Name: Beef Giouvetsi Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 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; 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); 1 ½ cups orzo pasta; 2 cups hot water or beef broth (as needed); Grated Kefalotyri cheese or Parmesan; Fresh parsley for garnish

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If you’re searching for a soul-warming dinner that brings everyone to the table, Beef Giouvetsi is the answer. This iconic Greek classic combines melt-in-your-mouth beef simmered slowly in a tomato-rich, spice-kissed sauce, then bakes it all together with velvety orzo pasta. The blend of simple ingredients and patient cooking rewards you with bold flavors, making Beef Giouvetsi the ultimate comfort food for both everyday meals and festive gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of Beef Giouvetsi is how it transforms a handful of familiar pantry ingredients into a luxurious, irresistible meal. Each element plays an essential role in building the dish’s texture, richness, or deep flavor. Gather these ingredients and let your kitchen fill with intoxicating aromas!

Beef chuck or stew meat: Slow-cooking cuts like chuck become exceptionally tender and soak up all those Mediterranean flavors.
Olive oil: The foundation of every great Greek sauce, lending richness and a hint of peppery flavor.
Onion: Gives sweetness and depth to the sauce as it cooks down and mingles with the spices.
Garlic: Just three cloves infuse the dish with irresistible aroma and a classic Mediterranean backbone.
Crushed tomatoes: The base of the sauce, providing vibrant red color and plenty of body.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and gives the sauce a sumptuous, velvety mouthfeel.
Beef broth: Adds savory depth to the sauce and keeps the beef extra juicy as it simmers.
Cinnamon stick: The secret spice for authentic Beef Giouvetsi, delivering gentle warmth and complexity.
Bay leaves: Traditional in Greek stews, imparting subtle herbal notes.
Ground allspice: A pinch makes the sauce slightly sweet and spicy, echoing Greek culinary tradition.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste and pull the flavors together.
Sugar (optional): Just a touch smooths out any tartness from the tomatoes.
Orzo pasta: This rice-shaped pasta drinks in the sauce and gives Beef Giouvetsi its iconic, comforting texture.
Hot water or beef broth: Helps the orzo cook evenly and stay perfectly tender without drying out the sauce.
Grated Kefalotyri cheese or Parmesan: A generous sprinkle adds briny, nutty flavors and melty appeal on top.
Fresh parsley: For a pop of color and freshness right before serving.

How to Make

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Heat your olive oil in a heavy Dutch oven until shimmering. Pat your beef cubes dry and season them generously with salt and pepper. Working in batches, sear the beef on all sides so it gets a deep, mouthwatering brown crust—this caramelization is key to flavor. Don’t rush this step! Sear, then transfer the pieces to a plate as they’re done.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

With the beef set aside, toss the onion into the same pot, scraping up any browned bits left from the beef. Sauté until it turns translucent and sweet, then stir in the garlic and let it cook just until fragrant. Next, add the tomato paste and give it a minute or two to deepen and sweeten—the aromas at this stage are wonderful! Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, allspice, and a pinch of sugar if you like. Stir until it all melds together into a lush, well-spiced sauce.

Step 3: Simmer the Beef

Return your beautifully browned beef to the pot, tucking it into the bubbling sauce. Reduce the heat to low and cover. Let everything gently simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is meltingly tender and the sauce is thick and infused with layers of spice. Don’t forget to check occasionally, giving it a stir and savoring how your kitchen fills with the scent of Beef Giouvetsi!

Step 4: Add the Orzo

When your beef is nearly fork-tender, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Stir the orzo pasta into the sauce, making sure it’s well distributed. Depending on how much liquid the beef has absorbed, you may need to add some extra hot water or beef broth—just enough to help the orzo cook through and soak up the sauce’s flavor.

Step 5: Bake Until Perfect

Transfer the entire pot to your preheated oven, or continue cooking gently on the stovetop if you prefer. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened to a nice, luscious consistency. The pasta should be plump but not mushy, and the whole dish should look like the ultimate comfort food.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaves. Sprinkle your Beef Giouvetsi generously with grated Kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese and a flourish of chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot, straight from the pot, to enjoy every drop of saucy goodness!

How to Serve

Garnishes

The crowning glory of Beef Giouvetsi is a snowcap of grated Kefalotyri, which melts just enough to create a salty, creamy finish. If you can’t find Kefalotyri, Parmesan works beautifully. Scatter fresh parsley over the top for a burst of green and a whisper of herbal brightness.

Side Dishes

This dish shines as the centerpiece of any meal, but to make it truly memorable, serve Beef Giouvetsi with piping hot crusty bread for soaking up every drop of sauce. A crisp Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta adds freshness and balances the richness of the stew. You could also add simple roasted veggies or tangy yogurt for extra flair.

Creative Ways to Present

For special gatherings, try portioning Beef Giouvetsi into individual oven-safe ramekins before baking the orzo. Each guest gets their own bubbling, golden-topped mini casserole. Or, family-style, scoop the stew onto a vibrant serving platter and finish with the garnishes for a truly rustic, inviting look. However you present it, everyone will come running when they see what’s for dinner!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Beef Giouvetsi tastes even better the next day, as the flavors deepen overnight. Cool the dish completely, then scoop into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The orzo will continue absorbing the sauce, making leftovers extra thick and savory.

Freezing

This is an excellent make-ahead meal. For best results, let Beef Giouvetsi cool fully, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags (remove as much air as possible). Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place Beef Giouvetsi in a covered dish and warm gently in the oven or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir until hot throughout, and don’t forget to freshen up with more cheese and parsley just before serving.

FAQs

What cut of beef is best for Beef Giouvetsi?

Chuck roast or stew meat is perfect, as it becomes wonderfully tender when slow cooked, soaking up all the spiced tomato flavors that make Beef Giouvetsi so satisfying.

Can I make Beef Giouvetsi gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply replace the orzo with your favorite gluten-free small pasta or even cooked rice. The dish will stay just as hearty and flavorful for everyone to enjoy.

What cheese can I use if Kefalotyri isn’t available?

If you can’t find Kefalotyri, a good-quality Parmesan or Pecorino Romano will do the trick. They both provide that salty tang and creamy texture that complement Beef Giouvetsi perfectly.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

Of course! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced chili pepper to the sauce as it simmers, and you’ll have a version of Beef Giouvetsi with a delightful spicy kick.

Can I add vegetables to Beef Giouvetsi?

Definitely. Try adding diced carrots, bell peppers, or even mushrooms to the sauce for added nutrition, texture, and flavor. The dish adapts beautifully to whatever you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason why Beef Giouvetsi holds a special place in so many hearts: it’s hearty, comforting, and brings everyone together at the table. I hope you feel inspired to try this Greek classic soon—one taste and you’ll understand why it’s a favorite for both weeknight dinners and festive occasions!