Slow-Simmered Greek Lamb Stifado with Pearl Onions

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

Tender chunks of lamb slowly cooked in a rich tomato and red wine sauce with sweet pearl onions and warming spices. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 170 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, pearl onions, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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 Mediterranean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs 1 1/2-inch cubed lamb shoulder and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes until deep golden; transfer lamb to a plate.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 1/2 cups peeled pearl onions and sauté for 5 minutes until starting to soften and edges turn golden.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp tomato paste, and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant and paste darkens.
  4. Step 4: Return lamb to the pot, add 1 cup red wine, 1 cup water, 1 14-oz can crushed tomatoes, 1 cinnamon stick, 6 allspice berries, 2 bay leaves, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until lamb is fork-tender and sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Remove cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and allspice berries. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving with crusty bread or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Greek Lamb Stifado with Pearl Onions 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-Simmered Greek Lamb Stifado with Pearl Onions?

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 lamb shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Greek Lamb Stifado with Pearl Onions?

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-Simmered Greek Lamb Stifado with Pearl Onions 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-Simmered Greek Lamb Stifado with Pearl Onions?

Mediterranean lamb 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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