The beef Kokkinisto (Instant Pot) version is what’s cooking today! Traditionally this meal is prepared slow-cooked for hours, but I came up with a recipe that cuts your time in half with the Instant Pot. If you have an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, get it out and follow along.

I made this dish in less than 35 minutes and it was perfect! Why do I love it? I love this Greek dish so much because it brings back memories of when we were together in Greece at a taverna enjoying this dish. I add a cinnamon stick to the pot for extra flavor, which is my secret weapon. Well, the bay leaves & cinnamon stick add a wonderful touch. To make it shine even more, add red wine to the sauce!

Let’s get to the cooking!

Beef Kokkinisto (Instant Pot) Version Recipe

Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

•  3 lbs beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• Salt & pepper to taste
•  3 tbsp olive oil
•  1 large white onion (chopped)
• 1 leek (chopped)
• 3 carrots, diced (I like to use rainbow carrots)
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 2 medium size garlic cloves (minced)
•  1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cup tomato sauce
•  1/2 cup of beef stock
•  1/2 cup red wine
•  3 tbsp tomato paste
•  2-3 bay leaves
•  1 cinnamon stick
•  1 tsp dried oregano
•  1/2 tsp dried thyme
•  Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• Fresh Pecorino cheese, grated

Method:

1. Prepare the Instant Pot:
Turn on the Instant Pot and select the ‘Sauté’ function. Add olive oil to the pot.

2. Sauté the Beef:
Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper. Add the meat to the pot and brown on all sides. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Onions, Leek, Garlic, Carrot, & Celery
Add the chopped onion, leek, garlic, carrot, and celery to the pot and sauté until softened (about 3 minutes).

4. Deglaze the Pot:
Pour the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer for about 2-3 minutes.

5. Add Remaining Ingredients:
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper if you like.

6. Pressure Cook:
Close the lid and set the valve to the ‘Sealing’ position. Select the ‘Pressure Cook’ or ‘Manual’ function and set the timer for 45 minutes.

7. Natural Release:
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to the ‘Venting’ position to release any remaining pressure.

8. Serve:
Open the lid and give the stew a good stir. Remove the bay leaves and cinnamon stick. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and Kefalotyri or pecorino cheese!

Serving Suggestions & Notes
Beef Kokkinisto is traditionally served with pasta, rice, or perhaps mashed potatoes.  Don’t forget to serve it with a helping of fresh kefalotyri or pecorino cheese over the top.

Enjoy your delicious beef kokkinisto!