Slow-Cooked Greek Lemon and Herb Beef Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty beef stew simmered with lemon, garlic, and aromatic herbs, delivering tender meat and bright Mediterranean flavors. This Greek-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 170 minutes, pairs beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes, extra virgin olive oil, yellow onion, diced 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 Greek cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove beef and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 diced large yellow onion, 5 minced garlic cloves, 3 sliced carrots, and 2 sliced celery stalks. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Return the beef to the pot. Pour in 4 cups beef broth and 1 cup dry white wine. Stir in 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 2 tsp dried oregano, 3 sprigs fresh thyme, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours until beef is fork-tender and stew thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Discard thyme sprigs. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for brightness. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Step 6: Serve the stew hot, accompanied by crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Greek Lemon and Herb Beef Stew take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 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 Lemon and Herb Beef Stew?

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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Greek Lemon and Herb Beef Stew?

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 Lemon and Herb Beef Stew 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 Lemon and Herb Beef Stew?

Greek 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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