Beef Giouvetsi (Braised Beef and Orzo)

Name: Beef Giouvetsi (Braised Beef and Orzo)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound beef chuck (or lamb), cubed; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, chopped; 3 cups beef broth; 1 can crushed tomatoes; 1 cup orzo pasta; Spices: cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, bay leaves

Recipe By:

Juliette

Posted:

May 24, 2025

Updated:

May 24, 2025

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Beef Giouvetsi (Braised Beef and Orzo) is a delightful Greek dish that brings comfort to any table. This savory meal combines tender, slow-braised beef in a rich tomato sauce with orzo pasta, creating an experience that warms both body and soul. Perfect for cozy dinners or festive occasions, the unique blend of spices, including cinnamon and allspice, sets this dish apart, offering deep flavors that tantalize the palate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and slow-braising creates a deliciously aromatic dish.
Versatile Options: Cook it on the stovetop, in the oven, or in a slow cooker, making it easy to fit into your schedule.
Hearty Meal: With beef and orzo, it’s filling enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
Easy Preparation: Simple steps make this recipe accessible for cooks at all skill levels.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking Beef Giouvetsi easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large oven-safe pan
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Large oven-safe pan: Ideal for browning meat and simmering your dish without transferring to another pot.
Chef’s knife: Ensures quick, precise cuts for vegetables and meat.
Measuring cups and spoons: Helps achieve accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results.

Ingredients

Beef Giouvetsi is made with simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together to create a comforting meal.

For the Beef

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound beef chuck (or lamb), cut into bite-sized cubes
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Vegetables

1 onion, diced
1 carrot, shredded (optional)
3 cloves garlic, chopped

For the Sauce

3 tablespoons tomato paste
1/4 cup red apple vinegar (or beef broth)
3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth, or vegetable broth)
1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

For Seasoning

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 dried bay leaves

For the Pasta

1 cup orzo pasta (use gluten-free if needed)

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Beef Giouvetsi (Braised Beef and Orzo)

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pan over medium-high heat.
1. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper.
2. Brown on all sides for about 2-4 minutes per side.
3. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add diced onion to the pan.
1. Cook until tender for about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in shredded carrot (if using) and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add chopped garlic and tomato paste; cook while stirring for 1 minute.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pan

Pour in red apple vinegar (or broth).
1. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients

Add broth, crushed tomatoes, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, bay leaves, and browned beef back to the pan.
1. Stir to combine all ingredients well.

Step 5: Choose Your Cooking Method

Select one method for cooking:
– Stovetop: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low; cover and simmer until beef is tender (about 2-4 hours).
– Oven: Cover and bake in a preheated oven at 275°F (140°C) until beef is tender (about 2-4 hours).
– Slow Cooker: Transfer mixture to slow cooker; cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 4-6 hours.

Step 6: Add Orzo

Once the beef is tender:
– Stir in orzo pasta.

Cooking Orzo Instructions:

Stovetop: Bring to a boil; cook for about 10 minutes until tender.
Oven: Cover; bake for 10-15 minutes until orzo is cooked through.
Slow Cooker: Cook on HIGH for an additional 10-15 minutes until orzo is tender.

Finally, remove bay leaves before serving. Enjoy your hearty Beef Giouvetsi!

How to Serve Beef Giouvetsi (Braised Beef and Orzo)

Serving Beef Giouvetsi is a delightful experience that can elevate any meal. This hearty dish can be enjoyed in various ways, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

With Fresh Herbs

Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
Dill: Add dill to enhance the flavor with a unique herbal note.

With Cheese

Feta Crumbles: Top with crumbled feta cheese for a tangy contrast to the rich beef.
Grated Parmesan: A sprinkle of parmesan adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the orzo.

With Bread

Crusty Bread: Serve alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Pita Bread: Warm pita is perfect for scooping up the beef and orzo.

With a Side Salad

Greek Salad: A refreshing Greek salad provides a crunchy, vibrant complement to the rich flavors of Beef Giouvetsi.
Simple Green Salad: A light green salad dressed with olive oil balances out the meal nicely.

How to Perfect Beef Giouvetsi (Braised Beef and Orzo)

To make your Beef Giouvetsi truly unforgettable, consider these helpful tips. Each one will enhance your cooking process and elevate the final dish.

Choose Quality Meat: Using high-quality beef chuck ensures tenderness and depth of flavor.
Allow Time for Braising: Slow cooking enhances the flavors; don’t rush this important step.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste the sauce before serving; feel free to add more spices as desired.
Use Homemade Broth: If possible, use homemade broth for richer taste compared to store-bought.
Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to rest post-cooking lets flavors meld beautifully.
Serve Hot: Enjoy your dish hot; it enhances the comforting nature of Beef Giouvetsi.

Best Side Dishes for Beef Giouvetsi (Braised Beef and Orzo)

Pairing side dishes with Beef Giouvetsi can create a balanced meal that excites your palate. Here are some fantastic options to complement this hearty main course.

Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrients, enhancing your plate’s appeal.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The richness of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the robust tomato sauce.
Greek Tzatziki Sauce: This cool yogurt-based sauce offers a refreshing contrast to warm beef.
Spanakopita: These spinach and feta pastries provide a flaky, savory option that complements the dish well.
Rice Pilaf: Lightly seasoned rice pilaf serves as a fluffy side that absorbs any extra sauce beautifully.
Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers add both nutrition and visual appeal alongside your main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Beef Giouvetsi, it’s easy to run into common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Skipping browning the meat: Failing to brown the beef cubes can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always take the time to sear the meat before adding other ingredients.
Overcooking the orzo: Cooking the orzo too long can make it mushy and unappetizing. Add it towards the end of cooking, monitoring closely until it’s tender.
Neglecting seasoning: Not adequately seasoning your dish can result in bland flavors. Be generous with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process.
Using low-quality broth: Using a poor-quality broth can affect the overall taste of your Beef Giouvetsi. Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought broth for better flavor.
Rushing the simmering process: A hurried cooking process can lead to tough meat. Allow plenty of time for slow braising to ensure tenderness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Beef Giouvetsi in an airtight container.
It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Beef Giouvetsi (Braised Beef and Orzo)

Place cooled Beef Giouvetsi in freezer-safe containers.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months, but note that orzo may become softer upon reheating.

Reheating Beef Giouvetsi (Braised Beef and Orzo)

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish in an oven-safe container, cover it, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
Microwave: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth if it seems dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Beef Giouvetsi (Braised Beef and Orzo)?

Beef Giouvetsi is a traditional Greek dish consisting of tender beef cooked slowly with orzo pasta in a rich tomato sauce.

Can I use different types of meat?

Yes! While beef is traditional, you can substitute lamb or even chicken if preferred.

How do I make Beef Giouvetsi gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, simply replace regular orzo with gluten-free pasta options available in stores.

How long does it take to cook Beef Giouvetsi?

Depending on your method (stovetop, oven, or slow cooker), cooking time ranges from 2-10 hours. The key is ensuring the beef is tender.

Can I customize the spices in my Beef Giouvetsi?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust spices like cinnamon and allspice according to your taste preferences or experiment with new flavors.

Final Thoughts

Beef Giouvetsi is not only hearty and satisfying but also versatile enough for various occasions. You can customize this dish easily by experimenting with different meats or spices. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings—don’t hesitate to try it out!