refrigeration, add a splash of beef broth or water while reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?

Yes! While beef is traditional, you can also make stifado with lamb or pork for a different flavor profile.

Can I Make This Without an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! To make stifado on the stovetop:

  1. Follow the same steps for searing the beef and sautéing the onions in a large pot.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low for 2–2.5 hours until the beef is tender.

What Can I Serve with Stifado for a Complete Meal?

A fresh Greek salad, warm pita bread, or a side of tzatziki sauce perfectly complements this dish.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Greek Beef Stifado is a rich, comforting, and incredibly flavorful dish that brings a taste of Greece to your table. With its tender beef, aromatic spices, and delicious tomato sauce, it’s a meal that’s both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying.

Try this recipe today and enjoy a warm, hearty stew with minimal effort!

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