Tender Beef Giouvetsi Stew

Beef Giouvetsi is a comforting Greek stew perfect for cozy dinners when you want something rich and satisfying without fuss. This dish layers tender beef with warm spices and orzo pasta in a tomato-rich sauce creating a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

I first made this after finding recipe notes from a friend and it quickly became a weekend staple especially on chilly evenings when I want long slow cooked comfort

Ingredients

• Olive oil: brings out the flavors when sautéing and adds a silky finish choose extra virgin for the best taste
• Beef chuck: is great for slow cooking because it becomes tender while staying flavorful choose well marbled pieces for juiciness
• Onion and carrot: build a natural sweetness and depth aim for firm fresh produce
• Garlic: for aromatic pungency fresh cloves are best for that sweet sharp punch
• Tomato paste: intensifies the sauce pick a good quality brand for richer taste
• Red wine or beef broth: helps deglaze and add layers of flavor opt for a wine you would enjoy drinking
• Beef broth: adds savory depth homemade or a low sodium store-bought can work
• Canned crushed tomatoes: provide acidity and body select ones with no added sugar
• Cinnamon allspice and nutmeg: create the warm spice profile use fresh or quality ground for best impact
• Dried bay leaves: contribute an herbal fragrance remove before serving
• Orzo pasta: soaks up the sauce creating comforting bites pick gluten-free if needed

Instructions

Build The Flavor Base:

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in an oven-safe pan until shimmering. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper and brown them in batches so they develop a caramelized crust. Each side should take about 2 to 4 minutes. Remove browned beef and set aside.

Cook The Vegetables:

Add diced onion to the pan and cook over medium heat stirring occasionally until tender about 5 minutes. Add shredded carrot if using and cook for another minute. Stir in chopped garlic and tomato paste cooking for an additional minute to deepen flavor.

Deglaze And Layer Ingredients:

Pour in red wine or broth scraping up the browned bits stuck to the pan with a wooden spoon. This releases concentrated flavor into the sauce. Add the beef broth crushed tomatoes cinnamon allspice nutmeg bay leaves and browned beef back to the pot. Stir everything together well.

Simmer Until Tender:

Cover and choose your cooking method. Bring to a boil then lower heat and simmer gently on stove for 2 to 4 hours until beef is meltingly tender. Alternatively place covered pan in a preheated 275 Fahrenheit (140 Celsius) oven for 2 to 4 hours or transfer everything to a slow cooker set to low for 8 to 10 hours or high for 4 to 6 hours.

Add Orzo And Finish Cooking:

Stir in orzo pasta and continue cooking. On the stove bring to a boil again and cook until the orzo is tender about 10 minutes. In the oven keep covered and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until orzo is done. In the slow cooker cook on high covered until orzo softens about 10 to 15 minutes.

Final Touch:

Remove bay leaves carefully to avoid biting into them and serve your rich fragrant Beef Giouvetsi.

This stew is a Sunday dinner staple in many Greek households bringing families together over long meals.

Storage tips

Cool completely before storing leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. This stew freezes well so divide into portions and freeze for up to three months. Thaw slowly in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Ingredient swaps

Lamb can replace beef for a more traditional Greek flavor. If you don’t have orzo try small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or even rice for a similar comforting texture. Swap red wine for additional broth to keep this recipe alcohol-free.

Serving ideas

Serve with a simple Greek salad and crusty bread for soaking up the sauce. A side of steamed greens or roasted vegetables balances the richness. Finish with crumbled feta or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.

Remove bay leaves carefully before serving to avoid biting into them. Enjoy your warm comforting Beef Giouvetsi with family and friends.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What cut of beef is best for this dish?

Chuck or any beef suitable for slow cooking works best as it becomes tender and flavorful over several hours.

→ Can lamb be used instead of beef?

Yes, lamb can be substituted and will provide a different, but equally rich and hearty flavor profile.

→ What is the purpose of adding cinnamon and nutmeg?

These warm spices add subtle aromatic notes that complement the tomato base and meat, enhancing overall depth.

→ How is the orzo cooked in this preparation?

Orzo is added toward the end and simmered in the stew liquid until tender, absorbing the flavors of the dish.

→ Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free orzo pasta, the dish can be adapted to suit gluten-free diets.

→ What are alternative liquids if no wine is available?

Beef, chicken, or vegetable broth can be used instead of wine to deglaze the pan and build flavor.