The rich aroma of simmering beef, fragrant herbs, and succulent vegetables wafts through the air, instantly transporting you to a cozy Greek taverna. Imagine tender chunks of beef bathing in a savory tomato sauce with hints of cinnamon and red wine, all coming together in your Instant Pot. quick Mongolian beef dish This Instant Pot Greek Beef Stifado recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that invites you to savor every bite.
Picture this: a chilly evening with friends gathered around, sharing stories over bowls filled with hearty stifado. The laughter mingles with the delightful scent of spices wafting from the kitchen. It’s moments like these that make this dish a staple at any gathering, promising warmth and satisfaction.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Instant Pot makes preparation quick and easy, cutting down cooking time without sacrificing flavor
- Rich flavors develop beautifully in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze
- The visual appeal of vibrant ingredients creates a feast for the eyes as well as the palate
- Versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish fits any setting perfectly
I still remember the first time I served this stifado to my family; their delighted faces were priceless.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: roasted veggies side dish.
- Beef Chuck Roast: A well-marbled cut ensures tenderness and flavor throughout the cooking process.
- Red Wine: Choose a good-quality dry red wine for depth; it enhances the overall richness of the dish.
- Onions: Use sweet onions for their natural sweetness, balancing out the savory flavors beautifully.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add a punch of flavor; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient.
- Canned Tomatoes: Opt for whole peeled tomatoes for better texture; crush them right before adding to the pot.
- Cinnamon Stick: A unique touch that adds warmth and complexity to every bite.
- Bay Leaves: These aromatic leaves elevate the dish’s flavor profile during cooking.
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it enhances both flavor and health benefits.
- Pine Nuts (optional): Toasted pine nuts can be sprinkled on top before serving for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this Greek chicken meatballs recipe recipe.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Instant Pot: Begin by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and let it heat until shimmering.
Sear the Beef: Cut your beef chuck roast into 1-inch cubes. Sear them in batches until browned on all sides; this step adds deep flavor.
Add Onions and Garlic: Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic after removing the beef. Sauté until onions turn translucent and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes.
Deglaze with Red Wine: Pour in red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any brown bits stuck on the bottom—a critical step for maximizing flavor!
Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in crushed tomatoes, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Return seared beef to the pot, mixing everything well.
Pressure Cook Time!: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Let it naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining steam.
Serve hot over fluffy rice or crusty bread—your taste buds will thank you!
Enjoy your journey through cooking! With each step bringing rich aromas into your kitchen, you’re not just preparing food but creating memories to share with loved ones. Dive into this culinary adventure with joy!
You Must Know
- This Instant Pot Greek Beef Stifado recipe combines rich flavors and tender meat, creating a comforting dish that warms the soul
- The aromatic spices make it irresistible, while the quick cooking time in the Instant Pot saves you hours in the kitchen
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the beef first to lock in juices, then add onions and spices before pressure cooking for maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out beef for lamb or add extra veggies like carrots and bell peppers for more nutrition. For more inspiration, check out this more Greek recipes recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve melt-in-your-mouth beef, ensure you sear it properly before pressure cooking
- Always let your Instant Pot release pressure naturally for better texture
- Adjust seasonings based on personal taste; this dish is all about your flavor preferences!
Sharing this recipe with friends brought back fond memories of family gatherings filled with laughter and delicious food. The compliments were endless, proving that good food truly brings people together.
FAQ
Can I use other meats in my Instant Pot Greek Beef Stifado?
Absolutely! Lamb or chicken can also work beautifully with this recipe. slow cooker chicken recipe.
How long does it take to cook?
The total cooking time is about 35 minutes using the Instant Pot, including pressure build-up.
What side dishes pair well with this stifado?
Serve it over rice or with crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Instant Pot Greek Beef Stifado
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Transport yourself to a cozy Greek taverna with this rich and hearty Instant Pot Greek Beef Stifado. Tender beef chuck roast simmers in a savory tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon and bay leaves, delivering a meal that’s both comforting and flavorful. Perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners, this one-pot dish promises to warm your soul and create lasting memories with every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 2 medium sweet onions, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes, crushed
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts (optional) for garnish
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode; heat olive oil until shimmering.
- Sear the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot; sauté until onions are translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Deglaze with red wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Return the seared beef to the pot; mix well.
- Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining steam.
- Serve hot over rice or with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg