Beef Giouvetsi with Orzo is a tasty Greek dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners. Tender beef is cooked with flavorful tomato sauce and mixed with chewy orzo pasta that soaks up all the goodness!
You’ll love how simple it is to make. Just throw everything in one pot, let it simmer, and you’ll have a warm meal that’s bursting with flavor. It’s comfort food at its best! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef stew meat: Choose cuts like chuck or brisket for tenderness. If you have trouble finding it, chicken thighs can be a great substitute for a lighter option.
Orzo: This pasta shape is ideal, but if you’re out, you could use small pasta like ditalini or even rice as an alternative.
Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are convenient and flavorful. Fresh tomatoes work too; just chop and adjust cooking times, adding them a bit earlier.
Spices: Cinnamon and allspice add warmth. If you don’t have allspice, a pinch of nutmeg can stand in well. Feel free to play with your favorite spices!
How Can I Make Sure the Beef is Tender?
The key to tender beef in this dish is low and slow cooking. Make sure to brown the meat well first; this develops great flavor. Once you add the broth, bring it to a boil then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer gently.
- Start with medium-high heat to sear the beef for a nice crust.
- Once it’s simmering, be patient! Let it cook for at least 1 hour for the best results.
- Check occasionally to ensure it doesn’t dry out; if it does, just add a little stock or water.
With these insights, you’ll create a delicious beef Giouvetsi that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking! 😊
Beef Giouvetsi with Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) beef stew meat, cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice (optional)
- 4 cups (1 liter) beef broth or stock
- 1 cup (170g) orzo pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 1.5 hours to cook and simmer. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 45 minutes to have a delicious, hearty meal ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Beef:
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks and brown them on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant.
3. Mixing in the Flavors:
Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, and allspice if you’re using it. Let this mixture cook for 2-3 minutes while stirring occasionally to develop the flavors.
4. Combining with the Beef:
Now, return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and season the mixture with salt and pepper. Bring everything to a boil.
5. Simmering:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours until the beef is nice and tender.
6. Adding the Orzo:
After the beef is tender, stir in the orzo pasta. If the dish looks too thick, feel free to add a bit more broth or water so the orzo cooks perfectly without drying out the dish.
7. Finishing Up:
Continue to simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked and tender. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
8. Serving:
Garnish your Beef Giouvetsi with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this hearty and comforting Greek classic with your loved ones!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is traditional, you can use lamb or chicken as alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of meat for the best tenderness.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the orzo pasta with a gluten-free pasta or use rice. Keep in mind that rice may require a bit more liquid and time to cook properly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave when ready to enjoy again!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition. Just add them when you sauté the onions for the best results.