Instant Pot Greek Beef Stifado

Directions

Step 1: Season the Beef

Season the beef cubes generously with salt and black pepper. This helps build flavor from the very beginning.

Step 2: Sauté in the Instant Pot

Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil and let it heat until shimmering. Brown the beef in batches, searing all sides until deeply golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, add garlic and tomato paste. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant and slightly darkened. This step deepens the stew’s rich flavor.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pot

Pour in the red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to cook off the alcohol.

Step 5: Add Remaining Ingredients

Return the beef to the pot. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, red wine vinegar, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cloves, oregano, and sugar if using. Stir gently to combine.

Step 6: Add the Onions

Carefully nestle the pearl onions into the sauce. Try not to stir too much so they stay whole during cooking.

Step 7: Pressure Cook

Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on High for 35 minutes. Make sure the valve is set to sealing.

Step 8: Natural Release

Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.

Step 9: Adjust the Sauce

Remove the lid and discard the bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If the sauce is thinner than desired, use Sauté mode for a few minutes to reduce.

Step 10: Serve

Serve hot, spooning plenty of sauce and onions over the beef. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4–6
Difficulty Level: Medium

Variations & Substitutions

Traditional Slow Cooker Method:

Transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 7–8 hours for a classic approach.

No Wine Version:

Replace red wine with additional beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.

Extra Warm Spices:

Add a pinch of allspice or nutmeg for an even more aromatic stew.

Leaner Option:

Use beef sirloin instead of chuck, but reduce cooking time slightly to avoid over-tenderizing.

Serving Suggestions