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Beef Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Orzo Pasta) – A Comforting One-Pot Classic

If there’s one dish that captures the warm, rich heart of Greek comfort food, it’s Beef Giouvetsi (Youvetsi) — a traditional one-pot baked pasta dish where tender beef simmers in a spiced tomato sauce and is then baked with orzo pasta until perfectly tender. Topped with salty, nutty Kefalotyri cheese, it’s a deeply flavorful and satisfying meal that’s as good for Sunday dinner as it is for freezing ahead. This rustic dish is all about simplicity, using humble ingredients elevated with the magic of slow cooking and the essence of Greek spices like cinnamon and allspice. When baked together, the orzo absorbs the beef juices, turning into a silky, tomatoey dream. Every bite is a nostalgic nod to Mediterranean home cooking.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
bake time 35 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🍖 Meat & Broth
  • 4 lbs beef chuck or stew meat cut into large chunks
  • 1 cup beef broth plus more for baking
🍅 Vegetables & Tomato Base
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 can 14 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 bay leaves
🧂 Spices & Seasoning
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tsp ground allspice
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
🧈 Oils & Fats
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
🍝 Grains & Pasta
  • 1½ cups orzo pasta
  • 2 cups hot water or extra beef broth
🧀 Dairy
  • Grated Kefalotyri cheese or substitute Parmesan or Pecorino
🌿 Fresh Garnish
  • Fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Dutch oven or oven-safe pot with lid
  • Large sauté pan (optional)
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cutting board & knife
  • Cheese grater
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Oven (for final baking)

Method
 

Step 1: Sear the Beef
  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides (5–6 minutes per batch).
  3. Remove the meat and set aside.
🔥 Browning the meat locks in flavor and forms a rich base for the sauce.
    Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
    1. In the same pot, add a touch more oil if needed.
    2. Sauté the chopped onion for 4–5 minutes until translucent.
    3. Add garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
    Step 3: Create the Tomato Sauce Base
    1. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor.
    2. Add crushed tomatoes, cinnamon stick, allspice, sugar, bay leaves, and 1 cup of beef broth.
    3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    🍅 The sauce will smell rich and warm, with hints of Mediterranean spice.
      Step 4: Simmer the Beef
      1. Return the seared beef to the pot.
      2. Stir gently to coat with sauce.
      3. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
      🕰️ Low and slow = deeply infused flavor and melt-in-your-mouth meat.
        Step 5: Add the Orzo & Bake
        1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
        2. Stir in orzo and 2 cups hot water or broth directly into the pot with the beef.
        3. Cover the pot and transfer to the oven.
        4. Bake for 30–35 minutes, stirring once halfway, until orzo is al dente and has absorbed the liquid.
        Step 6: Finish with Cheese & Garnish
        1. Remove from oven, discard bay leaves and cinnamon stick.
        2. Sprinkle grated Kefalotyri cheese generously over the top.
        3. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
        4. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
        🧀 The cheese adds salty, tangy contrast to the rich, savory pasta.

          Notes

          🧊 Storage & Reheating
          Storage
          Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
          Freeze portions for up to 3 months.
          Reheating
          Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water.
          Or microwave individual portions, covered, for 2–3 minutes.
          🍝 Add a little olive oil or broth to refresh the texture.
          🥄 Variations
          🍷 Red Wine Boost: Deglaze onions with ½ cup red wine for added depth.
          🍖 Lamb Instead of Beef: Traditional in many villages, lamb adds a bold, gamey flavor.
          🌿 Herby Version: Add fresh rosemary or thyme for complexity.
          🍅 Extra Tomato: Add diced tomatoes or roasted tomato puree.
          🌶️ Spicy Twist: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes.
          🧀 Cheese Swap: No Kefalotyri? Use Parmesan, Pecorino, or Gruyère.
          🧄 Roasted Garlic Orzo: Infuse the pasta with extra roasted garlic flavor.
          🍆 With Veggies: Add eggplant or zucchini for a veggie-rich version.
          ❓ 10 FAQs
          1. What is Giouvetsi?
          Giouvetsi (or Youvetsi) is a traditional Greek baked dish made with meat (often beef or lamb), orzo pasta, and tomato sauce, typically finished with cheese.
          2. Can I make this in advance?
          Yes! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
          3. What can I use instead of Kefalotyri cheese?
          Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or even crumbled feta work well.
          4. Is it okay to use ground beef?
          Not ideal. The beauty of Giouvetsi is the slow-cooked, chunky meat texture.
          5. Can I use a different pasta?
          Orzo is traditional, but small pasta like ditalini or pearl couscous may work.
          6. Can I make it vegetarian?
          Yes – skip the meat, add roasted vegetables and chickpeas or lentils.
          7. What wine pairs well with this dish?
          A medium-bodied red like Merlot, Syrah, or a Greek Agiorgitiko.
          8. What makes this dish uniquely Greek?
          The cinnamon, allspice, and the use of orzo and Kefalotyri cheese define its regional flavor.
          9. Can I use a slow cooker?
          Yes. Cook beef in the slow cooker for 6–8 hours on low, then bake with orzo.
          10. Is this kid-friendly?
          Absolutely! It’s mild, comforting, and cheesy – a hit with the whole family.
          🏁 Conclusion
          Beef Giouvetsi is one of those soul-warming meals that delivers comfort in every bite. It’s a dish that bridges tradition with practicality: slow-simmered beef, deeply spiced tomato sauce, and velvety orzo pasta all baked to cozy perfection.
          Whether you're making it for a Sunday family meal or prepping freezer portions for the week, this Greek orzo pasta bake brings together ease, flavor, and rustic charm. Don’t forget a chunk of crusty bread to soak up every drop!