Name: Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Stew with Orzo)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into large cubes; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 cups crushed tomatoes; 1 cinnamon stick; 2 whole cloves; 1 bay leaf; 4 cups beef broth; 1 pound orzo pasta; Salt and pepper, to taste; Grated kefalotyri or parmesan cheese, for serving

Description

Giouvetsi is a traditional Greek comfort dish made with tender beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce and baked with orzo pasta. Fragrant spices like cinnamon and cloves give it a warm, irresistible flavor, making it the perfect family-style meal.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into large cubes
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups crushed tomatoes
1 cinnamon stick
2 whole cloves
1 bay leaf
4 cups beef broth
1 pound orzo pasta
Salt and pepper, to taste
Grated kefalotyri or parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until hot.
Combine Ingredients: Add olive oil, sear beef cubes on all sides, then set aside. In the same pot sauté onion and garlic until golden. Stir in tomato paste until fragrant.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Pour in crushed tomatoes, broth, cinnamon stick, cloves, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Return beef to the pot and bring to a simmer.
Assemble the Dish: Cover and cook gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender.
Cook to Perfection: Stir in orzo and add more hot broth if needed. Simmer until orzo is al dente, about 15 minutes.
Finishing Touches: Remove cinnamon stick, cloves, and bay leaf. Adjust seasoning and sprinkle with cheese.
Serve and Enjoy: Let rest for 10 minutes before serving for the perfect consistency.

Notes

Note: Always sear the beef first for the best flavor.
Let the dish rest before serving, the orzo will absorb the sauce perfectly.
Add broth gradually as orzo tends to soak up liquid quickly.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop and Oven
Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 480
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: giouvetsi, greek beef stew, beef with orzo, traditional greek recipe, comfort food