This Crock Pot Beef Stifado is hearty and aromatic, which uses stewing beef and red wine vinegar. It’s a straightforward recipe, ready in about 9 hours and 15 minutes.
Crock Pot Beef Stifado Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 700g (1.5 lb) stewing beef, cubed
- 2 red onions, peeled and sliced
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- 1 tbsp mixed spice
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp tomato puree
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 beef stock cube or stock pot (no need to add water)
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 400g (14.5 oz) chopped tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
How To Make Crock Pot Beef Stifado
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the beef in batches until all sides are seared. Use the slow cooker insert if stovetop-safe, or brown in a frying pan and transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add remaining ingredients: Add the onions, carrots, garlic, mixed spice, oregano, tomato puree, bay leaves, beef stock cube, red wine vinegar, chopped tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
- Slow cook the stifado: Cover and cook on High for 5–6 hours or Low for 8–9 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors are well combined.
Recipe Tips
- Can I skip browning the beef? Browning adds flavor, but you can skip it for convenience.
- What cut of beef is best? Stewing beef or chuck roast works best for slow cooking.
- How to thicken the sauce: Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking or stir in a cornstarch slurry.
- What does red wine vinegar do? It adds a tangy depth that balances the tomato and spices.
- Can I add potatoes? Yes, cubed potatoes can be added with the other ingredients.
What To Serve With Beef Stifado
Beef Stifado pairs well with Mediterranean or comforting sides:
- Rice or orzo pasta
- Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes
- Crusty bread
- Greek salad
- Steamed green beans or spinach
How To Store Beef Stifado
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Beef Stifado Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 359 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 109mg
- Sodium: 505mg
- Potassium: 952mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Iron: 6mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
What does “stifado” mean?
Stifado is a Greek stew traditionally made with beef, onions, and warm spices.
Can I use lamb instead of beef?
Yes, lamb is a traditional alternative and works well in this dish.
How to make it spicier?
Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of red wine for extra depth.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Absolutely—just cool fully before freezing.
Can I make this in the oven instead?
Yes, bake covered at 325°F (160°C) for 2.5–3 hours until tender.
Try More Recipes:
Crock Pot Beef Stifado
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes9
hours359
kcalA slow-cooked Greek beef stew with tomato, garlic, and warm spices for a hearty, comforting meal.
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
700g (1.5 lb) stewing beef, cubed
2 red onions, sliced
3 carrots, chunked
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tbsp mixed spice
1 tbsp oregano
2 tbsp tomato puree
2 bay leaves
1 beef stock cube
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
400g chopped tomatoes
Salt and pepper
Directions
- Brown beef in oil; transfer to slow cooker.
- Add all other ingredients.
- Cook on High for 5–6 hours or Low for 8–9 hours until tender.