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
-
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
