Name: Giouvetsi Greek Beef Stew: 10 Reasons to Love This Dish
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast or beef shoulder), cut into cubes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup red wine (optional); 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice (optional); Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; 4 cups beef broth; 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Giouvetsi Greek Beef Stew is a rich and flavorful dish that embodies the heart of Greek cuisine. This traditional giouvetsi preparation features tender beef, aromatic spices, and hearty orzo pasta, simmered to perfection for a comforting one-pot meal. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a taste of authentic Greek comfort food right at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Giouvetsi Greek Beef Stew

This Greek beef stew recipe is not just another meal; it’s an experience. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:

Hearty and filling, making it ideal for chilly nights.
Simple ingredients and easy to find spices create rich flavors.
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers, saving time during busy weeks.
Family-friendly, satisfying both adults and kids alike.
Versatile; can be served as a main dish or with a salad.
Offers a taste of Greece, bringing cultural flavors to your kitchen.

Plus, with its slow-cooked giouvetsi recipe, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Ingredients for Giouvetsi Greek Beef Stew

Gather these items:

2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast or beef shoulder), cut into cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup red wine (optional)
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
4 cups beef broth
1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Giouvetsi Greek Beef Stew Step-by-Step

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Brown beef in batches, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove beef and set aside.
Step 2: In the same pot, cook onion until soft, then add garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Step 3: If using wine, pour it in and scrape the browned bits from the pot. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, cinnamon, and allspice. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add browned beef back to the pot. Add beef broth, cover, and simmer on low for 1.5-2 hours until beef is tender.
Step 5: Stir in orzo and simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, until orzo is cooked and has absorbed most of the sauce. Adjust consistency with more broth if needed.
Step 6: Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese (optional). Serve hot.

Pro Tips for the Best Giouvetsi Greek Beef Stew

Keep these in mind:

Use high-quality beef for the most tender result.
Don’t rush the browning process; it adds depth of flavor.
Feel free to experiment with spices; the best spices for giouvetsi include bay leaves or nutmeg.
For an authentic Greek giouvetsi dish, serve with a side of crusty bread.

Best Ways to Serve Giouvetsi Greek Beef Stew

When it comes to serving this delightful dish, consider these options:

Pair it with a fresh Greek salad for a balanced meal.
Top with crumbled feta cheese for added creaminess.
Serve alongside warm pita bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

How to Store and Reheat Giouvetsi Greek Beef Stew

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if necessary for moisture. This is a fantastic option for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Giouvetsi Greek Beef Stew

What’s the secret to perfect Giouvetsi Greek Beef Stew?

The key is to allow the beef to simmer until it’s fork-tender. Using quality meat and allowing the flavors to develop slowly is crucial for an authentic Greek giouvetsi dish.

Can I make Giouvetsi Greek Beef Stew ahead of time?

Absolutely! This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just reheat and enjoy!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Giouvetsi Greek Beef Stew?

Make sure not to rush the browning of the meat; this step is essential for flavor. Also, adjust the broth as needed to avoid a dry stew.

Variations of Giouvetsi Greek Beef Stew You Can Try

Here are some fun variations to consider:

Add vegetables like carrots or peas for extra nutrition.
Substitute the beef with lamb for a different flavor profile.
Try a vegetarian version using mushrooms and vegetable broth.
Experiment with different pasta types, like small shells or penne, if you can’t find orzo.

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes, or learn how to make slow cooker Korean beef for a different twist on beef dishes. If you’re interested in more Greek flavors, try our Greek chicken gyro bowls!

Giouvetsi Greek Beef Stew: 10 Reasons to Love This Dish

Author: basmer
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Giouvetsi (Greek Beef Stew with Orzo) is a rich and flavorful Greek beef stew that combines tender beef, aromatic spices, and hearty orzo pasta, simmered to perfection. A comforting one-pot meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Brown beef in batches, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove beef and set aside.
In the same pot, cook onion until soft, then add garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
If using wine, pour it in and scrape the browned bits from the pot. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, cinnamon, and allspice. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Add browned beef back to the pot. Add beef broth, cover, and simmer on low for 1.5-2 hours until beef is tender.
Stir in orzo and simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, until orzo is cooked and has absorbed most of the sauce. Adjust consistency with more broth if needed.
Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese (optional). Serve hot.