Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef) Recipe
Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef) is pure comfort in a bowl—a lusciously saucy, aromatic pasta dish that captures the heart and soul of Greek home cooking. Imagine tender orzo, juicy ground beef, and a warmly spiced tomato sauce all coming together in just one pot, finished with a snowfall of salty cheese. Whether you’re bringing the family together for a weeknight dinner or channeling the Mediterranean sun on a chilly evening, this recipe promises to become one of those regular favorites you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef) lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient has a purpose, from the fragrant spices that hint at Greek tradition to the humble orzo that soaks up every drop of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why every component matters:
- Olive oil: Sets the foundation with that unmistakable Mediterranean aroma and a silky base for sautéing.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, melting into the sauce as it cooks.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with a savory punch—don’t skip it if you love classic Greek flavors.
- Ground beef (80/20 or lean): Provides hearty protein and rich flavor; you can even swap for ground lamb for a deeper, traditional note.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out all the savory notes and balancing the tangy tomatoes.
- Black pepper: Brings a gentle warmth that rounds out the spices.
- Ground cinnamon: The secret to that signature Greek flavor—just a touch adds big personality.
- Ground allspice: Lends subtle warmth and complexity, making the sauce irresistible.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of heat—add as much or as little as you like.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor, giving the sauce a deep, rich color.
- Crushed tomatoes (15 oz can): Create that luscious, saucy base that clings to every morsel of orzo.
- Low-sodium beef or chicken broth: Adds depth and helps the orzo cook up tender and flavorful.
- Orzo pasta: The star of Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef); these tiny pasta grains soak up every bit of the spiced sauce.
- Grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese: For that perfect salty, nutty finish—don’t be shy with the cheese!
- Chopped parsley (optional): Adds a pop of freshness and color when serving.
How to Make Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef)
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating your olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s soft and translucent. Next, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds. This first step blooms the flavor and sets the stage for a truly aromatic Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef).
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef straight into your pot. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, and keep going until every bit is browned and there’s no more pink in sight. If you notice excess fat, go ahead and drain it off. This stage is all about building a rich, hearty base for the dish.
Step 3: Spice It Up
Now it’s time to season. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, cinnamon, allspice, and those red pepper flakes if you’re after a hint of heat. Stir everything together, then add your tablespoon of tomato paste and cook for about a minute. This quick sauté brings out the flavors of the spices and deepens the color of the sauce.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the broth, stirring to combine all those gorgeous flavors. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. If you want an extra depth of flavor, let it simmer for about 10 minutes before moving on. This step gives Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef) its signature lush, tomato-rich sauce.
Step 5: Cook the Orzo
Add your orzo to the pot, stirring well to make sure it’s evenly distributed. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks, and cook until the orzo is perfectly tender and has soaked up most of the liquid.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Take the pot off the heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes. The orzo will finish absorbing all those delicious juices and the dish will thicken up just right. Serve your Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef) hot, topped with a generous shower of grated cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Serve Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef)
Garnishes
A final flourish really makes Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef) sing. Grated kefalotyri cheese is traditional, but a good Parmesan works beautifully if that’s what you have. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a pop of green and a hint of brightness.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can easily round out the meal with a crisp Greek salad, some warm pita bread, or even roasted vegetables. The fresh crunch and acidity of a salad are the perfect counterbalance to the rich, savory pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a little flair, serve Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef) in individual bowls or small cazuelas. For gatherings, set up a DIY pasta bar with extra toppings like more cheese, olives, or roasted red peppers. It’s a fun way to let everyone make the dish their own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef) keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply transfer it to an airtight container after it has cooled to room temperature. The flavors deepen overnight, making for an even tastier meal the next day!
Freezing
If you want to freeze a batch, let the Manestra cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the orzo will soften a bit when reheated, but the flavor will still shine.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave individual portions—just cover and stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Ground lamb is a classic Greek alternative and adds a deeper, richer flavor. You can also try ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter version—just keep in mind the flavor will shift a bit depending on your choice.
Is Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef) spicy?
The dish is naturally mild, but the optional red pepper flakes let you control the heat. Leave them out for a kid-friendly version, or add extra if you love a little kick!
What can I substitute for kefalotyri cheese?
If kefalotyri isn’t available, grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano are excellent stand-ins. They both deliver that irresistible salty, nutty finish that makes the dish pop.
Can I make Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef) ahead of time?
Yes, and it actually tastes even better as the flavors meld. Prepare the dish, let it cool, then store it in the fridge. Simply reheat when ready to serve, adding a splash of broth if the orzo has absorbed too much sauce.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
You can create a delicious meatless Manestra by skipping the ground beef and using lentils or plant-based ground “meat” instead. Use vegetable broth to keep it strictly vegetarian, and amp up the spices and tomato for extra richness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something comforting, full of flavor, and wonderfully easy to make, Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef) is the answer. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite way to bring a little Greek magic to your dinner table!
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Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef) Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Manestra is a comforting Greek pasta dish featuring orzo cooked in a savory tomato and ground beef sauce seasoned with warm spices like cinnamon and allspice. This hearty stovetop meal is topped with grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, making it a flavorful and satisfying main course perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or lean)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
To Serve
- Grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary to reduce greasiness.
- Season and Add Tomato Paste: Season the beef mixture with salt, black pepper, cinnamon, allspice, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef or chicken broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta, reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pot from heat and let the dish sit, covered, for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Serve hot, topped with grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a richer depth of flavor, simmer the tomato and beef sauce for 10 minutes before adding the orzo.
- This dish reheats well and can be prepared in advance for easy meal planning.
- Substitute ground lamb for a more authentic Greek variation.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the crushed red pepper flakes or adjust to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
