Name: Beef Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Orzo Pasta) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h 25 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck or stew meat, cut into cubes; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 cup beef broth; 1 cinnamon stick; 2 bay leaves; 1 tsp ground allspice; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity); 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta; 2 cups hot water or beef broth, as needed; Grated Kefalotyri cheese or Parmesan; Fresh parsley for garnish

Jump to Recipe

Beef Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Orzo Pasta) Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that instantly transports you to a cozy Greek kitchen filled with the aromas of spiced tomato sauce and slow-braised beef. Tender morsels of beef melt into a savory, cinnamon-kissed sauce, perfectly paired with orzo pasta that soaks up every drop of flavor. Whether you’re celebrating with family or just want to treat yourself to a hearty, soul-satisfying meal, this classic Greek casserole is as welcoming as a big, warm hug from grandma.

Beef Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Orzo Pasta) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Beef Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Orzo Pasta) Recipe lies in its beautifully simple, wholesome ingredients. Each addition brings its own unique touch—whether it’s depth, warmth, or a pop of freshness. Let’s break down what makes every element essential:

Beef chuck or stew meat: Choose well-marbled cuts for tender, flavorful results after a long, gentle simmer.

Olive oil: Use a fruity, extra-virgin olive oil to add richness at the base and bring everything together.
Onion: Finely chopped onion lays a savory foundation, sweetening as it cooks down.

Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic punches up the aroma and depth in every bite.
Crushed tomatoes (14 oz can): This gives the sauce a robust, tangy backbone that’s at the heart of the dish.

Tomato paste: Adds concentrated tomato flavor and a beautiful color to the sauce.
Beef broth: Infuses the orzo and beef with extra meaty undertones; homemade or low-sodium are best.
Cinnamon stick: A traditional Greek touch, cinnamon gives a subtle warmth and complexity without overpowering.

Bay leaves: Add a fragrant, herbal layer to the sauce as it simmers.
Ground allspice: Brings gentle spice that’s signature to classic Greek stews.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process.

Sugar (optional): Just a pinch balances the acidity from the tomatoes, especially if they’re very tart.
Orzo pasta: This rice-shaped pasta soaks up the luscious sauce and turns silky in the oven.
Hot water or beef broth (as needed): Ensures the orzo cooks evenly and the dish stays perfectly saucy.

Grated Kefalotyri cheese or Parmesan: A finishing touch of nutty, salty cheese brings it all together.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley brightens the final dish with a pop of color and freshness.

How to Make Beef Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Orzo Pasta) Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Start by heating a generous drizzle of olive oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Pat your beef cubes dry, season with salt and pepper, and sear them in batches to lock in their juices and create beautifully caramelized edges. Don’t rush this part; it’s the first secret to deep, complex flavor in this Beef Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Orzo Pasta) Recipe. Remove the browned beef and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In the same pot, immediately add your chopped onions, letting them soften and pick up all that delicious browned flavor from the beef. After a few minutes, toss in the garlic for a quick sauté until it’s mouthwateringly fragrant. Add the tomato paste and stir for a minute or two—this tiny extra step intensifies that savory, slightly sweet tomato base.

Step 3: Build the Braise

Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth; then tuck in your cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and ground allspice. If your tomatoes are a touch acidic, add a bit of sugar here. Mix everything well—you’ll immediately notice the comforting, spiced aroma that makes this dish so unmistakably Greek.

Step 4: Simmer the Beef

Return your beautifully seared beef to the pot, nestling it into the fragrant sauce. Bring the whole mixture to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low for about 1.5 to 2 hours. The beef will become meltingly tender, while the sauce thickens and soaks up every spice. This is the heart of creating true comfort food magic!

Step 5: Add the Orzo and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Stir the dry orzo directly into the rich sauce and beef mixture, making sure it’s evenly distributed. If everything looks too thick, add a little hot water or more broth. Transfer the pot to the oven (or keep it on the stovetop) and let it bake for about 20-25 minutes, stirring a couple of times to prevent sticking. The orzo should cook until tender, absorbing all that savory sauce.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once the orzo is perfectly cooked, fish out the cinnamon stick and bay leaves. Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Kefalotyri (or Parmesan) over the top, and finish with a flurry of fresh parsley. Serve your Beef Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Orzo Pasta) Recipe piping hot for the ultimate Greek comfort food experience!

How to Serve Beef Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Orzo Pasta) Recipe

Garnishes

A final flourish of grated Kefalotyri or Parmesan is non-negotiable—the salty, slightly nutty bite is the perfect contrast to the rich, tomatoey orzo. Add a handful of fresh parsley for brightness and an inviting pop of color. Want extra Greek flair? A quick squeeze of fresh lemon over each bowl adds a zippy finish that wakes up the flavors.

Side Dishes

Serve your Beef Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Orzo Pasta) Recipe with a crisp Greek salad—the tangy feta and juicy tomatoes beautifully complement the hearty, savory casserole. For more traditional fare, try fluffy crusty bread to soak up the sauce, or a plate of roasted seasonal vegetables with a drizzle of olive oil and oregano.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, spoon the giouvetsi into individual terracotta dishes for a truly rustic, enchanting look. Or, scatter a little extra cheese and broil just before serving for a bubbling cheesy crust. Pair with small glasses of Greek red wine for an authentic touch—your guests will feel whisked off to the Mediterranean!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Beef Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Orzo Pasta) Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge. Let it cool to room temperature, transfer to airtight containers, and store for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen and get even tastier after resting overnight.

Freezing

This dish freezes like a champ! Portion the cooled giouvetsi into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to revisit those sunny Greek flavors, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen up the sauce and revive the orzo’s creamy texture. Stir well and top with fresh cheese and parsley before serving to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Can I make Beef Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Orzo Pasta) Recipe with lamb instead of beef?

Absolutely! Lamb is a classic variation in Greece and works wonderfully with the same spices and orzo. Just follow the recipe as written and allow extra time for tougher cuts if needed.

What if I can’t find Kefalotyri cheese?

No worries! Good-quality Parmesan or Pecorino Romano makes a great substitute. The key is to use a tangy, hard cheese that brings a punch of salty, savory flavor at the end.

Is it possible to make Beef Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Orzo Pasta) Recipe on the stovetop without baking?

Yes, if you don’t have an oven or prefer to keep it on the stove, just simmer gently after adding orzo, stirring frequently until the pasta is tender and the mixture is creamy. Keep an eye on the liquid and add more broth as needed.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Certainly—diced carrots, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach stirred in at the end can add color and extra nutrition. Just make sure they’re chopped small for even cooking and happy blending with the orzo and beef.

How do I keep the orzo from sticking or becoming mushy?

Stir the orzo a couple of times during baking and monitor the liquid levels. Add broth gradually as needed—the orzo should be tender but still have a slight bite, soaking up but not drowning in sauce.

Final Thoughts

It’s a joy to share this Beef Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Orzo Pasta) Recipe—it’s pure comfort from the heart of Greece, perfect for cozy family meals or wowing your friends at dinner. Give it a try, and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible scents of spices and simmering beef. Your taste buds are in for a treat!