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Beef Giouvetsi

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Beef Giouvetsi is a traditional Greek baked dish made with tender beef, orzo pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce. Slow-cooked in the oven until the meat is succulent and the pasta absorbs all the savory flavors, this dish is a Mediterranean comfort classic.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cut into cubes
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cups beef broth or water
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Grated kefalotyri or parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large ovenproof pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear beef cubes until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, sauté chopped onion and garlic until softened.
  4. Add tomato paste and stir for 1 minute. Then add crushed tomatoes, cinnamon, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Return beef to the pot, pour in beef broth, bring to a simmer, then cover and transfer to oven. Bake for 1.5 hours.
  6. Remove from oven, stir in orzo, and return uncovered to bake for another 30 minutes, or until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  7. Remove bay leaf, serve hot, and top with grated kefalotyri or parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Substitute beef with lamb or chicken for variation.
  • Add cinnamon stick or a pinch of allspice for traditional Greek depth.
  • Stir in vegetables like carrots or peas during last 30 minutes.
  • Use rice or other small pasta if orzo isn’t available.
  • Reheat with a splash of broth to restore moisture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastyera.com/beef-giouvetsi/