Description
A traditional Greek beef stew with orzo pasta, slow-cooked in tomato sauce and warm spices for the ultimate one-pot comfort 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 garlic cloves, 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)
For the Pasta:
1 ½ cups orzo pasta
2 cups hot water or beef broth, as needed
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Season beef with salt and pepper, sear until browned, and set aside.
3. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
4. Add tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, cinnamon, bay leaves, allspice, and sugar.
6. Return beef to the pot, simmer covered for 1.5–2 hours.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Stir in orzo and add hot water or broth as needed.
9. Bake for 20–25 minutes until orzo is tender.
10. Let rest, remove spices, and serve hot.
Notes
Serve with grated Kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese.
Pairs perfectly with a Greek salad or a glass of red wine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked, One-Pot
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 38g
Keywords: Beef Giouvetsi, Greek beef stew, orzo pasta recipe, traditional Greek food