Recipe

Greek-style Braised Beef in Tomato Sauce

Mediterranean Delight: Slow-cooked Beef in Tangy Tomato Sauce

4.7 out of 5

Indulge in the rich flavors of Greek cuisine with this traditional Kokkinisto recipe. Tender beef is slowly braised in a luscious tomato sauce, infused with aromatic herbs and spices, resulting in a hearty and comforting dish.

Meat Dish› Kokkinisto

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Balkan cuisine› Greek cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

2-3 hours

Total time

2 hours 20 minutes - 3 hours 20 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

Mediterranean diet, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Low-carb, Paleo

Allergens

N/A

Not suitable for

Vegan, Vegetarian, Keto, Nut-free, Soy-free

Ingredients

2 pounds (900g) beef stew meat, cubed 2 pounds (900g) beef stew meat, cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 can (14 ounces/400g) crushed tomatoes 1 can (14 ounces/400g) crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup (240ml) beef broth 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
2 teaspoons dried oregano 2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 5g
Protein: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1.
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2.
Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
3.
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
4.
Return the beef to the pot and add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, dried oregano, bay leaves, and ground cinnamon. Season with salt and pepper.
5.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
6.
Adjust the seasoning if needed and remove the bay leaves before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Beef stew meat — For the best results, choose a cut of beef that is suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck or brisket. Trim any excess fat before cubing the meat to ensure a leaner dish.

Tips & Tricks

For a deeper flavor, marinate the beef cubes in olive oil, garlic, and oregano for a few hours before cooking.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the pot during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Kokkinisto hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. Accompany it with a side of orzo pasta or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Presentation advice

Transfer the Kokkinisto to a large serving dish and sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs on top for a pop of color. Serve it family-style, allowing everyone to help themselves and savor the enticing aroma.