Name: Instant Pot Greek Beef Stifado
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 lb (480 g) pearl onions, peeled; 1/2 cup (125 ml) olive oil; 1/2 cup (125 ml) dry red wine; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 1¼ lbs (600 g) canned red tomatoes, crushed; 2 bay leaves; 4 cloves garlic, peeled; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 sprig fresh rosemary; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instant Pot Greek Beef Stifado is a hearty, aromatic stew that brings the rich flavors of Greece to your table in a fraction of the time. Tender beef, sweet pearl onions, and a blend of warm spices simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce create a comforting dish perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Made in the Instant Pot, this dish comes together in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich Flavor: The combination of red wine, cinnamon, and bay leaves infuses the beef with deep, aromatic flavors.
Tender Meat: Pressure cooking ensures the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Versatile: Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Authentic Taste: Enjoy a traditional Greek dish made easily at home.

Instant Pot Greek Beef Stifado

Ingredients

For the Stew:

1 lb (450 g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 lb (480 g) pearl onions, peeled
1/2 cup (125 ml) olive oil
1/2 cup (125 ml) dry red wine
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1¼ lbs (600 g) canned red tomatoes, crushed
2 bay leaves
4 cloves garlic, peeled
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 sprig fresh rosemary
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Sauté the Beef: Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add the olive oil and heat until shimmering. Add the cubed beef in batches, browning each side. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Deglaze: Pour in the red wine and red wine vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Add Ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, rosemary sprig, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Pour in 1 cup (250 ml) of water to cover the ingredients. Stir well.
Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
Prepare Onions: While the beef is cooking, heat sunflower oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the pearl onions in batches, frying until lightly browned all over. Remove and set aside.
Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
Combine and Simmer: Add the browned pearl onions to the pot with the beef. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and simmer for an additional 5–10 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Serve: Remove the bay leaves and rosemary sprig. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Natural Pressure Release: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Lamb Stifado: Substitute lamb for beef for a traditional variation.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the meat with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and eggplant for a plant-based option.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the stew for some heat.
Additional Vegetables: Incorporate carrots or potatoes for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish freezes well. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to reach desired consistency. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, cuts like brisket or short ribs can be used. Just ensure they are cut into 1-inch chunks for even cooking.

How do I make the onions more tender?

Sautéing the onions until golden and soft before adding them to the stew helps achieve a tender texture.

Can I use ground beef instead of cubed beef?

While ground beef can be used, it will change the texture of the dish. Cubed beef provides a more traditional and hearty feel.

Is it necessary to brown the beef?

Browning the beef adds depth of flavor to the stew, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors often improve after a day or two.

Can I add potatoes to the stew?

Yes, adding potatoes can make the dish more filling. Add them along with the beef and cook as directed.

How do I know when the beef is done?

The beef is done when it is fork-tender and easily shreds apart.

Can I use frozen pearl onions?

Yes, frozen pearl onions can be used. Thaw them before sautéing to ensure even cooking.

Can I use a different type of wine?

While red wine is traditional, you can substitute with white wine or even broth for a different flavor profile.

How do I serve this dish?

Serve the stew over rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Greek Beef Stifado is a flavorful and comforting dish that brings the taste of Greece to your home in a fraction of the time. With tender beef, sweet onions, and aromatic spices, it’s a meal that will warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re new to Greek cuisine or a seasoned enthusiast, this dish is sure to become a favorite.