Description
Beef Giouvetsi is a traditional Greek stew featuring tender beef simmered with aromatic spices and hearty orzo pasta. This comforting one-pot dish combines slow-cooked beef, tomatoes, and fragrant cinnamon and oregano to create a rich Mediterranean flavor, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cubed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
Grains and Pasta
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
Spices and Herbs
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Oils and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cubed beef and brown on all sides, about 8 minutes. This seals in the juices and builds flavor. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Simmer the stew: Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, dried oregano, cinnamon, and the browned beef back into the pot. Stir everything together, bring to a simmer, then cover and let cook gently for 1 hour, or until the beef is tender and flavorful.
- Cook the orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta into the stew. Continue cooking uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened to a rich stew consistency.
- Season and garnish: Taste the stew and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute orzo with small pasta like acini di pepe or rice if preferred.
- For extra richness, add a splash of red wine when simmering the beef.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, simmer a little longer after adding the orzo.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
