Description
Beef Giouvetsi is a hearty and comforting Greek dish made with tender beef stew meat, simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato-based sauce, and served with orzo pasta. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and brings the essence of Greek cuisine right to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
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 cooking orzo)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Add the cinnamon stick, bay leaves, ground allspice, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Return the beef to the pot, stirring to combine.
- Simmer: Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally, and check seasoning levels, adding more salt and pepper as needed.
- Cook the Orzo: In a separate pot, bring 2 cups of hot water or beef broth to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package directions, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Combine and Serve: Once the beef is tender and the sauce is thickened, stir in the cooked orzo pasta. Let it all cook together for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Beef Giouvetsi is a wonderful make-ahead dish as it tastes even better the next day.
- For extra depth of flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the sauce along with the beef broth.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course, Greek Cuisine
- Method: Simmering, Stove-top Cooking
- Cuisine: Greek
Keywords: Greek Beef, Giouvetsi, Beef Stew, Orzo, Comfort Food, Greek Pasta