📌 Description
A rich and comforting Greek classic made easy in the Instant Pot. This beef stifado is slow-simmered with aromatic spices, tomatoes, and tender onions, delivering deep, warm Mediterranean flavors in a fraction of the time.
🕒 Prep Time: 15 mins
🍳 Cook Time: 45 mins
⏱ Total Time: 1 hour
🍽 Servings: 6
🔥 Nutrition: ~420 kcal | 35g protein per serving
🛒 Ingredients
1 kg beef chuck, cut into chunks
2 tbsp olive oil
2 onions (or pearl onions), peeled
3 garlic cloves, minced
400g canned crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
½ cup red wine
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 bay leaves
1 cinnamon stick
3–4 whole cloves
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt & pepper to taste
👨🍳 Instructions
Sear the Beef
Set Instant Pot to sauté mode.
Heat olive oil and brown beef pieces on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Build the Flavor Base
In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
Add tomato paste and stir for 1 minute.
Deglaze
Pour in red wine, scraping up browned bits for extra flavor.
Pressure Cook
Add beef back in with tomatoes, vinegar, spices, salt, and pepper.
Seal lid and cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes.
Finish & Serve
Natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release.
Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
🧁 Flavor & Experience
Deep, rich, and slightly sweet with warm spice notes from cinnamon and cloves. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the sauce is thick, aromatic, and perfect for soaking with bread.
🍽 Serving Ideas
Serve with crusty bread
Pair with rice or mashed potatoes
Traditional style with pasta or orzo
