Rich, hearty Instant Pot Greek Beef Stew is an easy comfort dinner for the cold days on winter. A mix of beef, potatoes, carrots and onions in a hearty tomato-based broth that’s both healthy and delicious. No Instant Pot? No problem! Slow cooker & roasting option are described as well.
Instant Pot Beef Stifado
I saw that a big winter storm was brewing over the northern U.S. That means hunkering down and fixing something that warms you body and soul. And nothing beats easy to make comfort foods like soups and stews when the cold weather sets in. This hearty beef stew has been a standard in my kitchen ever since I was first married, many, many years ago.
The original recipe for this Greek Beef Stew or Stifado was from a cookbook called The Gourmet Cookbook Volume II. It was given to me by my in-laws for our first wedding anniversary, known traditionally as the paper anniversary. The recipes in this 2-volume set have been tested over time and I haven’t found one that isn’t delicious.
I adapted the Greek Beef Stifado recipe for the Instant Pot as well as the slow cooker and it delivers on all the tastes and textures of the original. Plus it saves so much time when dinner has to get on the table pronto.
Tips and variations
What type of potatoes should I use in a stew?
Always use a waxy potato, one with a high moisture content but low in starch. Yukon Gold potatoes are perfectly suited to cook longer and hold together much better than other types.
What is the best cut of beef to use in Stifado?
The best cuts of meat are generally the cheaper, tougher cuts. The long cooking time allows the collagen and fat to break down leaving the meat extra tender. The leaner types of beef will tend to toughen up.
How do I thicken stew?
If you prefer a thicker broth, you can mix a little flour or cornstarch with water and stir into stew when it is done. Allow to simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
Can I use another type of meat besides beef?
Of course! Try a lamb or a pork for a delicious variation.
How to Make Greek Beef Stew in an Instant Pot
- Brown meat on sauté mode in ¼ cup butter. (photo 1)
- Remove beef from Instant Pot and add onions. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until nicely browned. (photo 2)
- Add beef back to Instant Pot along with remaining ingredients. (photo 3)
- Add 2-3 cups of water or enough to cover all ingredients. Cover and cook. (photo 4)
Just look at the deliciousness of this Greek Beef Stifado! Now, take a bite and savor the wonderfully rich taste of beef, highlighted with the rich tomato-y broth. I swear it warms me up from the inside out.
Scroll down to the recipe card to find the Beef Stifado slow cooker instructions.
What to Serve with Greek Beef Stew
Once you've made this Beef Stifado Instant Pot recipe, here are some suggestions of what to serve with it.
Bread makes a great accompaniment to soups and stews. Try this easy copycat Macaroni Grill Rosemary Bread.
Like biscuits with your meal? These buttery homemade old fashioned buttermilk biscuits are the perfect way to sop up every last drop of that beefy tomato broth. Keep warm and I enjoy this Greek beef stew recipe!
More hearty meal recipes
Spicy Chicken Stew served over cheesy gouda polenta.
Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin Instant Pot served with broccoli and rice.
Easy Chicken Cacciatore is rich, flavorful, and made in the Instant Pot.
Find lots of easy stew recipes and the best Instant Pot recipes right here on 2CM!
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Instant Pot Greek Beef Stew (Stifado)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs. stew beef cut into 1” cubes
- ¼ cup butter
- 8 small onions
- 8 small potatoes or 2-3 large potatoes cut into chunks
- 2-3 carrots sliced
- ¾ cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Turn Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook beef in butter until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove to bowl.
- Add onions to just a small amount of liquid from beef and sauté for about 5 minutes.
- Stop sauté mode.
- Add beef back into Instant Pot with onions along with potatoes, carrots, tomato paste and cinnamon. Add 2-3 cups of water, or enough to cover all ingredients.
- Lock lid and set pressure cooker to high and cook for 35 minutes.
- Once it’s done, allow steam to release naturally for 10 minutes then manually release remaining pressure.
- Serve with a nice loaf of warm bread on the side.
Notes
Nutrition
This post has been updated and was first published on January 20, 2019.
