Authentic Greek Beef Stew with Monterey Jack
Experience the rich flavors of Greece with this hearty beef stew that combines tender chunks of stewing meat with savory sautéed onions, earthy mushrooms, and a hint of tang from red wine vinegar. This recipe marries traditional Greek ingredients with the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Monterey Jack cheese to create a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this stew is sure to warm your soul. Feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs and spices for an added twist. Serve it alongside crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete, soul-satisfying dish.
N/A
Servings
600
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
stew meat
3 lbs (chopped)
garlic
1 clove (diced)
butter
5 tablespoons (unsalted)
water
1 1/2 cups
salt
to taste
bay leaf
1
pepper
to taste
white onions
2 lbs (sliced)
onion
1 (chopped)
mushrooms
1/2 lb (sliced)
tomato paste
1 (6 ounce) can
Monterey Jack cheese
3/4 lb (grated)
red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
In a heavy-bottomed kettle or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped stew meat and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Season the meat lightly with salt and pepper. Once browned, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
3
Stir in the tomato paste, red wine vinegar, diced garlic, and half of the water, mixing well to combine. Add the bay leaf for extra flavor.
4
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the stew simmer for 1 hour, checking occasionally and adding more water as needed to keep it moist.
5
After an hour, add the sliced white onions and mushrooms to the pot. Stir well and cover again, simmering for an additional hour or until both the meat and onions are tender.
6
Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and fold in the grated Monterey Jack cheese. Cover the pot and let it cook for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbling.
7
Serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or your favorite side. Enjoy your authentic Greek beef stew!
Nutrition Information
40g
Fat
30g
Carbs
40g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Authentic Greek Beef Stew with Monterey Jack.
What type of meat is used in this stew?
The recipe uses 3 lbs of chopped stew meat.
How long should I brown the meat?
The stew meat should be browned on all sides for about 5 to 7 minutes.
What type of cheese is featured in this Greek stew?
This recipe features 3/4 lb of grated Monterey Jack cheese.
How many onions are required for the recipe?
The recipe requires one chopped onion for the initial sauté and 2 lbs of sliced white onions for the simmering stage.
How much tomato paste should be added?
You should use one 6-ounce can of tomato paste.
What kind of vinegar is used for flavor?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar.
What is the total simmering time?
The stew simmers for a total of two hours: one hour initially and another hour after adding the vegetables.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifically calls for 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
What cookware is recommended for this recipe?
A heavy-bottomed kettle or a Dutch oven is recommended.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe uses 1 clove of diced garlic.
Does this stew contain mushrooms?
Yes, it includes 1/2 lb of sliced mushrooms.
When should the garlic be added to the pot?
Add the diced garlic along with the tomato paste and red wine vinegar after the meat and chopped onion have been sautéed.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 600 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 40g of fat per serving.
How much protein does this stew provide?
This dish provides 40g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
What are the best side dishes for this stew?
It is best served alongside crusty bread or over a bed of rice.
Do I need to remove the bay leaf?
Yes, the bay leaf should be removed before folding in the Monterey Jack cheese.
How much water is added to the stew?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of water, adding half initially and more as needed to keep the stew moist.
What is the final step of the cooking process?
The final step is to fold in the cheese and cook for another 5 minutes until it is melted and bubbling.
Is this considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-pot recipe, making it convenient for preparation and cleanup.
When are the sliced white onions added?
The sliced white onions are added after the stew has simmered for the first hour.
What is the texture of the meat after cooking?
The meat becomes tender chunks after the total two-hour simmering process.
What heat level should I use for simmering?
The stew should be simmered on low heat.
How do I prepare the stew meat?
The 3 lbs of stew meat should be chopped into bite-sized chunks.
How should I season the meat?
The meat should be lightly seasoned with salt and pepper to taste during the browning process.
Can I add extra water during the simmering process?
Yes, you should check occasionally and add more water as needed to maintain moisture.
What is the preparation for the white onions?
The 2 lbs of white onions should be sliced rather than chopped.
How long should I sauté the chopped onion?
The chopped onion should be sautéed until translucent, which takes about 4 to 5 minutes.