Slow-Cooked Greek Beef Stifado with Cinnamon and Red Wine

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef stew simmered slowly with pearl onions, garlic, cinnamon, and rich red wine, delivering deep Mediterranean flavors. This mediterranean-inspired beef ready in about 200 minutes pairs cut into 1.5-inch cubes beef chuck, peeled pearl onions, smashed garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs beef chuck cubes and brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes, working in batches if necessary.
  2. Step 2: Remove the browned beef and set aside. In the same pot, add 2 cups peeled pearl onions and sauté for 5 minutes until they start to soften.
  3. Step 3: Add 6 smashed garlic cloves, 1 cinnamon stick, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp allspice, and 1 tsp sugar, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return the beef to the pot and pour in 1 1/2 cups red wine and 1 cup water or beef broth. Add 2 bay leaves. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let cook gently for 2.5 to 3 hours until beef is fork-tender and sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally.
  6. Step 6: Remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaves before serving. Serve the stifado with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Greek Beef Stifado with Cinnamon and Red Wine take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Greek Beef Stifado with Cinnamon and Red Wine?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep peeled pearl onions from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Greek Beef Stifado with Cinnamon and Red Wine?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Cooked Greek Beef Stifado with Cinnamon and Red Wine for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Cooked Greek Beef Stifado with Cinnamon and Red Wine?

Mediterranean beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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