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Beef Giouvetsi (Braised Beef and Orzo)

Beef Giouvetsi (Braised Beef and Orzo)

This Beef Giouvetsi is a classic Greek dish featuring tender braised beef in a rich tomato and orzo sauce. Cooked slowly in aromatic spices like cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg, this hearty meal is perfect for a comforting dinner. Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 40 minutes
Cuisine Greek
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound beef such as chuck or lamb, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 onion diced
  • 1 carrot shredded (optional)
  • 3 cloves garlic chopped
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ¼ cup red wine or beef broth
  • 3 cups beef broth or chicken broth, or vegetable broth
  • 1 14.5 ounce can crushed tomatoes (crushed with hands)
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • 1 cup orzo pasta use gluten-free for gluten-free version

Instructions
 

  • Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef, seasoned with salt and pepper, and brown on all sides, about 2-4 minutes per side. Remove the beef and set aside.
  • Cook the Vegetables: Add the diced onion to the same pan and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. If using, add the shredded carrot and cook for another minute. Add the garlic and tomato paste, mixing and cooking for another minute.
  • Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the red wine (or beef broth) and scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan using a wooden spoon.
  • Add the Broth and Spices: Add the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, bay leaves, and browned beef. Stir to combine.
  • Cook the Beef: Choose your cooking method:
  • Stovetop: Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer covered for 2-4 hours, until the beef is tender.
  • Oven: Cover the pan, transfer to a preheated oven at 275°F (140°C), and bake for 2-4 hours, until the beef is falling apart tender.
  • Slow Cooker: Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 4-6 hours.
  • Add the Orzo: Once the beef is tender, add the orzo and cook:
  • Stovetop: Bring to a boil and cook for about 10 minutes, until the orzo is tender.
  • Oven: Cover and return to the oven to cook for another 10-15 minutes, until the orzo is cooked.
  • Slow Cooker: Cook on HIGH for 10-15 minutes, until the orzo is tender.
  • Serve: Remove the bay leaves, then serve the Beef Giouvetsi hot. Enjoy!
Keyword Greek beef recipe, braised beef, orzo pasta, slow-cooked beef, comforting Greek dish, tomato-based beef stew, homemade Greek food, beef giouvetsi