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    Home » Soups, Stews, and Chilis » Instant Pot Greek Beef Stew

    Instant Pot Greek Beef Stew

    Published: Jan 20, 2019 · Modified: Sep 26, 2024 by Linda Warren

    Jump to Recipe

    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.

    Overhead of stidfado in blue bowl with carrots and potatoes around it.

    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.

    Ingredients for stew on cutting board.

    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.

    Overhead of two blue bowls of stew with carrots beside them.

    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.

    Ladleful of stew above serving bowl.

    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

    Steps 1-4 on how to make Greek beef stew.

    1. Brown meat on sauté mode in ¼ cup butter. (photo 1)
    2. Remove beef from Instant Pot and add onions. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until nicely browned. (photo 2)
    3. Add beef back to Instant Pot along with remaining ingredients. (photo 3)
    4. Add 2-3 cups of water or enough to cover all ingredients. Cover and cook. (photo 4)

    Spoonful of beef stew over serving.

    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.

    Rosemary Bread square

    Bread makes a great accompaniment to soups and stews. Try this easy copycat Macaroni Grill Rosemary Bread.

    Buttermilk Biscuits square 2

    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 more Instant Pot recipes right here on 2CM!

    Love quick & easy recipes? Follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for all the latest recipe inspiration! Plus join my email list and receive a free e-book.

    Ladleful of stew showing potatoes and meat in tomato-y sauce.

    Instant Pot Greek Beef Stew (Stifado)

    Rich, hearty Instant Pot Greek Beef Stew is an easy to make comfort dinner. Beef, potatoes & vegetables simmer in tomato-y broth that’s healthy & delicious.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Mediterranean
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Release Pressure: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 55 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 479kcal
    Author: Linda Warren

    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

    Crockpot/Slow Cooker option: Brown meat in skillet in ¼ cup butter. Pour beef and drippings into crockpot and add remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on high for 6 hours or low for 10-12 hours.
    Dutch Oven option: Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Place ¼ cup butter in Dutch Oven and add meat. Brown meat on stovetop for about 5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients, cover and place in oven. Slow roast for 5-6 hours.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 479kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 135mg | Sodium: 618mg | Potassium: 1703mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 6200IU | Vitamin C: 29.1mg | Calcium: 114mg | Iron: 8.6mg

    This post has been updated and was first published on January 20, 2019.

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    Hey, I’m Linda, the recipe creator, photographer and cocktail lover at 2 Cookin Mamas. Here you’ll find easy recipes that are not only delicious but can get you out of the kitchen ASAP. Come and join me and let me take you on a tasty trip through your kitchen. Thanks for stopping by! Learn more about me

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