Stifado is a hearty Greek one-pot stew that is ideal for a cold winter's day. Although the ingredients vary from region to region and from cook to cook, the essential ones are large amounts of onions, tomatoes, wine or vinegar, and sometimes garlic.

Depending on the region, meat such as goat, rabbit, wild hare, snails, tripe, or octopus can be added to the stew, but it is mostly made with beef. Others like to add mushrooms or warming spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. The usage of those spices points to a possible Levantine influence, while the name of the dish is a clear indicator of Italian influence, derived from the word stufato, meaning stewed in Italian. 

Greek sofrito is a dish consisting of tender cuts of beef or veal that are lightly dredged in flour and then slowly sautéed in a flavorful sauce based on white wine, which is additionally seasoned with garlic, parsley, and vinegar. Though it is considered a delicacy that hails from Corfu, it is commonly enjoyed throughout the country.

Because the term sofrito stems from the Italian language, meaning to sautée, and the whole island was under the Venetian rule for centuries, it is believed that the dish was inspired by traditional Venetian cuisine. Greek sofrito is typically accompanied by rice, potatoes, or crusty bread.

Chomlek is a traditional North Macedonian stew that is typically prepared with veal or baby beef, a generous amount of tiny, walnut-sized onion bulbs (called kokar or arpadzik in Macedonian), and garlic. Depending on the recipe, either red or white wine is added to the mixture, while other common ingredients contained in the dish include dried red peppers, carrots, tomato purée, parsley, or mushrooms.

Chomlek is usually seasoned with salt, black pepper, red pepper, and bay leaves. It is customarily prepared in a traditional earthenware dish or pot, with the lid placed on top and firmly secured and sealed with dough. Even though this delicacy is a rather straightforward dish, it is also time-consuming and takes hours to cook. 

Kalogeros is a traditional beef stew that's served as a casserole. It originates from Naxos. The dish is made with a combination of veal or beef chunks that have been stewed in tomato sauce, eggplants, tomatoes, Graviera cheese, cinnamon, and Myzithra cheese.

The eggplants are sliced in half and fried, then topped with the beef, Myzithra, slices of tomatoes, and Graviera cheese. The combination is sprinkled with cinnamon and baked until the Graviera cheese melts. Kalogeros is traditionally served with fried potatoes. 

Hadžijski ćevap is a traditional dish of beef stir-fried and stewed with onion, tomatoes, bull horn peppers, mushrooms, carrots, and garlic, seasoned with black pepper, paprika, parsley, and salt. The dish is prepared in the pot on the stove, but once nearly done, it is baked in the oven.

Usually, the stew is placed on baking paper, which is tied at the top, before being placed in a baking tray, usually a clay one, and baked. Also, often hadžijski ćevap is portioned out into individual ramekins for baking.

Potkriža or Bosanski ćevap is a traditional Bosnian dish of pogača bread, beef or veal, beef broth, and sauteed onions cooked and assembled in a big baking dish. The dish dates back to medieval times and was usually prepared for special and festive occasions but is rarely prepared today.

The preparation starts with making pogača with wheat flour, baking soda or baking powder, water, and salt. It needs to turn stale before it's ready to be used. The beef or veal is cooked until done, and the onion is sauteed with the resulting broth. 

Tagarica is a traditional meat stew or casserole that is slow-cooked in a clay or metal pot called a tagar. The dish typically includes beef or veal, potatoes, and a variety of vegetables such as onions, carrots, tomato, and peppers, seasoned with garlic, salt, pepper, and other spices.

The stew is first cooked on the stove, then baked in the oven. The clay pot, which must be soaked in water before baking, helps create a slow, even cooking process and releases water as it cooks, allowing the flavors to meld while ensuring the meat becomes tender, the vegetables absorb the rich broth, and the dish is imparted with a unique flavor.