Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Stew with Orzo)

Giouvetsi is like a warm, comforting hug on a chilly day. This traditional Greek dish combines tender chunks of beef, a rich, savory tomato sauce, and orzo pasta for a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to sit down with family or friends and enjoy each bite slowly, savoring the depth of flavors that come together so beautifully. Trust me, once you try this Giouvetsi, you’ll be hooked. It’s perfect for those cozy dinners or special occasions when you want something that feels both comforting and impressive.

Why You’ll Love Giouvetsi

Rich, Flavorful Sauce: The combination of tomatoes, garlic, onions, and Greek spices like cinnamon and oregano creates a sauce that’s deeply flavorful and aromatic.

Tender, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef: The beef becomes incredibly tender after slow cooking, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the sauce. It practically melts in your mouth with every bite.

Hearty and Filling: With the orzo pasta mixed into the stew, this dish is a complete meal in itself, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers.

One-Pot Wonder: You’ll love the simplicity of this dish. It all comes together in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy the meal.

Versatile: Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or for a gathering, Giouvetsi is a dish that works for any occasion. It’s hearty enough to serve in the winter and light enough for those warmer months.

Ingredients

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Ingredients for Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Stew with Orzo)

Beef Chuck or Stew Meat: The beef is the heart of the dish, and using a cut like chuck will give you that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture once it’s braised.

Onion: A large onion, finely chopped, adds a sweetness and depth to the base of the stew.

Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the stew a punch of flavor, complementing the richness of the beef.

Tomatoes (Canned or Fresh): If you’re using fresh tomatoes, make sure they’re ripe and juicy. Canned tomatoes also work beautifully for a more concentrated flavor.

Beef Broth or Stock: A rich beef broth forms the foundation of the stew, adding savory goodness to the sauce.

Orzo Pasta: The tiny pasta shapes absorb the sauce and create a perfect texture that contrasts with the tender beef.

Olive Oil: For browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic, olive oil adds richness and flavor.

Cinnamon Stick: A subtle hint of cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic element to the stew, which is a signature flavor in Greek cooking.

Oregano and Bay Leaves: These herbs bring depth and earthiness to the dish, infusing the sauce with a Mediterranean flair.

Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.

Parmesan or Kefalotyri Cheese (Optional): A sprinkle of grated cheese on top brings a creamy, salty finish to the dish.

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding, and brown it on all sides. This step helps develop deep, savory flavors. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Simmer

Return the beef to the pot and pour in the canned or fresh chopped tomatoes, along with the beef broth. Add the cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and oregano. Stir to combine, ensuring the beef is submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Beef

Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the beef stew cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The beef should become tender and the sauce thickened. If necessary, add a little more beef broth or water to maintain a saucy consistency.

Step 5: Add Orzo and Cook

Once the beef is tender, remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaves. Stir in the orzo pasta, and continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked al dente and has absorbed the delicious sauce. You may need to add a splash more broth or water if the dish becomes too thick.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve the Giouvetsi in bowls, garnished with a generous sprinkle of grated cheese if desired. You can also drizzle with a little extra olive oil for richness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6-8
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

How to Serve Giouvetsi

With a Side Salad: A Greek salad with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and olives would complement the flavors of Giouvetsi perfectly.

With Crusty Bread: Don’t forget to serve some warm, crusty bread on the side to soak up all that delicious sauce. You can’t go wrong with a rustic loaf!

For a Comforting Dinner: Enjoy this dish as a hearty and satisfying meal that doesn’t need much else. The beef, orzo, and sauce are enough to fill you up and keep you coming back for more.

Additional Tips

Make It Ahead: Giouvetsi is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had more time to meld. You can make it ahead and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving.

Use a Slow Cooker: If you’d like to make this in a slow cooker, brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first. Then, transfer everything to the slow cooker, adding the tomatoes, broth, and spices. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender. Add the orzo in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Vegetarian Option: You can make a vegetarian version by substituting the beef with mushrooms and adding extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. You could also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Freeze It: This dish freezes well. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken instead of beef?
A1: Yes! You can use chicken thighs or breasts instead of beef. Chicken will cook much quicker, so reduce the cooking time to about 30-40 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.

Q2: Can I substitute the orzo with another pasta?
A2: Absolutely! You can use any small pasta like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or even rice if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover Giouvetsi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist and warm it through on the stove.

Q4: Can I double the recipe?
A4: Yes! If you’re cooking for a larger group, feel free to double the recipe. Just make sure you have a big enough pot to accommodate all the ingredients.

Q5: Is this dish spicy?
A5: No, this dish is not spicy. The flavors come from the herbs and spices like cinnamon and oregano, but there’s no heat. If you like some spice, feel free to add red pepper flakes to taste.

Q6: Can I make Giouvetsi without the cinnamon stick?
A6: Yes, the cinnamon adds a unique warmth to the dish, but you can leave it out if you prefer a more savory flavor. The dish will still be delicious without it.

Q7: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A7: The best way to reheat Giouvetsi is on the stove with a little bit of broth or water to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it gently in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Q8: Can I make Giouvetsi in a pressure cooker?
A8: Yes! If you have a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, you can brown the beef and sauté the aromatics as directed. Then, cook the stew under high pressure for 35-40 minutes. Add the orzo and cook for an additional 5 minutes on the sauté setting.

Q9: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A9: Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Just add them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Q10: Is Giouvetsi suitable for meal prep?
A10: Yes! Giouvetsi is perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch, divide it into portions, and store it in the fridge or freezer for easy meals throughout the week.

Conclusion

Giouvetsi is a comforting and flavorful Greek beef stew with orzo that’s sure to become a family favorite. The tender beef, rich tomato sauce, and aromatic herbs make it a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish will warm you up and leave everyone at the table asking for seconds. Enjoy the hearty goodness of this Greek classic!

Print