greek beef stew recipe

greek beef stew recipe

The Best greek beef stew recipe

I’m so excited to share this traditional Greek beef stew recipe with you all. I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings and potlucks. The rich, savory flavors of the stew are a perfect combination of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and aromatic spices.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make – just brown the meat, add some onions and garlic, and let it simmer all day in a flavorful broth. It’s a real comfort food dish that’s perfect for a chilly fall or winter evening. The history of this stew dates back to ancient Greece, where it was known as ‘kleftiko.’

It was typically cooked in a hole in the ground, wrapped in animal hide and left to cook slowly over several days. While we don’t have to resort to such primitive cooking methods today, the end result is still deliciously tender and full of flavor. One of the key techniques to making a great Greek beef stew is to use high-quality ingredients.

I like to use grass-fed beef for its rich flavor and tenderness. You can also customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs – just be sure not to overcook them, as they’ll lose their texture and flavor. This stew is also incredibly versatile – you can serve it with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes, or even use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.

As for storage and reheating ideas, I like to let the stew cool completely before refrigerating or freezing it. Then, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot and steaming.

Greek Beef Stew

Greek Beef Stew

4.6 from 1086 votes

A hearty and aromatic Greek beef stew, slow-cooked with tender chunks of beef, sweet pearl onions, and a rich tomato sauce infused with cinnamon and allspice. This comforting dish is perfect for a cold evening, served with crusty bread or over a bed of orzo.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time1 hour 45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 5 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 480 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Stew

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
3 tbsp olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup dry red wine
1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 cup beef broth
1 cinnamon stick
2 bay leaves
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 lb pearl onions, peeled
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

👨‍🍳Directions

1Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
2Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the beef in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deeply browned.
3Use tongs to transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.
4Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot.
5Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes until softened and translucent.
6Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
7Pour in the red wine and bring to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze.
8Let the wine reduce by half, about 2 to 3 minutes.
9Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, oregano, allspice, and the reserved beef along with any accumulated juices.
10Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
11After 1 hour, stir in the pearl onions and continue to simmer, covered, for another 30 to 40 minutes until the beef is fork-tender and the onions are soft.
12Stir in the red wine vinegar and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
13Remove and discard the cinnamon stick and bay leaves.
14Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 480 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 90mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 38g

📝Notes

For a deeper flavor, marinate the beef in the red wine and spices overnight. You can substitute pearl onions with frozen ones to save time. Serve with crusty bread, rice, or orzo to soak up the delicious sauce.

Watch Video Of How Greek Beef Stew Works

This Greek beef stew recipe is truly one of my favorites – it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner option or a delicious way to feed a crowd at your next potluck or family gathering, this recipe is sure to please.

One of my favorite things about this stew is that it freezes beautifully – simply let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Then, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating as needed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Beef Stew

What type of beef should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using grass-fed beef for its rich flavor and tenderness. You can also use regular beef if you prefer – just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can definitely make this stew in a slow cooker! Simply brown the meat and cook the onions in a pan before transferring everything to your slow cooker with some broth and spices. Let it cook on low all day while you’re at work.

How do I store leftover stew?

To store leftover stew, let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing it. Then, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot and steaming.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables – just be sure not to overcook them, as they’ll lose their texture and flavor.

How do I reheat this stew?

To reheat this stew, simply place it in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot and steaming. You can also reheat it in a slow cooker or Instant Pot if you prefer.

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