Name: Beef Giouvetsi
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 15 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cut into chunks; 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 cups crushed tomatoes or tomato passata; 4 cups beef broth or water (plus more as needed); 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, traditional); 1 bay leaf; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup grated kefalotyri, Parmesan, or Romano cheese (for serving)

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Beef Giouvetsi is a comforting, traditional Greek dish made with tender beef, orzo pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce baked together until bubbly and full of flavor. It’s rustic, hearty, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or enjoying as a cozy family dinner. I love how the orzo soaks up all the savory juices from the meat and sauce, creating a dish that’s deeply satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with incredible aroma and feels like a warm hug in a bowl. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the tomato sauce gets richer as it bakes. It’s one of those one-pan dishes that looks impressive but comes together with simple ingredients and very little fuss. Beef Giouvetsi

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Beef chuck or stew meat, cut into chunks
Olive oil
Onion, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Tomato paste
Crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
Beef broth or water
Orzo pasta
Ground cinnamon (optional but traditional)
Bay leaf
Salt and pepper
Grated kefalotyri, Parmesan, or Romano cheese (for serving)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a heavy pot or Dutch oven, I heat olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the beef chunks on all sides. I work in batches if needed, then remove and set aside.
In the same pot, I sauté the chopped onion until soft, then add garlic and tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
I stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. I return the beef to the pot and bring everything to a simmer.
I cover and transfer the pot to the oven. I bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until the beef is tender.
I remove the pot from the oven, stir in the orzo, and add a bit more broth if needed to cover the pasta.
I return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for another 20–25 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the orzo is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
I let it rest for 10 minutes, then sprinkle generously with grated cheese before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 2 to 2.5 hours
Total time: About 2 hours 30 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I make this with lamb instead of beef, or even chicken thighs when I want a lighter version. I’ve also used small pasta shapes like risoni if I don’t have orzo. When I want a richer tomato flavor, I add a splash of red wine to the sauce before baking.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it in the oven or on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the pasta. It also freezes well—I portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make Beef Giouvetsi on the stovetop only?

Yes, I simmer it on low after browning the meat and then cook the orzo directly in the pot, though baking gives the best texture and flavor.

What’s the best cut of beef to use?

I like using chuck roast or stewing beef because it becomes super tender after slow cooking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it a day in advance. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Do I need to stir the orzo while baking?

I stir it once or twice to keep it from sticking, but not too often—it should absorb the sauce without becoming mushy.

What cheese should I use on top?

Kefalotyri is traditional, but I often use grated Parmesan or Romano when I don’t have Greek cheese on hand.

Conclusion

Beef Giouvetsi is a classic Greek comfort dish that’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. With its tender beef, hearty orzo, and savory tomato sauce, it’s a meal that brings warmth to the table every time. Whether I’m cooking for family, guests, or just myself, this is one of those recipes I always come back to when I want something truly comforting.