Recipe Details

• Author: deesviral
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Greek
• Keywords: Greek Youvetsi, beef orzo stew, Mediterranean comfort food, deesviral recipes

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs beef stew meat or lamb, cut into chunks
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1½ cups orzo pasta
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese or grated Parmesan
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep pot over medium-high heat. Brown the meat on all sides, then remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté the onion until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.
4. Pour in the beef broth and return the browned meat to the pot. Cover and simmer for 1½–2 hours until the meat becomes tender.
5. Add the orzo pasta and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
6. Sprinkle with feta cheese and fresh parsley before serving warm.

Serving Tips

• Serve with warm crusty bread or a Greek salad.
• Add extra feta cheese for a creamier finish.
• A squeeze of lemon brightens the rich tomato sauce beautifully.

Why This Recipe Works

Slow-simmered meat creates deep flavor while the orzo absorbs the rich tomato broth, making every bite hearty and comforting. The creamy feta balances the savory sauce perfectly.