Experience the heartwarming comfort of Moschari lemonato, a traditional Greek beef stew that brings Mediterranean flavors right to your table.
This tender, slow-cooked dish combines succulent beef with bright lemon notes, creating a perfect balance of richness and zesty freshness.
Ready in just 90 minutes, this protein-packed main course (36.7g per serving) delivers authentic Greek cuisine with minimal prep work.
Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or seeking a wholesome weeknight meal, this classic stew promises restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.
Ingredients for Traditional Greek Lemon Beef Stew
- Stewing beef (1-1.2 kg): Cut into even-sized chunks for consistent cooking
- Red onions (2 small): Finely chopped, adds sweetness and depth
- Garlic (2 cloves): Chopped, essential for authentic Mediterranean flavor
- Fresh lemons (3): For juice, gives the signature tangy taste
- Dried oregano (2 tsp): Classic Greek herb for authentic flavor
- Olive oil (1/2 cup): Use good quality for best results
- White wine (1/2 cup): Dry variety preferred for perfect balance
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning
- Fresh thyme (2 tbsp): Optional but adds wonderful aroma
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Meat: Pat beef chunks dry with paper towels for better browning
- Searing: Heat olive oil and brown meat until crusty on all sides for rich flavor
- Aromatics: Add onions and garlic, sauté 2-3 minutes until fragrant
- Wine Addition: Pour wine and let it evaporate completely
- Final Touches: Add lemon juice, oregano, and just enough hot water to cover
- Seasoning: Add salt and pepper, stirring to combine
- Slow Cooking: Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 1-1.5 hours until tender
- Serving: Pair with mashed potatoes, basmati rice, or french fries
Cooking Techniques
This hearty Greek stew uses two simple but magical cooking methods that bring out amazing flavors.
First, we brown the meat until it’s nice and crusty – this step creates rich, deep flavors that make the stew extra tasty.
Then comes the gentle simmering, where the meat slowly becomes tender in its lemony bath.
The combination of high-heat searing followed by slow cooking is what makes this dish so special!
Perfect Pairings
While this zesty Greek beef stew tastes wonderful with the suggested mashed potatoes, rice, or fries, you might also love it with:
- Warm, crusty bread to soak up all those lovely lemon juices
- A classic Greek salad with feta cheese
- Steamed green beans drizzled with olive oil
- Roasted Mediterranean vegetables
Storage Tips
This stew actually tastes even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days.
When reheating, add a splash of water and warm it gently on the stovetop. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months – just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
The lemon flavor might mellow slightly after freezing, so feel free to add a fresh squeeze of lemon when serving.
Simple Variations
Make this recipe your own with these easy tweaks:
- Add baby potatoes or carrots during the last 30 minutes of cooking
- Try fresh rosemary instead of oregano
- Add some capers or green olives for extra Mediterranean flair
- Use chicken stock instead of water for deeper flavor
Traditional Greek Lemon Beef Stew (Moschari Lemonato)
Equipment
- Large pan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 kg stewing beef 1-1.2 kg (35 oz.)
- 2 small red onions chopped
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 3 whole lemons juiced
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme optional
Instructions
- To prepare this Greek beef stew recipe (Moschari lemonato), start by cutting the beef into chunks. Wipe the meat with paper towels.
- Heat 1/2 of a cup of olive oil into a pan, add the beef and sauté (high heat), until the meat is browned and crusty on all sides.
- Add the chopped onions and garlic and sauté for 2-3 more minutes.
- Pour in the wine and wait to evaporate. Add the lemon juice, the oregano and enough hot water just to cover the meat. Season with salt and pepper and stir.
- Turn the heat down and simmer with the lid on for at least 1-1.5 hour.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, basmati rice or french fries. Enjoy!