Slow-Simmered Greek Lemon Beef Stew with Potatoes

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

Tender beef chunks slow-cooked in a bright lemony broth with potatoes and aromatic herbs for a comforting meal. This Greek-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 140 minutes, pairs beef chuck, olive oil, yellow onion 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: 120 min Serves 6 Greek cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottom 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: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 large diced yellow onion to the pot. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Return browned beef to the pot. Pour in 4 cups beef broth, 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tsp dried oregano, and add 2 bay leaves. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Step 4: Cover pot and simmer on low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  5. Step 5: Add 3 peeled and chunked russet potatoes and 2 sliced carrots to the stew. Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Cover and simmer for an additional 45 minutes to 1 hour until beef and vegetables are tender.
  6. Step 6: Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Greek Lemon Beef Stew with Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 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 Lemon Beef Stew with Potatoes?

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 beef chuck from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Greek Lemon Beef Stew with Potatoes?

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 Lemon Beef Stew with Potatoes 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 Lemon Beef Stew with Potatoes?

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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