Worth The Hunt
The Recipe · No.1239 · Beef Stifado

Beef Stifado, and where to source it

Beef Stifado — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Beef Stifado Greek 5best2buy.com

Brown the beef in batches on every side before the liquid goes in, since a proper sear is what builds the deep color and body of the sauce.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep25 min
Cook150 min
Makes6 servings
CuisineGreek
Cost$$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 6 servings
beef chuck
2.5 lb, cubed
40 oz
pearl onions
1.5 lb, peeled
24 oz
red wine
1 cup
8 oz
Local / market
red wine vinegar
1/3 cup
3 oz
Local / market
canned crushed tomatoes
1 cup
8 oz
Local / market
cinnamon stick and bay leaves
1 stick, 2 leaves
Local / market
whole cloves and allspice
3 each
Local / market
garlic
4 cloves
olive oil
1/4 cup
2 oz
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
EffortA project
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Pat the beef dry and brown it hard in olive oil in batches. Set aside.20 min
  2. Deglaze with wine and vinegar, scraping the pan, then add tomatoes, cinnamon, bay, cloves, allspice, and garlic.10 min
  3. Return the beef, add enough water to nearly cover, and simmer covered on low for an hour.60 min
  4. Scatter in the whole peeled pearl onions and continue simmering until the beef and onions are meltingly tender.80 min
  5. Uncover for the last stretch to reduce the sauce to a glossy coat. Serve with bread or fried potatoes.20 min
The Toolkit

Heavy Dutch oven · Tongs · Ladle

Straight Answers
Can you make Beef Stifado in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Beef Stifado? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Beef Stifado ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Beef Stifado gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Beef Stifado vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1239