Description
Beef Giouvetsi is a classic Greek dish featuring tender beef simmered in a rich, spiced tomato sauce with orzo pasta. Slow-cooked to perfection, this hearty meal combines savory beef, aromatic spices, and comforting pasta textures.
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, sear beef cubes, set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Sauté onion, garlic, add tomato paste, tomatoes, broth, spices, sugar. Mix.
- Simmer the Beef: Add beef to pot, simmer covered for 1.5-2 hours.
- Add the Orzo: Preheat oven, add orzo to pot, ensure even cooking with water/broth.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Serve: Remove cinnamon stick, bay leaves, top with cheese, parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- Vegetable Add-ins: Bell peppers or carrots can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Protein Substitution: Lamb can be used instead of beef for variation.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Spicier Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chili peppers for extra spice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop, Oven
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
