Beef Giouvetsi, also known as Yiouvetsi, is a traditional Greek stew made with tender braised beef, simmered in a rich tomato sauce and served with orzo pasta. This comforting dish is perfect for cozy winter nights, offering a delicious mix of flavors from cinnamon, allspice, and bay leaves. It’s an easy-to-make dish that can be prepared in the oven, stovetop, or slow cooker, making it an ideal choice for any day of the week!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 lb beef (such as chuck) or lamb, cut into bite-sized cubes
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 onion, diced
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1 carrot, shredded (optional)
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3 cloves garlic, chopped
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3 tablespoons tomato paste
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¼ cup red wine (or beef broth)
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3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth, or vegetable broth)
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1 (14.5 oz) can tomatoes, crushed
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½ teaspoon cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon allspice
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¼ teaspoon nutmeg
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2 dried bay leaves
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1 cup orzo pasta (gluten-free for gluten-free)
Directions
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Sear the Beef:
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef, seasoned with salt and pepper to taste, and brown for 2-4 minutes per side. Set aside. -
Sauté Vegetables:
In the same pan, add the onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. If using, add the shredded carrot and cook for 1 minute. Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute. -
Deglaze with Wine:
Pour in the wine (or beef broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. -
Simmer the Beef:
Add the broth, crushed tomatoes, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and bay leaves to the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until the beef is falling apart tender, about 2-4 hours. Alternatively, cover and bake in a preheated oven at 275°F (140°C) for 2-4 hours, or cook in a slow cooker on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 4-6 hours. -
Cook the Orzo:
Add the orzo to the beef mixture and cook until tender, about 10 minutes on the stovetop, or bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes. If using a slow cooker, cook on HIGH for 10-15 minutes. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the bay leaves and serve the Beef Giouvetsi hot. Optionally garnish with parsley or your favorite cheese, such as feta, parmesan, or pecorino romano.
Nutrients (Per Serving)
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Calories: 391 kcal
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Fat: 13g
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Saturated Fat: 3g
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Cholesterol: 71mg
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Sodium: 675mg
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Carbs: 33g
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugars: 7g
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Protein: 33g
The Beauty of Braised Beef
The key element in Beef Giouvetsi is the beef itself, typically a cut like chuck or lamb, which is seared to perfection and then simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. The braising process allows the meat to become tender and juicy, absorbing the spices and tomato sauce, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. By cooking the beef slowly over a long period, either on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, you ensure that the meat becomes fall-apart tender, making each bite irresistible.
Braising the beef in a mixture of broth, wine, and crushed tomatoes infuses it with deep, savory flavors, while the fat from the meat helps to create a rich, luxurious sauce. The flavors of the beef develop over time, creating a dish that’s even more delicious the longer it simmers, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.
The Aromatic Spice Blend
One of the most distinctive elements of Beef Giouvetsi is the spice blend, which includes cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and bay leaves. These warm, aromatic spices are a hallmark of Greek cuisine, and they lend the stew a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other stews and braised dishes.
Cinnamon is the dominant spice in this recipe, providing a sweet, warming note that complements the richness of the beef. Allspice and nutmeg add complexity to the dish, with their subtle, slightly sweet and savory flavors enhancing the overall depth. Bay leaves round out the flavor, adding an herbal note that ties the spices together. Together, these spices create a comforting, aromatic base that fills your kitchen with the most enticing fragrance as the dish simmers.
The Importance of Orzo
Traditionally, Beef Giouvetsi is served with orzo pasta, a rice-shaped pasta that soaks up the rich sauce and adds a nice texture to the dish. Orzo’s small size makes it the perfect complement to the tender beef and hearty broth, and it absorbs the flavors of the stew as it cooks, making each spoonful a satisfying combination of meat and pasta.
Orzo is also highly versatile, making it an ideal choice for this dish. Whether you are preparing Beef Giouvetsi on the stovetop, in the oven, or in a slow cooker, orzo cooks easily and quickly, requiring only 10-15 minutes to become tender. It adds both substance and flavor to the dish, creating a complete and satisfying meal that doesn’t need any additional sides.
For those who prefer a gluten-free version, orzo can be substituted with gluten-free pasta or another grain like quinoa. The dish still retains its rich flavor and comforting texture, ensuring that it can be enjoyed by those with dietary restrictions.
A Flexible Cooking Method
One of the great things about Beef Giouvetsi is its flexibility in cooking methods. While the dish traditionally takes a few hours to cook, you can use a variety of methods to prepare it, depending on your schedule.
If you have a couple of hours to spare, you can make Beef Giouvetsi on the stovetop, simmering the beef and sauce over low heat until the meat becomes fork-tender. This method allows you to control the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed, ensuring that the flavors are perfectly balanced.
For an even easier option, you can cook Beef Giouvetsi in the oven, braising it slowly at a low temperature. This method allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, with minimal active cooking time. Simply place the ingredients in a large oven-safe dish and bake at a low temperature until the beef is tender and the sauce is rich and flavorful.
The slow cooker is another excellent choice for making Beef Giouvetsi. This method is perfect for busy days, as you can simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker in the morning and let it cook on low for 8-10 hours. When you come home, the stew will be ready, with the beef perfectly tender and the sauce infused with all the delicious spices.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Beef Giouvetsi is a complete meal in itself, with tender beef, rich sauce, and orzo all coming together to create a hearty dish. However, there are a few simple sides that pair wonderfully with this stew to complete the meal.
A fresh Greek salad is an excellent accompaniment to Beef Giouvetsi. The crispness of the salad, with its tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and olives, offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew. You could also serve it with a side of crusty bread to help soak up the flavorful sauce, or even a side of roasted vegetables to add more depth and variety to the meal.
For a more traditional experience, you could garnish the dish with a sprinkle of feta cheese, which adds a salty, creamy element that enhances the savory flavors of the stew. A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the dish, balancing the richness of the beef and spices.
As for wine pairings, Beef Giouvetsi goes wonderfully with a robust red wine like a Greek Agiorgitiko or a Cabernet Sauvignon. The tannins in these wines help balance the richness of the stew, while the fruity notes complement the savory beef and aromatic spices.
A Hearty, Comforting Meal
Beef Giouvetsi is a classic comfort food that embodies the warmth and heartiness of Greek cuisine. With its tender beef, aromatic spices, and satisfying orzo pasta, this dish is the perfect meal for colder weather or when you’re craving something hearty and flavorful. The flexibility in cooking methods makes it an easy option for both busy weeknights and special occasions, while the rich, savory flavors will make it a hit with everyone who tries it.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a gathering, or just for yourself, Beef Giouvetsi offers a delightful mix of tender meat, spices, and comfort, all in one dish. Its simplicity and heartiness make it a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Conclusion: A Classic Greek Stew Made Easy
In conclusion, Beef Giouvetsi is a perfect example of how traditional dishes can be made accessible without sacrificing flavor. Whether you prepare it on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the slow cooker, this hearty Greek stew brings the best of Greek cuisine into your home. With its tender beef, aromatic spices, and flavorful broth, it’s a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed on a cozy night in or as the centerpiece of a dinner party. Beef Giouvetsi is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire, providing warmth and deliciousness with every bite.