Greek Beef Orzo Pasta

Greek Beef Orzo Pasta, historically referred to as Giouvetsi, is a beloved dish in Greek delicacies that blends tender beef, orzo pasta, and a spiced tomato sauce right into a comforting one-pot meal. Baked to perfection and topped with grated cheese, it’s a hearty and flavorful dish excellent for household dinners or particular events.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Wealthy, comforting, and filled with Mediterranean taste
• One-pot type cooking with simple cleanup
• A conventional Greek recipe with trendy ease
• Good for meal prep or feeding a crowd
• Versatile—simple to adapt together with your favourite components

Elements

(Tip: You’ll discover the complete record of components and measurements within the recipe card beneath.)

• Beef chuck or stewing beef, cubed
• Orzo pasta
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Tomato paste
• Canned crushed or chopped tomatoes
• Pink wine (non-obligatory however advisable)
• Olive oil
• Bay leaves
• Floor cinnamon
• Floor allspice
• Salt and pepper
• Scorching water or beef broth
• Grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

1. Sear the meat: In a big pot or Dutch oven, warmth olive oil over medium-high warmth. Brown the meat cubes on all sides. Take away and put aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics: In the identical pot, add the chopped onion. Sauté till translucent, then add garlic and cook dinner for 1 minute.
3. Deglaze and simmer: Stir in tomato paste and cook dinner briefly. Add crimson wine and deglaze the pot. Add crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Return beef to the pot and canopy with water or broth. Simmer on low warmth for about 1.5 to 2 hours till the meat is tender.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. Add orzo and bake: Switch the meat and sauce to a baking dish. Stir in orzo pasta and extra sizzling water or broth to cowl. Cowl with foil and bake for half-hour. Uncover and bake for an additional Quarter-hour till the orzo is tender and the highest is barely crispy.
6. Relaxation and serve: Let relaxation for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with grated cheese earlier than serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Prepare dinner time: 2 hours Quarter-hour
• Complete time: 2 hours 35 minutes

Variations

• Swap the protein: Use lamb or rooster as a substitute of beef
• Vegetarian model: Use hearty greens like mushrooms and eggplant, and vegetable broth
• Add greens: Stir in spinach, zucchini, or roasted crimson peppers
• Herb twist: Add dried oregano or thyme for further Greek taste

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers for as much as 3 days in an hermetic container
• Freeze for as much as 2 months. Thaw in a single day within the fridge earlier than reheating
• Reheat within the oven at 350°F till warmed by means of or microwave particular person servings

FAQs

Can I exploit one other kind of pasta?

Sure, though orzo is conventional, small pasta shapes like ditalini or rice-shaped pasta additionally work.

What wine ought to I exploit?

A dry crimson wine equivalent to Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon provides depth to the sauce.

Can I make this dish forward?

Sure. Make the meat sauce forward and bake with orzo simply earlier than serving.

Is orzo gluten-free?

No, however you possibly can substitute with gluten-free orzo or small GF pasta.

Can I cook dinner this fully on the stovetop?

You may simmer the orzo within the stew uncovered, however baking provides the perfect taste and texture.

What cheese can I exploit if I can’t discover kefalotyri?

Use grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano in its place.

Can I make this with out wine?

Sure, merely use further broth or water as a substitute of wine.

How do I preserve the orzo from overcooking?

Add sufficient liquid to cowl the orzo and monitor baking time to make sure it’s al dente.

What ought to I serve with this?

Pair with a Greek salad, crusty bread, or roasted greens.

Is that this dish spicy?

No, however you possibly can add crimson pepper flakes if you happen to like a little bit warmth.

Conclusion

Greek Beef Orzo Pasta (Giouvetsi) is a country and flavorful dish that brings the consolation of slow-cooked beef and pasta to your desk with genuine Greek spices. It’s a one-dish meal that’s easy to organize, wealthy in style, and ideal for each weeknights and festive gatherings.

Print