Instant Pot Greek Beef Stifado – Deeply Flavored Comfort Made Easy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Instant Pot Greek Beef Stifado is a rich, slow-simmered classic made wonderfully accessible thanks to pressure cooking. Traditionally, stifado is a patiently cooked Greek stew known for its tender beef, sweet onions, and warm spices. This version captures all of that depth in a fraction of the time, without sacrificing flavor. What I love about making stifado in the Instant Pot is how the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while the sauce develops that signature sweet-and-savory balance. When I tested this recipe, the aroma alone was enough to convince me it was worth repeating. It is hearty, comforting, and ideal for cooler evenings, yet simple enough to prepare on a busy day. Serve it with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes for a truly satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Beef chuck is the ideal cut for stifado, becoming exceptionally tender under pressure while remaining flavorful.

Pearl onions are the defining ingredient, adding gentle sweetness that balances the spices and tomato base.

Olive oil provides richness and helps brown the beef for deeper flavor.

Garlic enhances the savory backbone of the stew.

Tomato paste adds body, richness, and slight acidity to the sauce.

Crushed tomatoes form the base of the stew, creating a thick, robust sauce.

Red wine deepens the flavor and adds traditional Greek character.

Beef broth ensures enough liquid for pressure cooking and builds savory depth.

Bay leaves add subtle herbal aroma.

Whole cloves provide the signature warm, aromatic note of classic stifado.

Ground cinnamon adds gentle warmth and complexity without sweetness.

Allspice contributes depth and balance to the spice profile.

Sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the onions and tomatoes.

Salt sharpens and balances the flavors.

Black pepper adds gentle heat and seasoning.

Fresh parsley provides a fresh, clean finish before serving.

Directions

Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function and heat the olive oil. Add the beef in batches, browning on all sides to develop flavor. Remove the beef and set aside. Add the pearl onions to the pot and sauté briefly until lightly golden, then add the garlic and cook until fragrant.

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a minute to deepen its flavor. Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon, allspice, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Return the beef to the pot and stir to combine.

Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for at least 10 minutes, then carefully release remaining pressure. Remove bay leaves and whole cloves before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with a pressure cooking time of 35 minutes and additional time for pressure release, bringing the total time to approximately 60 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover beef stifado in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The flavors deepen further after resting, making leftovers especially delicious.

Variations and Customizations

Stifado is wonderfully adaptable. You can substitute beef with lamb or rabbit for a more traditional variation. I tested this recipe with shallots instead of pearl onions, and while different, it still worked beautifully. For a richer sauce, a small knob of butter can be stirred in at the end. If you prefer a thicker stew, reduce the sauce using the sauté function after pressure cooking. Serve it with orzo, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes depending on preference.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

Instant Pot Greek Beef Stifado is high in protein and iron, making it nourishing and filling. While rich in flavor, it relies more on spices and slow-cooked onions than heavy fats. Pairing it with vegetables or a simple salad creates a balanced meal.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Brown the Beef Well
Proper browning adds depth and richness to the final stew.

Do Not Skip Whole Spices
Whole cloves are essential for authentic stifado flavor.

Natural Pressure Release Matters
This keeps the beef tender and prevents sauce splatter.

Remove Cloves Before Serving
Whole cloves are aromatic but not meant to be eaten.

FAQs

Can I use frozen beef?

Yes, but browning will be limited and cooking time may increase slightly.

Are pearl onions necessary?

They are traditional, but shallots are a good substitute.

Does stifado taste sweet?

It is mildly sweet, balanced by spices and acidity.

Can I make this without wine?

Yes, substitute with extra broth and a splash of vinegar.

Is cinnamon noticeable?

It is subtle and warming, not overpowering.

Can I thicken the sauce?

Yes, simmer on sauté mode after pressure cooking.

Does this freeze well?

Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to two months.

What should I serve with stifado?

Rice, orzo, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread work well.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, ensure you do not exceed the Instant Pot fill line.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, it is aromatic rather than spicy.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Greek Beef Stifado brings the deep, comforting flavors of a traditional Greek stew into a modern, time-saving format. With tender beef, sweet onions, and warm spices, it is a satisfying dish that feels both rustic and refined, perfect for family dinners or make-ahead meals.

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