Description
Greek Manestra Beef Orzo is a comforting dish that envelops tender beef in a creamy, savory sauce, complemented by the delicate texture of orzo pasta. Each bite bursts with rich flavors of tomatoes and spices, creating a warm and satisfying experience that evokes the essence of traditional Greek cuisine.
Ingredients
- Beef: 1 pound of beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Orzo: 1 cup of orzo pasta
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 carrot, diced; 1 celery stalk, diced
- Tomato Sauce: 1 can (15 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
- Broth: 4 cups of beef broth
- Herbs and Spices: 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; salt and pepper to taste
- Finishing Touch: 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
- Stir in the orzo and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente.
- Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and parsley. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- For a lighter version, substitute beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Vegetarian option: Replace beef with mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 grams
- Sodium: 800 milligrams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 30 grams
- Cholesterol: 70 milligrams
Keywords: Greek Manestra, Beef Orzo, Greek cuisine, creamy pasta, comfort food, Mediterranean recipes, beef stew, orzo recipes, traditional Greek dishes, hearty meals, one-pot meals, savory pasta