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Beef Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Orzo Pasta)

Beef Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Orzo Pasta)
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Traditional Greek comfort food with tender braised beef, orzo pasta, and rich tomato sauce infused with warm spices.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck or stew meat, cut into cubes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, 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
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
  • 2 cups hot water or beef broth, as needed
  • Grated Kefalotyri cheese (or Parmesan)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season beef with salt and pepper. Sear in batches until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Sauté onion 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, allspice, and sugar if using. Mix well.
  5. Return beef to pot with juices. Bring to gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and braise 1.5-2 hours until fork-tender.
  6. During last 30 minutes of braising, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  7. Stir orzo into pot. Add hot water or broth as needed until orzo is just covered.
  8. Transfer to oven and bake uncovered 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until orzo is tender.
  9. Remove cinnamon stick and bay leaves.
  10. Sprinkle with cheese, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

  • Choose well-marbled beef chuck for maximum tenderness.
  • Traditional clay pot enhances flavor if available.
  • Tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.benefitiany.com/beef-giouvetsi-greek-beef-orzo-pasta/