Description
Greek Manestra Beef Orzo is a hearty and flavorful dish made with tender beef, orzo pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 450 g beef stew meat, cut into cubes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 400 g crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 200 g orzo pasta
- 600 ml water or beef broth
- 1 cinnamon stick or 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is softened and translucent.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring to combine. Add the crushed tomatoes and water or beef broth.
- Add cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook gently for 25 to 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and beef to tenderize.
- Stir in the orzo. Continue cooking for 10 minutes, stirring frequently so the pasta does not stick. Add more broth or water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
- Once orzo is al dente and the sauce thickens, remove the pot from heat. Discard the bay leaf and cinnamon stick if used. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and let the dish rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes.
- This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg