Giouvetsi, a traditional Greek beef stew with orzo, is a dish full of heart and warmth. The tender beef stews in a rich tomato sauce, flavored with hints of cinnamon and oregano, while the orzo absorbs all the savory goodness. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy gathering or a hearty dinner.
The blend of spices and the slow-cooked beef create a mouthwatering aroma that fills the kitchen, making this dish impossible to resist. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold evening or sharing it with friends and family, Giouvetsi is a comfort food that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
Full Recipe:
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1 lb beef stew meat, cut into cubes
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 onion, chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
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1 cup orzo pasta
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2 cups beef broth
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides.
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Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
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Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and oregano. Cook for 1-2 minutes to bring out the flavors.
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Return the beef to the pot, add the beef broth, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
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Cover the pot and simmer for about 1 hour or until the beef is tender.
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Add the orzo pasta to the pot and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the stew has thickened.
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Adjust the seasoning to taste and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Kcal: 430 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Stew with Orzo)
Giouvetsi is a beloved Greek dish that’s perfect for any occasion where comfort food is the star. This dish, often associated with cozy family dinners, brings together tender beef stew, orzo pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, all infused with the aromatic flavors of cinnamon, bay leaves, and nutmeg. Its simplicity in preparation belies its depth of flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser for those who enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals. It’s one of those dishes that benefits from slow cooking, where the flavors can develop and blend together beautifully, leaving a robust, savory stew.
The beauty of Giouvetsi lies in its versatility; while it’s traditionally made with beef, lamb or chicken can also be used for variety. Moreover, the one-pot nature of the dish makes for easy cleanup, while ensuring that the orzo pasta soaks up all the rich juices from the beef and tomato sauce, making each bite an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s a cold winter night or a weekend gathering, this dish will certainly warm you up and bring joy to your table.
Why Giouvetsi is Perfect for Your Next Meal
Giouvetsi is an incredible choice for anyone looking to create a meal that’s both delicious and filling. Here’s why this Greek beef stew with orzo stands out:
Flavorful and Comforting: The combination of slow-cooked beef and aromatic spices makes for an incredibly flavorful dish. The beef, once browned, absorbs the sweet and spicy notes from the cinnamon and nutmeg, while the tomato sauce adds a depth of tang and richness. This is the epitome of comfort food that’s sure to satisfy every appetite.
One-Pot Wonder: This dish is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal with minimal cleanup. Cooking everything in one pot makes it so much easier and more convenient. The orzo absorbs all the delicious sauce as it cooks, making it the perfect complement to the beef.
Ideal for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a Sunday family dinner or a gathering with friends, Giouvetsi is a great choice. The dish’s vibrant flavors and filling nature make it a crowd-pleaser, and it pairs well with a variety of sides or even a simple green salad to balance out the richness.
The Role of Ingredients in Giouvetsi
Every ingredient in Giouvetsi contributes to the rich and flavorful stew. The following are the key elements that give this dish its distinctive taste:
Olive Oil: The use of high-quality extra virgin olive oil is essential in creating the base for the stew. Greek olive oil adds a fragrant, peppery note that complements the other ingredients, enhancing the overall depth of the dish.
Beef: The beef is the star of the show. Using cuts like stew meat or chuck is ideal, as these pieces of beef break down well during slow cooking, becoming tender and juicy. If beef isn’t your choice, lamb or chicken can also be used, offering a slightly different flavor profile.
Onions and Garlic: These aromatics form the foundation of the dish’s flavor. Sautéing them until translucent brings out their sweetness, which, when combined with the spices and tomato base, creates the perfect backdrop for the beef.
Red Wine: The addition of red wine deepens the flavor of the sauce. It enhances the richness of the tomato and beef broth while helping to deglaze the pan and lift all the savory bits that get stuck to the bottom of the pot. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with a bit of beef or chicken stock for a similar effect.
Spices: The seasoning of Giouvetsi is what gives it that signature Mediterranean taste. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and bay leaves all contribute to the dish’s warm, aromatic essence, while the tomato paste adds richness and a slight tang.
Orzo: Orzo, the small rice-shaped pasta, plays an essential role in Giouvetsi. It absorbs the stew’s flavors as it cooks, becoming perfectly tender while still maintaining its shape. This is the perfect pasta for a dish like this because it soaks up all the delicious juices and adds texture to the stew.
Kefalotyri or Parmesan: While Kefalotyri is the traditional Greek cheese used in Giouvetsi, Parmigiano Reggiano is an excellent substitute if you can’t find it. This cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor that ties all the components together beautifully.
How to Make the Perfect Giouvetsi
Making Giouvetsi is a fairly simple process, but like many slow-cooked dishes, it requires a little patience to allow the flavors to develop. The key to success is taking your time while sautéing the meat and vegetables, ensuring that the beef is well-browned and the sauce is rich and flavorful.
Start by browning the beef in olive oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Once the beef is browned, remove it and set it aside. The next step is to cook the onions and garlic until soft, allowing their natural sweetness to emerge. Add the red wine and let it cook down before adding the tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Stir in the spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and bay leaves, to build the base of the sauce. After this, return the beef to the pot, add the stock, and let everything simmer for about 45 minutes. This slow cooking process helps tenderize the beef and allows the sauce to thicken.
Once the beef is cooked and tender, stir in the orzo and cook it until it’s just right. Keep an eye on the consistency, adding more broth if necessary. Finally, finish off the dish with a generous sprinkling of grated cheese and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Storing and Reheating Giouvetsi
Giouvetsi is a dish that keeps well for several days, making it a great option for meal prepping or leftovers. Store any unused portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the stew in a microwave-safe dish or a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it appears too thick. Giouvetsi can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To preserve the dish, let it cool completely before freezing, and remember that freezing may cause the orzo to become a little mushy upon reheating.
Conclusion: Why Giouvetsi Should Be Your Go-To Comfort Food
Giouvetsi is a timeless dish that combines hearty ingredients, rich flavors, and comforting textures. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a special dish for a family gathering, this Greek beef stew with orzo will always deliver. Its simplicity in preparation and complexity in flavor make it a standout dish in any home-cooked meal repertoire.
The next time you’re in the mood for something that brings both warmth and satisfaction, consider making Giouvetsi. It’s a dish that’s not only delicious but also steeped in Greek culinary tradition, offering a taste of the Mediterranean right in your own kitchen.