Beef Giouvetsi is a hearty and comforting Greek dish that combines tender beef, orzo pasta, and a rich, spiced tomato sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish is an authentic Mediterranean meal that’s perfect for family-style dining. Serve it with crusty bread and a Greek salad for a truly satisfying and flavorful experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Beef Giouvetsi is the epitome of comfort food. The tender beef, hearty orzo pasta, and flavorful tomato-based sauce come together to create a dish that’s both rich and satisfying. The cinnamon and allspice add warmth and complexity to the sauce, while the grated cheese topping brings an extra layer of savory goodness. This dish is easy to prepare and makes for an unforgettable dinner.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
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2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck or stew meat, cut into cubes
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 large onion, finely chopped
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3 garlic cloves, minced
For the Sauce:
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1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 cup beef broth
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1 cinnamon stick
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2 bay leaves
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1 tsp ground allspice
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
For the Pasta:
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1 ½ cups orzo pasta
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2 cups hot water or beef broth (as needed)
Optional Toppings:
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Grated Kefalotyri cheese or Parmesan
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Tip: you’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
1. Sear the Beef:
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Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.
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Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear in batches until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
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In the same pot, sauté the onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
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Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
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Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, allspice, and sugar (if using). Mix well.
3. Simmer the Beef:
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Return the seared beef to the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
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Cover and cook on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce is rich and flavorful.
4. Add the Orzo:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Add the orzo to the pot, mixing it into the sauce.
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If needed, add hot water or additional broth to ensure the orzo cooks evenly.
5. Bake:
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Transfer the pot to the oven (or continue cooking on the stovetop) and bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed the sauce.
6. Serve:
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Remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaves.
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Sprinkle with grated Kefalotyri cheese or Parmesan and garnish with fresh parsley.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving and Timing
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Serving Size: 6 servings
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
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Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Variations
Feel free to add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, to the dish for added flavor and nutrition. If you prefer, you can substitute the beef with lamb for a different variation. You can also swap out the orzo for another small pasta shape if desired.
Storage/Heating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra broth or water as needed to loosen the sauce.
FAQ
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, Beef Giouvetsi can be made ahead of time. The flavors actually improve after sitting for a day or two. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while orzo is traditional, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a slow cooker. After searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the beef is tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe is not gluten-free as it uses orzo, which contains gluten. You can use gluten-free orzo or other gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes, if you prefer a spicier dish, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced chili peppers to the sauce.
Conclusion
Beef Giouvetsi is the perfect dish for a comforting, hearty meal. With its tender beef, flavorful tomato sauce, and soft orzo pasta, it’s a one-pot meal that will warm you up and satisfy your hunger. This delicious Greek dish is sure to become a favorite in your household!
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Beef Giouvetsi
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Beef Giouvetsi is a classic Greek dish that’s hearty and full of flavor, featuring tender beef simmered in a rich, spiced tomato sauce with orzo pasta. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish offers the perfect balance of savory beef, aromatic spices, and the comforting texture of pasta. It’s the ideal meal for family-style dining, served with crusty bread and a Greek salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck or stew meat, cut into cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
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, to balance acidity)
For the Pasta:
1 ½ cups orzo pasta
2 cups hot water or beef broth (as needed)
Optional Toppings:
Grated Kefalotyri cheese or Parmesan
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
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Sear the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear in batches until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside. -
Prepare the Sauce:
In the same pot, sauté the onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Then add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, allspice, and sugar (if using). Mix well. -
Simmer the Beef:
Return the seared beef to the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce is rich and flavorful. -
Add the Orzo:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Add the orzo to the pot, mixing it into the sauce. If needed, add hot water or beef broth to ensure the orzo cooks evenly. -
Bake:
Transfer the pot to the oven (or continue cooking on the stovetop) and bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed the sauce. -
Serve:
Remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaves. Sprinkle with grated Kefalotyri cheese or Parmesan and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Protein Substitution: You can substitute the beef with lamb for a different variation of this dish.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the orzo for gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this dish.
- Spicier Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers to the sauce for an extra spice boost.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop, Oven
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
