Description
Giouvetsi, a delightful Greek beef stew with orzo, is the ultimate comfort food that warms the heart and soul. This dish features tender beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices and accompanied by orzo pasta. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, Giouvetsi offers a taste of Greece right in your kitchen. Its rich flavors and hearty texture make it an ideal choice for chilly evenings, ensuring everyone at the table will be asking for seconds. With easy preparation steps and a one-pot cooking method, this recipe is as simple as it is satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ lb diced beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- ½ cup red grape juice
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 2 cups orzo
- Grated Kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Brown the beef for about 8–10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until translucent (about 4–5 minutes).
- Add red grape juice; cook until most liquid evaporates. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, nutmeg, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick.
- Pour in chicken stock and return beef to the pot. Bring to a boil.
- Lower heat, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves and cinnamon stick; stir in orzo and cook for an additional 15–20 minutes until tender.
- Serve hot with grated cheese on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg