Flavorful Greek Giouvetsi: Beef & Orzo Stew Recipe

Nothing beats a hearty Greek beef giouvetsi that warms you from the inside out on chilly evenings.

Mediterranean kitchens have perfected this comforting classic over generations.

Tender beef slowly simmers with robust tomato and fragrant herbs, creating an irresistible aroma.

orzo pasta soaks up the rich, savory sauce, making each bite a delightful experience.

Traditional Greek cooking celebrates simplicity and deep, complex flavors that connect us to ancestral recipes.

Families across Greece have cherished this dish for centuries, passing down techniques from grandmother to grandchild.

Jump into this culinary journey and let the magic of authentic Greek comfort food inspire your next meal.

What Makes Giouvetsi Greek Beef Stew So Flavorful

• Create Hearty Mediterranean Comfort: Dive into a rich, soul-warming Greek stew that brings traditional family recipes right to your dinner table with minimal cooking skills required.
• Master One-Pot Wonder: Simplify your cooking process by preparing an entire meal in a single pot, reducing cleanup time and maximizing flavor with minimal kitchen effort.
• Celebrate Authentic Greek Cuisine: Transport yourself to the warm, rustic kitchens of Greece with this classic beef and orzo dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean home cooking.
• Adaptable Family Meal: Perfect for feeding a crowd, this versatile recipe scales easily and appeals to both kids and adults with its delicious, savory flavors and tender beef chunks.

Ingredients for Giouvetsi Greek Beef Stew

• Beef Chunks: A hearty protein that provides rich, deep flavor to the traditional Greek stew.

• Onions, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that create a robust and fragrant base for the stew.
• Dried Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Classic Greek seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.

• Crushed Tomatoes, Beef Broth: Combine to create a luxurious, savory sauce that tenderizes the meat.
• Orzo Pasta: A small, rice-shaped pasta that adds texture and substance to the stew.

• Olive Oil: A staple in Greek cuisine that helps sauté ingredients and adds a subtle Mediterranean flavor.

How to Cook Greek Beef Stew with Orzo

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, creating a welcoming environment for your ingredients.

Step 2: Soften the Onion Base

Saute chopped onions until they become translucent and release their sweet aroma, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Boost the heat to medium-high and carefully brown beef chunks in batches. Ensure each piece develops a beautiful golden-brown crust on all sides, which will build deep flavor for the stew.

Step 4: Awaken the Aromatic Spices

• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook for about 30 seconds until the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrant mix.

Step 5: Build the Stew Foundation

Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.

Step 6: Slow Simmer to Tenderness

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat. Cover partially and let the stew simmer for approximately 1 hour until the beef becomes meltingly tender.

Step 7: Introduce the Orzo

During the final 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the orzo pasta and cook until it reaches a perfect al dente texture.

Tips for Giouvetsi Greek Beef Stew

• Choose chuck roast or beef stew meat with good marbling for maximum tenderness and rich flavor in your giouvetsi.
• Ensure beef chunks are pat dry before searing to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in delicious flavors.
• Use homemade beef broth for deeper taste, or choose low-sodium store-bought broth to control salt levels in the dish.
• Add orzo towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain the ideal al dente texture that absorbs the stew's rich sauce.
• Fresh oregano can replace dried oregano for a more vibrant, aromatic flavor profile if available in your kitchen.

Variations on Giouvetsi Greek Beef Stew

• Lamb Giouvetsi: Replace beef with tender lamb chunks for a traditional Greek protein variation that adds rich, gamey flavor to the classic stew.
• Vegetarian Mediterranean Style: Swap beef with hearty chickpeas or mixed vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers for a plant-based alternative that maintains the authentic Greek taste profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use quinoa or rice instead of orzo pasta to create a celiac-friendly version while keeping the robust tomato and herb sauce intact.
• Spicy Greek Fusion: Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and a touch of cayenne to introduce a bold, spicy kick that transforms the traditional recipe into a more adventurous meal.

Pairings for Giouvetsi Greek Beef Stew

Select a robust Greek red like Agiorgitiko or Xinomavro that complements the rich beef stew’s deep flavors and stands up to its hearty texture.

Serve warm crusty sourdough or traditional Greek pita bread to soak up the delicious tomato-based sauce and add a delightful textural contrast.

Prepare a classic horiatiki salad with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, olives, and oregano to balance the stew’s warmth and provide a light, zesty accompaniment.

Prepare a cool yogurt-cucumber sauce to cut through the stew’s richness and add a refreshing Mediterranean touch that brightens the entire meal.

Storing Greek Beef Stew with Orzo

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the stew completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour stew into a pot. Add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Stir gently to maintain orzo's texture.

FAQs

• What is the origin of Giouvetsi?

Giouvetsi is a traditional Greek beef stew that originated in Greece, typically prepared as a hearty family meal with roots in home cooking.

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

While beef is traditional, you can substitute lamb or goat meat for an authentic Greek flavor profile.

• Is this dish considered healthy?

Giouvetsi provides a balanced meal with protein from beef, carbohydrates from orzo, and nutrients from tomatoes and herbs, making it a nutritious option.

• What makes the beef tender in this recipe?

The slow simmering process allows the beef to break down gradually, resulting in extremely tender meat that easily falls apart.

Giouvetsi Greek Beef Stew With Orzo Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Greek giouvetsi blends tender beef, rich tomato sauce, and orzo in a comforting Mediterranean masterpiece. Rustic flavors and slow-cooked goodness will transport you straight to a cozy Greek kitchen, inviting warm memories with each savory bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) orzo pasta
• 28 ounces (794 grams) canned crushed tomatoes
• 3 cups (720 milliliters) low-sodium beef broth

Aromatics and Herbs:

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano

Cooking and Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a robust pot over medium heat, gently sautéing onions until they become translucent and release their sweet aroma, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Elevate the heat to medium-high and methodically brown beef chunks in sequential batches, ensuring each piece develops a rich, golden exterior.
3. Introduce minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot, allowing the spices to bloom and release their intense fragrance for roughly 30 seconds.
4. Pour crushed tomatoes and beef broth into the pot, using a wooden spoon to delicately scrape and incorporate the caramelized meat remnants from the bottom.
5. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle boil, then immediately reduce heat to low. Cover the pot partially and let the stew simmer patiently for approximately 1 hour, allowing the beef to tenderize and flavors to meld.
6. During the final 10 minutes of cooking, carefully fold in orzo pasta, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and achieving a perfect al dente texture.
7. Once the beef is supremely tender and the orzo has absorbed the rich, savory liquid, remove from heat and let the stew rest briefly before serving.

Notes

• Tenderize beef by choosing cuts like chuck or brisket with good marbling for rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Enhance depth of flavor by deglazing pan with red wine before adding tomatoes and broth for complex, robust taste.
• Prevent orzo from becoming mushy by adding it only in the last 10 minutes of cooking and stirring occasionally to maintain perfect al dente consistency.
• Adapt recipe for gluten-free diets by substituting orzo with quinoa or gluten-free rice pasta without compromising the traditional Greek stew experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 523 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 44 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg