Name: Instant Pot Greek Beef Stifado
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into chunks; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup pearl onions (fresh or frozen, peeled); 1 small onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato purée; 1/2 cup dry red wine; 1/2 cup beef broth; 2 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 3–4 whole cloves or 1/4 tsp ground allspice (optional); 2 bay leaves; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tsp sugar or honey (optional); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instant Pot Greek beef stifado is a rich, hearty stew I love to make when I’m craving deep, comforting flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. Traditionally slow-cooked, this version uses the Instant Pot to tenderize the beef and infuse it with aromatic spices, red wine, and sweet pearl onions in a fraction of the time. It’s deeply savory, slightly sweet, and perfect served over rice, potatoes, or crusty bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this stifado because it tastes like it simmered all day—but it’s ready in under an hour thanks to the Instant Pot. The beef turns incredibly tender, and the pearl onions soak up all the delicious flavor from the sauce. Warm spices like cinnamon and cloves give it a uniquely Greek twist that makes the whole dish feel special and cozy. It’s a one-pot wonder that always impresses and satisfies. Instant Pot Greek Beef Stifado

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Beef chuck or stewing beef (cut into chunks)
Olive oil
Pearl onions (peeled; frozen ones work too)
Garlic (minced)
Onion (chopped)
Tomato paste
Crushed tomatoes or tomato purée
Red wine (dry)
Beef broth
Red wine vinegar
Ground cinnamon
Whole cloves or allspice (optional)
Bay leaves
Salt and pepper
Optional: sugar or honey for a touch of sweetness
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

I set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil.
I season the beef with salt and pepper, then brown it in batches to develop flavor. I remove the beef and set it aside.
I add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, then stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute.
I deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up the browned bits.
I add the beef back in, then stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, vinegar, cinnamon, cloves (or allspice), bay leaves, and a pinch of sugar if I want to balance the acidity.
I seal the lid, set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 35 minutes, and allow a natural release for 10–15 minutes.
While the beef is cooking, I quickly sauté the pearl onions in a pan until slightly golden. After the pressure releases, I stir them into the pot and let the stew sit on warm mode for 5–10 minutes to blend the flavors.
I serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people. It takes about 15 minutes to prep, 35 minutes under pressure, and another 10–15 minutes for natural release and finishing touches—so I have it ready in just over an hour.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the beef for lamb for a more traditional Greek flavor. I’ve also added chopped carrots or mushrooms to stretch the dish. When I want a lower-acid version, I reduce the vinegar and add a bit more broth. For a thicker sauce, I simmer it on sauté mode for a few extra minutes after cooking. Instant Pot Greek Beef Stifado

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, so it’s even better the next day. I reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot. This stew also freezes beautifully—I portion it out and freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pearl onions?

Yes, I often use frozen pearl onions to save time. I just thaw them and give them a quick sauté before adding them to the stew.

What can I serve with stifado?

I like serving it with mashed potatoes, orzo, rice, or even thick slices of rustic bread to soak up the sauce.

Can I make this without wine?

Yes, I can substitute extra beef broth and a splash of balsamic or red wine vinegar for depth if I want to skip the alcohol.

Can I use ground beef instead?

Stifado is traditionally made with chunks of beef, but if I’m in a pinch, I can use ground beef and turn it into more of a Greek-style meat sauce over pasta or rice.

How do I thicken the sauce?

If the sauce is too thin, I let it simmer on sauté mode after pressure cooking until it reduces. I sometimes mash a few onions or add a cornstarch slurry to help thicken it quickly.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Greek beef stifado is one of my favorite ways to enjoy big, bold flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s comforting, deeply spiced, and loaded with tender beef and sweet onions—all in a rich, savory sauce. Whether I’m serving it for a casual dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it’s always a hit and tastes like a warm hug in a bowl.