Description
Beef Giouvetsi is a classic Greek comfort dish featuring tender chunks of beef, orzo pasta, and a richly spiced tomato sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection in one pot, this hearty meal is flavored with cinnamon, bay leaves, and allspice, making it both aromatic and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck or stew meat, cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups hot water or beef broth (as needed)
- Grated Kefalotyri cheese or Parmesan (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Season beef with salt and pepper, then sear in batches until browned. Set aside.
- Sauté the onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen flavor.
- Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, allspice, and sugar if using. Stir to combine.
- Return beef to the pot, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook gently for 1½ to 2 hours, until beef is tender.
- Add orzo and ensure there’s enough liquid by adding hot water or broth if needed.
- Transfer the pot to a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) and bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
- Remove cinnamon stick and bay leaves before serving.
- Top with grated cheese and parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Lamb can be substituted for beef for a more traditional flavor.
- Use rice, pearl couscous, or quinoa if orzo is unavailable.
- Stir orzo during baking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Recipe improves when made ahead of time as flavors meld.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
