Description
Manestra is a comforting Greek-style orzo dish made with savory ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This one-pot meal is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth or water
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 1/4 cup grated Kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Season with cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in orzo, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and sauce has thickened.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes to absorb remaining liquid.
- Serve warm, topped with grated cheese and parsley if desired.
Notes
- Add a splash of red wine for extra depth of flavor before adding the tomatoes.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes.
- This dish thickens as it sits—add a bit of broth to loosen when reheating.
- Kefalotyri is traditional, but Parmesan or Pecorino works well too.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg