Top 3 Greek Beef Dishes

Stifado is a hearty Greek one-pot stew that is ideal for a cold winter's day. Although the ingredients vary from region to region and from cook to cook, the essential ones are large amounts of onions, tomatoes, wine or vinegar, and sometimes garlic. Depending on the region, meat such as goat, rabbit, wild hare, snails, tripe, or octopus can be added to the stew, but it is mostly made with beef. Others like to add mushrooms or warming spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. The usage of those spices points to a possible Levantine influence, while the name of the dish is a clear indicator of Italian influence, derived from the word stufato, meaning stewed in Italian. When the stew is cooked, it is recommended to pair it with crusty bread and a glass of red wine on the side.Expand

Greek sofrito is a dish consisting of tender cuts of beef or veal that are lightly dredged in flour and then slowly sautéed in a flavorful sauce based on white wine, which is additionally seasoned with garlic, parsley, and vinegar. Though it is considered a delicacy that hails from Corfu, it is commonly enjoyed throughout the country. Because the term sofrito stems from the Italian language, meaning to sautée, and the whole island was under the Venetian rule for centuries, it is believed that the dish was inspired by traditional Venetian cuisine. Greek sofrito is typically accompanied by rice, potatoes, or crusty bread.Expand

Kalogeros is a traditional beef stew that's served as a casserole. It originates from Naxos. The dish is made with a combination of veal or beef chunks that have been stewed in tomato sauce, eggplants, tomatoes, Graviera cheese, cinnamon, and Myzithra cheese. The eggplants are sliced in half and fried, then topped with the beef, Myzithra, slices of tomatoes, and Graviera cheese. The combination is sprinkled with cinnamon and baked until the Graviera cheese melts. Kalogeros is traditionally served with fried potatoes. The dish is named after a mountain peak on Naxos.Expand