Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef)

If you’ve never had Manestra, ohhh friend, get ready to fall head over heels. This cozy Greek classic is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—rich, savory, ridiculously comforting, and a total hug in a bowl. Imagine tender orzo simmered in a rich tomato sauce, gently spiced and dotted with juicy, flavorful bits of ground beef. It’s simple, yes, but somehow tastes like something Grandma spent hours lovingly preparing. (Spoiler alert: It comes together surprisingly fast!)

This dish has been a go-to in Greek households for generations, and once you try it, you’ll totally get why. It’s budget-friendly, one-pot magic that delivers big on flavor and minimal on cleanup. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about the way the orzo soaks up all that tomatoey, beefy goodness—it’s the kind of meal you’ll want to curl up with on the couch, spoon in hand.

Let’s dive in. Trust me, you’re going to love this one.

Why You’ll Love Manestra

Versatile

Great for cozy family dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests with minimal effort. It’s the kind of dish that fits into your week just as well as it fits on a dinner party table.

Budget-Friendly

Uses pantry staples—nothing fancy here. Just simple ingredients coming together in a beautiful way.

Quick and Easy

One pot, no fuss, and minimal prep. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and homemade, fast.

Customizable

Want to add a veggie twist? Toss in spinach or grated zucchini. Need it vegetarian? Swap beef for lentils and you’re golden.

Crowd-Pleasing

It’s a hit with both kids and adults. Mild flavors, creamy texture, and that comforting vibe everyone craves.

Ingredients in Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef)

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Ground Beef: The hearty base of the dish. It browns beautifully and adds richness to the tomato sauce.

Orzo Pasta: Small, rice-shaped pasta that soaks up the sauce and makes every bite delightfully creamy.

Onion & Garlic: The aromatic foundation—these simple flavors create depth and warmth in the sauce.

Tomato Paste & Crushed Tomatoes: These bring the bold, tangy tomato flavor that makes this dish sing.

Olive Oil: Used to sauté and bring a smooth richness to the base of the dish.

Cinnamon & Bay Leaf: Just a touch of spice that gives the dish its traditional Greek warmth and complexity.

Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that tie everything together.

Water or Broth: For simmering the orzo to soft, saucy perfection.

Grated Kefalotyri or Parmesan (optional): For topping—because a little salty cheese on top never hurt anyone.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Pan: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering.

Sauté the Aromatics: Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.

Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until browned and no longer pink.

Add the Tomato Elements: Stir in tomato paste and cook for a minute to deepen the flavor. Then add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and bay leaf. Let everything simmer for 5–7 minutes to marry the flavors.

Pour in the Orzo and Liquid: Add the orzo and water or broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid—about 12–15 minutes.

Finishing Touches: Remove the bay leaf. If needed, adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper. The consistency should be thick and stew-like.

Serve and Enjoy: Dish it up warm, topped with grated cheese if desired. It’s pure comfort in a bowl.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4–6
Calories per serving: Approx. 400–450 (depending on cheese and broth used)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Manestra

Here are a few ideas to turn this into a full Greek-style meal:

Fresh Salads: A crisp Greek salad with cucumber, olives, and feta adds brightness to balance the richness of the orzo.

Crusty Bread: Serve with a thick slice of warm, crusty bread to mop up every bit of sauce.

Creamy Accompaniments: A dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki on the side adds a refreshing tang.

Roasted Veggies: Try roasted eggplant or zucchini for a hearty veggie pairing.

As a Standalone: It’s definitely filling enough to be the star of the show—just add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice on top.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: You can chop the onion and garlic ahead of time to save minutes during the weeknight rush.

Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a bit of smoked paprika if you want a little heat.

Dietary Adjustments: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for different dietary needs.

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The orzo will continue to absorb liquid, so add a splash of water when reheating.

Double the Batch: Make a big pot and freeze individual portions for easy lunches or dinners later on.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?
A1: You can! Small pasta like ditalini or even broken spaghetti works, but orzo gives it that classic texture.

Q2: What can I use instead of ground beef?
A2: Ground turkey, chicken, or lentils make great alternatives. Even chopped mushrooms work for a meat-free version.

Q3: Is this dish freezer-friendly?
A3: Yes, it freezes well. Just store in airtight containers and thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Q4: Can I add vegetables?
A4: Absolutely! Spinach, peas, carrots, or zucchini are great additions.

Q5: What if my orzo absorbs too much liquid?
A5: No worries—just stir in a splash of hot water or broth before serving to loosen it up.

Q6: Can I make it in advance?
A6: Yes! It reheats beautifully. Just keep in mind orzo thickens as it sits, so add a little liquid when reheating.

Q7: Do I have to use cinnamon?
A7: It’s traditional in Greek cooking and adds a subtle depth, but feel free to skip it if you prefer.

Q8: What cheese should I use on top?
A8: Grated Kefalotyri is classic, but Parmesan or Pecorino work just as well.

Q9: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A9: Use gluten-free orzo or a similar rice-shaped pasta alternative.

Q10: How do I reheat leftovers?
A10: Reheat gently in a pot over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water.

And there you have it—Manestra, the ultimate Greek comfort food you didn’t know you needed in your life. It’s cozy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Make it once, and I promise, you’ll be craving it again before the week is out.

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