Description
A hearty and flavorful one-pot meal combining tender beef and orzo pasta with rich tomato sauce and aromatic spices.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups hot water or beef broth as needed
- Grated Kefalotyri cheese or Parmesan (optional topping)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.
- Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear in batches until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, allspice, and sugar (if using). Mix well.
- Return the seared beef to the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce is rich.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Add the orzo to the pot, mixing it into the sauce.
- If needed, add hot water or additional broth to ensure the orzo cooks evenly.
- Transfer the pot to the oven (or continue cooking on the stovetop) and bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
- Remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaves.
- Sprinkle with grated Kefalotyri cheese and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot!
Notes
- For a spicy kick, consider adding red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- This dish can be made in advance and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg