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
Scale
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
