Wanderhoney

This recipe is the one and only Greek dish I managed to learn during my time in Greece—and trust me, it was love at first bite! The moment I tasted it, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself. So today, I’m sharing with you one of my all-time favorite Greek comfort foods: tender beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce.

Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• Boneless beef
• 1 large Holland onion
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 stick cinnamon
• 1 can tomato purée
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 4 pimento seeds
• 3–4 cups water
• Salt
• Black pepper

Instructions:

1) Prepare the aromatics:
Roughly chop the Holland onion and garlic, then blend them together until you get a smooth paste. This paste is the base of many Greek stews, giving the dish its natural sweetness and depth.

2) Sauté the base:
Heat ½ cup of olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the blended onion–garlic mixture. Sauté slowly, stirring often, until the mixture becomes fragrant and slightly golden. This step helps build the rich flavor that Greek dishes are known for.

3) Brown the beef:
Add the beef pieces into the pot. Stir and turn them occasionally to brown all sides evenly. Browning the meat locks in flavor and gives the stew a tastier, deeper base.

4) Add liquid and spices:
Pour in 3–4 cups of water, just enough to cover the beef completely. Add the cinnamon stick and pimento seeds (also known as allspice berries). These warm spices are classic in Greek tomato-based stews and give the dish its signature aroma. Stir everything together and let it come to a gentle boil.

5) Add tomato purée:
Once the stew starts boiling, add half a can of tomato purée. Stir to combine until the sauce turns a deep reddish color. Tomato is the heart of this dish, so mixing it well is important for a smooth sauce.

5) Season the stew:
Add salt and black pepper to taste. Mix again so the seasoning spreads evenly throughout the pot.

6) Slow-simmer the beef:
Reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot partially and let the stew simmer slowly for 2–3 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
The goal is to let the beef cook gently until it becomes soft and tender, while the sauce thickens into a rich, glossy, and slightly sweet tomato gravy—just like how it’s done in Greek homes.

7) Serve and enjoy:
Once the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully, your Greek-style tomato braised beef is ready! Serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or spaghetti—most Greek families pair it with pasta.

Enjoy a warm, comforting dish straight from the flavors of Greece!

Coffee helps me write. Support helps me shine 🥰