Beef Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Orzo Pasta) Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy meal to warm your heart and soul, the Beef Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Orzo Pasta) Recipe is just what you need. This dish has been a beloved staple in my home for as long as I can remember. The combination of tender beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce with orzo pasta creates a delicious dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings.

What makes this recipe truly special is its ease of preparation. You can throw everything into one pot and let it slow-cook while you enjoy some quality time with your loved ones. It’s comforting, satisfying, and sure to become a favorite at your dinner table too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: Save time on cleanup! Everything cooks together in one pot, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Family-Friendly: With its rich flavors and hearty textures, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and reheat when you’re ready to serve—ideal for meal prep!
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of spices and slow-cooked beef creates a taste that will transport you straight to the Mediterranean.
• Customizable: Easy to tweak based on what you have on hand or personal preferences!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this delightful dish, you’ll be using simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 garlic cloves (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 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 2 cups hot water or beef broth (as needed)

For Serving:

• Grated Kefalotyri cheese (or Parmesan)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Variations

This Beef Giouvetsi recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Swap the protein: Use chicken or lamb instead of beef for a different flavor profile.
• Add veggies: Toss in some chopped carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
• Go vegetarian: Replace the beef with hearty mushrooms and vegetable broth for a plant-based version.

How to Make Beef Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Orzo Pasta) Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef cubes and sear them until they are browned on all sides. This step is crucial because browning the meat enhances the flavor of your dish through caramelization.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add more olive oil if needed, then toss in the chopped onion. Sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This builds an aromatic base that will make your sauce irresistible.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Return the beef to the pot along with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, ground allspice, salt, pepper, and sugar if using. Give everything a good stir to combine. The mixture should start smelling heavenly already!

Step 4: Slow Cook

Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it cook slowly for about 2 hours. This allows time for all those flavors to meld beautifully together while keeping your beef tender.

Step 5: Add Orzo

After 2 hours, add the orzo pasta directly into the pot along with hot water or more broth as needed. Stir well and cook uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking; this step ensures every bite is flavorful.

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Remove from heat and discard cinnamon stick and bay leaves before serving. Top each bowl with grated cheese and fresh parsley for garnish. Serve family-style with crusty bread on the side—enjoy every comforting bite of this Beef Giouvetsi!

Pro Tips for Making Beef Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Orzo Pasta) Recipe

Creating the perfect Beef Giouvetsi is all about attention to detail and a few handy tricks. Here are some pro tips to elevate your dish!

• Choose the right cut of beef: Using beef chuck or stew meat ensures that the meat becomes tender and flavorful during the slow cooking process, making every bite melt in your mouth.
• Sear the beef first: Browning the beef in olive oil before adding it to the pot enhances its flavor and adds depth to your sauce, creating a rich base for this delicious dish.
• Don’t skip the spices: The combination of cinnamon, bay leaves, and allspice gives this dish its signature warmth and aroma. Let these spices infuse into your sauce for a truly authentic taste.
• Adjust liquid as needed: Depending on how much sauce you prefer, you can add more hot water or broth while cooking. Just keep an eye on the consistency to ensure it’s not too soupy or dry.
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing your Beef Giouvetsi to sit for about 10 minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together beautifully and makes serving easier.

How to Serve Beef Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Orzo Pasta) Recipe

Serving Beef Giouvetsi is an opportunity to create a delightful dining experience! This dish is best enjoyed family-style, allowing everyone to help themselves while savoring its hearty flavors.

Garnishes

• Grated cheese: A sprinkle of grated Kefalotyri cheese or Parmesan adds a creamy richness that complements the dish perfectly.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped fresh parsley not only brightens up the plate but also adds a pop of color and freshness to balance the rich flavors.

Side Dishes

• Greek salad: This refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta brings brightness and crunch, making it an ideal complement to the warm pasta.
• Crusty bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping into the savory sauce; it’s perfect for soaking up every last bit!
• Roasted vegetables: Oven-roasted seasonal vegetables provide a healthy contrast and add more texture to your meal.
• Tzatziki sauce: A cool yogurt-based dip made with cucumbers and garlic offers a refreshing contrast that pairs wonderfully with the warm pasta.

Enjoy crafting your own delicious Beef Giouvetsi while sharing it with loved ones – it’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your home!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Beef Giouvetsi recipe is perfect for meal prep! It stores well, making it easy to enjoy this delicious dish throughout the week or even on a busy day.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Label your container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• Ensure the Beef Giouvetsi is cooled down before freezing.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Heat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if necessary to prevent drying out.
• Microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Beef Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Orzo Pasta) Recipe that might help you as you prepare this delightful dish.

Can I use different cuts of beef for the Beef Giouvetsi?

Absolutely! While beef chuck is recommended for its tenderness, you can also use brisket or round cuts. Just be sure they are suitable for slow cooking.

How can I make this Beef Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Orzo Pasta) Recipe vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and eggplant, and replace beef broth with vegetable broth. You may also consider using lentils or chickpeas for added protein.

How long does it take to cook Beef Giouvetsi?

This dish takes about 150 minutes to cook slowly on the stove. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to develop beautifully, resulting in tender meat and perfectly cooked orzo pasta.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing this comforting Greek Beef Giouvetsi recipe! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with rich flavors and warmth that brings everyone together. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share your creations with family and friends. Happy cooking!