Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe aroma of simmering spices wafts through the kitchen, instantly whisking me away to sun-drenched Greek tavernas. There’s something about the rich history of Giouvetsi—a comforting Greek beef stew with orzo—that makes it feel like a warm embrace on a chilly evening. This hearty dish features tender beef soaked in a robust tomato sauce, harmonized with aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, backing it up with perfectly cooked orzo that absorbs all the mouthwatering flavors. With minimal prep and served in just one pot, it’s an effortless crowd-pleaser that invites family and friends to gather round the table. Whether you’re seeking a comforting dinner or a unique twist for your next gathering, this recipe won’t disappoint. Are you ready to dive into this soulful dish? Why is Giouvetsi So Irresistible? Comforting Tradition: Giouvetsi embodies the essence of Greek home cooking, making it a go-to for cozy family dinners. Flavor Explosion: The blend of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg transforms humble ingredients into a culinary delight. One-Pot Wonder: With everything cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze—leaving you more time to enjoy with loved ones. Versatile Protein Options: Customize with beef, lamb, or chicken, making it suitable for any occasion. Crowd Favorite: Perfect for gatherings, this stew impresses guests and brings everyone together around the table. Looking for more comforting dishes? Try out my Homemade Beef Stew or explore options like Slow Cooker Beef for added convenience! Greek Beef Stew with Orzo Ingredients Explore the perfect mix of flavors and textures in this Giouvetsi recipe! For the Stew • Olive Oil – Essential for sautéing; opt for high-quality extra virgin for the best flavor. • Diced Beef – The star protein; choose chuck or stew meat for tenderness; can use lamb shank or chicken as a substitute. • Onion – Adds sweetness and depth; yellow, white, or red varieties are great choices. • Garlic Cloves – Kick up the flavor; adjust to your liking! • Red Wine – Enhances sauce complexity; substitute with beef or chicken broth if desired. • Tomato Paste – Deepens tomato flavor and thickens the sauce. • Crushed Tomatoes – Forms the sauce’s base; any crushed type works here. • Ground Nutmeg and Cinnamon Stick – Essential spices to bring that traditional taste. • Bay Leaves – Adds a subtle earthy note that elevates the dish. • Chicken Stock – Has liquid needs covered; beef stock brings an even richer taste. For the Orzo • Orzo – This tiny pasta not only absorbs flavors but also cooks quickly, making it ideal for this one-pot dish. For the Finish • Grated Kefalotyri or Parmesan – Adds a salty, creamy finish; substitute with parmegiano reggiano if needed. • Salt and Pepper – Vital for seasoning; adjust to taste to bring out the flavors. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Greek Beef Stew with Orzo Step 1: Sear the Beef In a large Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Sear the beef for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it develops a rich brown crust on all sides. Once browned, use a slotted spoon to remove the beef and set it aside on a plate. Step 2: Sauté Aromatics In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, followed by the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture for 4-5 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and fragrant, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This will deepen the flavor of your Greek beef stew with orzo. Step 3: Deglaze with Wine Pour in the red wine and allow it to cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. The wine should mostly evaporate, leaving behind a rich base for your stew. This step is crucial for adding depth to the sauce, so ensure to stir well and incorporate all the flavors. Step 4: Build the Sauce Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, ground nutmeg, bay leaves, and the cinnamon stick. Mix everything well, allowing the ingredients to come together in a beautiful, aromatic sauce. The color will deepen, signaling that your Greek beef stew is developing a robust flavor profile. Step 5: Simmer the Beef Add the chicken stock to the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, return the browned beef to the pot, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 45 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld. Step 6: Final Touches After 45 minutes, remove and discard the bay leaves and cinnamon stick from the stew. Stir in the orzo, mixing it in well to absorb the savory sauce. Cook uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the stew has thickened to your desired consistency. Step 7: Cheese and Seasoning Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the grated Kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and enrich the stew. Taste the Greek beef stew with orzo and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. A well-seasoned dish is the key to elevating this delightful base. Step 8: Serve and Enjoy Serve the Greek beef stew with orzo hot in bowls, topped with extra cheese if desired. This comforting dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh Greek salad, enhancing the cozy experience perfect for gathering family and friends around the table. Make Ahead Options Giouvetsi is a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing busy home cooks to savor comforting Greek beef stew with orzo with less stress! You can prepare the entire stew up to 24 hours in advance—simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can cook all the components (except for the orzo) and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the stew gently on the stove before stirring in the orzo for the final cooking. This method not only saves time but ensures your dish remains just as delicious, maximizing flavor while keeping the orzo perfectly textured. Storage Tips for Greek Beef Stew with Orzo Room Temperature: Allow the Greek beef stew with orzo to cool completely before refrigerating, and it can sit out for up to 2 hours. Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled for optimal freshness and flavor retention. Freezer: This stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. Divide into portions and use freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much; stir well to keep the orzo from clumping. Variations & Substitutions for Greek Beef Stew with Orzo Make this delectable dish your own by trying out these delightful variations! Lamb Substitute: Swap beef for lamb shank for a richer flavor that enriches the stew with its unique essence. The tender lamb adds an aromatic twist that complements the spices beautifully. Chicken Option: Use diced chicken breast or thighs instead of beef for a lighter variation. This switch creates a completely different flavor profile while keeping the essence of Giouvetsi intact. Vegetable Boost: Toss in vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition and color, enhancing the dish while providing a fresh crunch. Spice It Up: For a fiery kick, add a dash of chili flakes or a sprinkle of smoked paprika. This elevates the warmth and depth, transforming your Greek beef stew into a spicy masterpiece. Nut-Free Version: Omit the nutmeg if you are avoiding nuts or prefer a milder flavor. You can try adding a bit of ground ginger for warmth without the nutty taste. Vegan Twist: Create a plant-based version by substituting beef with lentils or chickpeas and using vegetable broth. The stew will remain hearty while offering a unique meat-free delight. Herb Infusion: Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. Finished with a sprinkle of herbs before serving adds a lovely fresh aroma and brightness to the dish. Cheese Alternatives: If Kefalotyri isn’t available, use feta for a tangy creaminess or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a dairy-free cheesy flavor that’s sure to please! For more cozy dishes, give my Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff a try or explore the comforting layers in my Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo. Enjoy your culinary journey! What to Serve with Greek Beef Stew with Orzo A comforting meal comes together beautifully with the right pairings, inviting warmth into every bite. Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the rich tomato sauce, this side adds a delightful crunch. Greek Salad: A fresh mix of crisp vegetables and tangy feta offers a bright contrast to the hearty stew. The salad’s acidity balances the richness of the dish, refreshing your palate with each bite. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies, caramelized to perfection, lend a sweet and earthy note that complements the beef’s richness. Tzatziki Sauce: This yogurt-based dip adds a cooling aspect that enhances the overall flavor experience. A dollop of tzatziki brings a creamy texture, making it a delightful addition to every spoonful of stew. Red Wine: A glass of full-bodied red wine lends depth and a touch of sophistication to your meal. Pine Nut Baklava: To finish on a sweet note, serve this classic Greek dessert, offering a flaky and nutty contrast to the rich stew. Expert Tips for Greek Beef Stew with Orzo Choose Quality Meat: Select good-quality beef cuts for the best results. Chuck or stew meat are ideal, ensuring tenderness in your Greek beef stew with orzo. Avoid Overcrowding: When searing the beef, work in batches to allow proper browning. Overcrowding will lead to steaming rather than browning, affecting flavor. Monitor Orzo Cooking: Stir frequently after adding orzo to prevent it from sticking to the pot. This ensures even cooking and a pleasing texture in your stew. Adjust Spices Carefully: The combination of nutmeg and cinnamon enhances the dish’s warmth. Taste and adjust according to your flavor preference for a balanced outcome. Make Ahead Tips: If preparing in advance, store the stew without orzo. Reheat gently and add orzo just before serving to maintain its perfect texture. Greek Beef Stew with Orzo Recipe FAQs What type of beef should I use for Giouvetsi? Absolutely! For Giouvetsi, it’s best to select cuts suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck or stew meat. These cuts become tender and flavorful as they simmer. If you’re looking for alternatives, lamb shank or chicken can also be delightful substitutes, offering different flavor profiles for your Greek Beef Stew with Orzo. How should I store leftover Giouvetsi? Very! After enjoying your delicious Giouvetsi, allow it to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors intact and ensures it remains enjoyable. Just remember, if you plan on storing it, you can skip adding orzo until right before reheating to maintain its perfect texture. Can I freeze Giouvetsi? Absolutely! You can freeze your Giouvetsi for up to 3 months. Divide the stew into portion-sized amounts and place it in freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave some space for expansion as it freezes. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove. What should I do if my orzo is too mushy? Don’t fret! If your orzo turns out too mushy, it may have cooked too long without enough liquid. Next time, try adding the orzo during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking and stir it occasionally to monitor its texture. This will help achieve that perfect tender bite without becoming too soft. Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind? Very much so! Always check for allergies—common ingredients here include wheat (in orzo) and dairy (in cheese). If you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, you can use gluten-free orzo alternatives or omit the cheese to make it dairy-free. Additionally, ensure that any meat used, like chicken or beef, meets your dietary preferences. How can I enhance the flavor of my Giouvetsi? Certainly! One effective way to amplify the flavor is to marinate your beef in red wine for a few hours or overnight before cooking—it really deepens the taste! Additionally, feel free to experiment with incorporating veggies like carrots and bell peppers for added nutrition and texture. Remember, the more, the merrier when it comes to adding your favorite spices or herbs! Comforting Greek Beef Stew with Orzo for Cozy Nights Discover the rich flavors of Greek Beef Stew with Orzo, a warm and comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: BeefCuisine: GreekCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Stew1 tablespoon Olive Oil high-quality extra virgin for the best flavor2 pounds Diced Beef chuck or stew meat1 medium Onion yellow, white, or red varieties3 cloves Garlic minced1 cup Red Wine or substitute with beef or chicken broth2 tablespoons Tomato Paste28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes1 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg1 stick Cinnamon2 leaves Bay Leaves4 cups Chicken Stock or beef stock for richer tasteFor the Orzo1 cup OrzoFor the Finish1 cup Grated Kefalotyri or Parmesan or substitute with parmegiano reggianoto taste Saltto taste Pepper Equipment Dutch oven Method Step-by-Step InstructionsHeat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large Dutch oven. Add the diced beef in batches and sear for 8-10 minutes until brown. Remove and set aside.In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.Pour in the red wine and cook for 1-2 minutes until mostly evaporated.Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, ground nutmeg, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick. Mix until well combined.Add chicken stock to the pot and bring to a gentle boil. Return the beef to the pot, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.Remove bay leaves and cinnamon stick. Stir in orzo and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes until tender.Stir in the grated cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, topped with extra cheese if desired. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg NotesFor optimal results, choose good-quality beef cuts. Avoid overcrowding when searing to achieve a rich flavor. Adjust spices to taste and consider making the stew ahead of time without orzo for best texture. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
