Experience the rich, comforting taste of Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Stew with Orzo), a traditional Greek classic that brings together tender, slow-cooked beef and perfectly cooked orzo pasta bathed in a savory tomato sauce infused with warm spices and herbs. This hearty, aromatic dish is ideal for cozy family dinners, showcasing authentic Mediterranean flavors that are both satisfying and soul-warming. Whether you’re new to Greek cuisine or a longtime fan, Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Stew with Orzo) offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will quickly make it a favorite in your home kitchen.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Layered Flavors: Slow-cooked beef melds beautifully with the tomato-based sauce and aromatic seasonings for a deep, satisfying taste.
- Comfort Food Perfected: Warm, hearty, and filling, this stew is like a big hug on a plate for any chilly evening.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup as the beef and orzo cook together, absorbing all the delicious juices.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, the mild yet savory profile pleases even picky eaters.
- Authentic Mediterranean Experience: Brings the charm and warmth of Greek home cooking to your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Stew with Orzo) plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, from the tender meat to the aromatic spices, making this dish both easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious.
- Beef Chunks: Use chuck or stew meat for tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture after slow cooking.
- Orzo Pasta: The small pasta absorbs the sauce perfectly, giving a lovely creamy consistency.
- Tomato Paste and Crushed Tomatoes: Provide the foundation of the rich, savory sauce with a hint of sweetness.
- Onions and Garlic: Sautéed to release their natural sweetness and aroma, boosting the overall flavor.
- Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing and adding smoothness, it brings out the Mediterranean character.
- Cinnamon and Bay Leaves: Classic Greek spices that add warmth and depth to the stew.
- Beef Broth or Stock: Creates a luscious base for the stew to simmer in and infuse the beef and orzo with flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: A finishing touch that brightens the dish with a fresh herbaceous note.
- Salt and Pepper: To season perfectly and balance all components.
Variations
Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Stew with Orzo) is incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. These variations make it easy to customize without losing the heart of the dish.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace beef with hearty mushrooms or eggplant for a satisfying meatless stew.
- Chicken Giouvetsi: Swap beef for chicken thighs for a lighter yet equally tasty alternative.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh chili to give the stew a subtle kick.
- Cheesy Finish: Top with crumbled feta or grated kefalotyri cheese for a creamy, tangy contrast.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or substitute orzo with rice for a safe choice.
How to Make Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Stew with Orzo)
Step 1: Preparing the Beef
Start by cutting your beef into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper, then brown it in a hot pan with olive oil until it develops a rich, golden crust that locks in flavor.
Step 2: Sautéing Aromatics
Next, in the same pot, sauté finely chopped onions and garlic until they turn soft and fragrant, releasing the base flavors that will carry the stew.
Step 3: Building the Sauce
Add tomato paste and crushed tomatoes to the pot, stirring well to combine with the aromatics and beef drippings. Incorporate cinnamon sticks and bay leaves, then pour in the beef broth to create a rich, delicious sauce.
Step 4: Simmering the Stew
Return the browned beef to the pot, cover, and let the stew simmer slowly on low heat for about two hours. This slow cooking tenderizes the beef and allows the spices to deeply infuse the sauce.
Step 5: Cooking the Orzo
When the beef is tender, add orzo directly into the pot, stirring carefully. Allow it to cook in the stew’s sauce until al dente, absorbing the flavors and thickening the dish.
Step 6: Final Touches
Remove the cinnamon sticks and bay leaves, adjust seasoning as needed, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, and let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Stew with Orzo)
- Choose the Right Cut: Chuck or brisket works best for tender, flavorful beef after slow cooking.
- Brown the Meat Well: Don’t rush the browning step; it adds essential depth to the stew’s flavor.
- Simmer Low and Slow: Patience is key to tender meat and rich sauce development.
- Stir the Orzo Gently: To avoid breaking the pasta, stir carefully when it cooks in the stew.
- Let it Rest: Allow the finished dish to sit briefly to thicken and enhance flavor melding.
- Use Homemade Broth: For extra richness, homemade beef broth elevates the stew beyond basic flavors.
How to Serve Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Stew with Orzo)
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or mint leaves on top to brighten the dish visually and infuse a fresh aroma. A light dusting of grated cheese like kefalotyri or Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the stew beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Stew with Orzo) with a crisp Greek salad featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta for a refreshing contrast. Warm crusty bread or garlic pita rounds out the meal perfectly by soaking up the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Giouvetsi in rustic earthenware bowls to highlight its Mediterranean roots, or drizzle with a splash of extra virgin olive oil and a wedge of lemon on the side for a tangy twist. For gatherings, portioning individual servings in mini casserole dishes adds charm and ease.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow Giouvetsi to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it stays flavorful and safe to eat for up to four days, making it perfect for meal planning.
Freezing
This stew freezes exceptionally well. Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to three months, preserving the hearty flavors and tenderness for future reheat-and-eat convenience.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of water or broth can help restore the stew’s original consistency and prevent the orzo from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat instead of beef?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs or lamb can be used with slight adjustments in cooking time to maintain tenderness and flavor.
Is Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Stew with Orzo) spicy?
Traditionally, the dish is mild and aromatic, but you can easily add chili flakes or fresh peppers if you prefer some heat.
How do I prevent the orzo from overcooking?
Add the orzo later in the cooking process and stir gently, cooking it until just tender to avoid mushiness.
Can I prepare Giouvetsi in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté aromatics first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
What type of cheese works best as a topping?
Traditional Greek cheeses like kefalotyri or graviera compliment this dish beautifully, but Parmesan is also a great alternative.
Final Thoughts
Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Stew with Orzo) is one of those dishes that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with warmth. It’s a beautiful expression of Greek comfort food that brings everyone together around the table. Give this recipe a try, invite your loved ones, and enjoy a meal that’s both deeply nourishing and wonderfully satisfying.
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Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Stew with Orzo)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free orzo or rice is used)
Description
Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Stew with Orzo) is a traditional Mediterranean comfort dish featuring tender slow-cooked beef and orzo pasta simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with warm spices like cinnamon and bay leaves. This hearty one-pot meal offers layered flavors, a satisfying creamy texture, and is perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings, delivering authentic Greek home cooking in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (700g) beef chuck or stew meat, cut into uniform chunks
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cups (1 liter) beef broth or stock
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparing the Beef: Cut the beef into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and brown the beef chunks on all sides until a rich golden crust forms, locking in the flavor.
- Sautéing Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onions and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant, releasing their natural sweetness which forms the flavor base of the stew.
- Building the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and crushed tomatoes, mixing well with the aromatics and beef drippings. Add the cinnamon sticks and bay leaves, then pour in the beef broth to create a rich, savory sauce.
- Simmering the Stew: Return the browned beef to the pot. Cover and let simmer gently on low heat for approximately 2 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors have fully melded.
- Cooking the Orzo: Add the orzo directly into the pot when the beef is tender. Stir gently to combine and cook until the orzo is al dente, absorbing the sauce and thickening the stew.
- Final Touches: Remove the cinnamon sticks and bay leaves. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the stew and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors settle.
Notes
- Choose chuck or brisket for best results: tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
- Don’t rush browning the beef as it adds essential depth to the flavor.
- Simmer the stew low and slow for about 2 hours to achieve tender meat and rich sauce.
- Stir orzo gently to avoid breaking the pasta and cook until just tender to prevent mushiness.
- Let the stew rest after cooking to thicken and enhance flavor melding.
- Using homemade beef broth elevates the richness and depth of the stew.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute beef with mushrooms or eggplant.
- Slow cooker option: brown beef and sauté aromatics first, then cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Freeze leftovers up to 3 months in airtight containers.
- Reheat gently on low heat, adding broth or water if needed to restore consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg