Beef Stifado – A Savory Greek Stew for the Crockpot
Cook Time: 8 hours
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Recipe Category: One-Dish Meal
Servings: Serves 6-8 (depending on portion size)
Description: This tender, flavorful Greek beef stifado is made effortlessly in a crockpot. With aromatic spices like cinnamon, cumin, and cloves combined with the richness of beef, wine, and onions, this stew simmers into a delightful meal. Perfect served over fluffy white or brown rice, this dish takes the traditional Greek recipe to a new level of ease without compromising on taste.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Butter | 3 tbsp | For sautéing and flavor |
| Tomato paste | 1/2 cup | Adds depth to the stew |
| Red table wine | 2 1/2 cups | A full-bodied red wine, such as Merlot |
| Red wine vinegar | 1 cup | Balances the sweetness of the dish |
| Brown sugar | 1 tbsp | Provides a subtle sweetness |
| Garlic (minced) | 1/2 tsp | Adds aromatic flavor |
| Bay leaf | 2 leaves | For herbal notes |
| Cinnamon stick | 1 stick | Warm, comforting spice |
| Cumin | 1 tsp | Earthy spice flavor |
| Whole cloves | 1 tsp | Adds a warm, clovey aroma |
| Raisins | 1/4 cup | Optional, adds sweetness and texture |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 530.9 kcal |
| Fat Content | 31.5 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 15.1 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 154.9 mg |
| Sodium Content | 373.4 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 21.6 g |
| Fiber Content | 3.4 g |
| Sugar Content | 11.9 g |
| Protein Content | 38 g |
Instructions:
-
Season the Beef:
Begin by seasoning your beef generously with salt and pepper. This will add the base layer of flavor to the stew. -
Prepare the Crockpot:
Place 3 tablespoons of butter in the bottom of your crockpot. Let it melt, creating a rich foundation for the beef to cook in. -
Add the Beef to the Crockpot:
Once the butter has melted, place your seasoned beef into the crockpot. Turn the meat to ensure it’s well-coated in the melted butter. This step locks in moisture and flavor. -
Layer the Onions:
Next, arrange the onions evenly over the beef. The onions will cook down and infuse the stew with their sweetness as they soften throughout the long simmer. -
Prepare the Tomato Mixture:
In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato paste, red wine, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, and garlic. Pour this mixture evenly over the beef and onions. Do not stir at this point; let the ingredients meld together naturally as they cook. -
Add the Spices:
Add the bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cumin, cloves, and raisins. Again, do not stir. Let the flavors infuse the meat and vegetables as they cook for hours. The raisins, in particular, add a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the beef and wine. -
Slow Cook:
Set your crockpot to cook on low for 8-10 hours. This extended cook time allows the beef to become incredibly tender, the flavors to meld together beautifully, and the stew to thicken into a rich, savory consistency. -
Final Touches:
When it’s time to serve, remove the bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and cloves from the stew. Gently stir the stifado to blend all the ingredients together. You’ll notice the onions have become soft and the meat tenderized into a perfect bite.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this hearty Greek beef stifado over a bed of freshly steamed white or brown rice. The stew is full of flavor, with the beef being perfectly tender and infused with the aromatic spices, while the raisins offer a hint of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory richness of the dish.
Tips for Success:
- For an even richer flavor, use a high-quality red wine that you enjoy drinking.
- You can substitute the raisins with dried currants or omit them entirely if you prefer a savory-only version.
- If you want a thicker stew, you can remove the lid in the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
This recipe brings a warm, comforting dish to the table, made with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Enjoy this easy crockpot beef stifado that’s sure to please the whole family, perfect for a one-dish meal.
