Greek Beef Orzo Dish (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Beef Ingredients
01 -
2 tbsp olive oil
02 -
1 big onion, chopped finely
03 -
3 minced garlic cloves
04 -
2 lbs (900g) of beef chuck or stew meat, cut into chunks
→ Sauce Add-ons
05 -
14 oz can of crushed tomatoes
06 -
1 tsp sugar (optional)
07 -
1 cinnamon stick
08 -
1 cup beef broth
09 -
1 tsp ground allspice
10 -
Salt and pepper to your liking
11 -
2 bay leaves
12 -
2 tbsp of tomato paste
→ Pasta Base
13 -
2 cups of hot broth or water
14 -
1½ cups of orzo pasta
→ Optional Garnishes
15 -
Fresh parsley, chopped
16 -
Grated Parmesan or Kefalotyri cheese
# Instructions:
01 -
Warm up the olive oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat. Sprinkle salt and pepper on your beef, then sear it in small batches until nicely browned. Set aside once done.
02 -
In the same pot, cook the onions until they soften up. Toss in garlic and sauté for another minute. Mix in tomato paste and cook it for a minute or two.
03 -
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth. Drop in the cinnamon stick, bay leaves, allspice, and sugar. Stir until everything is well mixed.
04 -
Put the beef back into the pot. Bring it all to a simmer, then cover and let it cook on low heat for about 90-120 minutes until the meat is soft.
05 -
Heat your oven to 375°F. Stir the orzo into the pot, adding hot water if it looks too thick. Pop it into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the pasta becomes tender.
06 -
Take out the cinnamon stick and bay leaves. Before serving, sprinkle grated cheese and fresh parsley on top.
# Notes:
01 -
You can cook this entirely on the stovetop if you want.
02 -
A classic dish that’s simple and comforting from Greece.
03 -
Pair with crusty bread and a side of Greek salad for the best combo.