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Cozy Beef Stifado Recipe Easy Homemade Rich Tomato and Red Wine Sauce

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A comforting slow-cooked beef stew with tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich tomato and red wine sauce infused with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves. Perfect for cozy dinners and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes
  • 1 cup dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot recommended)
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 large onions, peeled and sliced thickly
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • 1 large cinnamon stick
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • About 1 cup water or beef broth (to cover meat)

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove browned beef and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium and add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add sliced onions and cook until softened and golden, about 8-10 minutes. Add minced garlic in the last 2 minutes, stirring until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the red wine and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly and burn off alcohol.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cloves, brown sugar, and white vinegar. Mix well.
  6. Return browned beef cubes to the pot. Add enough water or beef broth to just cover the meat (about 1 cup). Bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Cover the pot partially with the lid and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender and sauce is thick and glossy.
  8. Remove bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Taste the sauce and adjust salt, pepper, or sugar if needed.
  9. Serve warm with creamy mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or over rice.

Notes

If the sauce gets too thick during simmering, add a splash of water or broth. Patience is key for tender beef and rich sauce. Browning the beef properly adds depth of flavor. Soaking cloves on toothpicks before adding makes removal easier. Slow cooker method can be used after browning beef and sautéing onions, cooking on low for 6-8 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef stifado, slow cooked beef, tomato and red wine sauce, cozy dinner, Greek stew, comfort food, easy beef stew

Find it online: https://nadinetable.com/cozy-beef-stifado-recipe-easy-homemade-rich-tomato-and-red-wine-sauce/