The Best Beef Giouvetsi Recipe In 3 Steps

Name: Beef Giouvetsi Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 165 min
Total time: 200 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck roast (- Cut into 2-inch cubes); 3 tbsp olive oil; — — salt and pepper (- To taste); 1 large onion (- Finely diced); 4 cloves garlic (- Minced); 1 cup red wine (- Use dry red wine); 2 cups tomato sauce or puree; 14 oz crushed tomatoes (- 1 can); 2 — bay leaves; 1 — cinnamon stick; ½ tsp ground allspice; 1 tbsp dried oregano; 2 cups beef broth; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp molasses (- Optional – adds depth of flavor); 1 pinch ground cloves (- Optional – for warmth); 1 pinch nutmeg (- Optional – enhances flavor); 2 cups orzo pasta; 3 cups hot water or beef broth; ½ cup grated kefalotyri or parmesan cheese (- Plus extra for topping)

Emma has always been skeptical of "Mom's fancy dinners." But last Sunday, when I pulled a bubbling dish of beef giouvetsi out of the oven, something magical happened. She took one bite of that tender beef with tomato-soaked orzo pasta and asked for more. Then asked for thirds. Then wanted to know if we could have it again next week.This traditional Greek giouvetsi is one of those recipes that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make. Tender chunks of beef get slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce with warming spices like cinnamon and allspice, then baked with orzo pasta until everything melds together into pure comfort.

A hearty serving of Beef Giouvetsi, featuring succulent beef pieces simmered in a tomato and herb sauce with orzo pasta. The dish is garnished with fresh parsley and served in a white bowl over a wooden table. Each bite combines the deep, savory flavor of braised beef with the soft texture of perfectly cooked orzo — a comforting Mediterranean classic.

Why This Beef Giouvetsi Is a Family Game-Changer

Traditional Beef Giouvetsi has been warming Greek families for generations, and there's a good reason this rustic oven meal has stood the test of time. Unlike complicated recipes that require constant stirring or multiple pots, this oven-baked Greek dish practically cooks itself once you get everything in the pot.The magic happens in how the beef and orzo cook together. As the beef stew meat slowly becomes tender in the oven, it releases all its rich flavors into the tomato sauce. That sauce then gets absorbed by the orzo pasta, creating this incredibly flavorful Greek baked pasta dish where every single grain is packed with taste.

What makes this beef giouvetsi with orzo so special is the unexpected warmth from cinnamon and allspice. When most people think of these spices, they think of desserts. But in Greek cooking, they add an incredible depth to savory dishes that you can't quite identify but absolutely love. It's that "what IS that amazing flavor?" element that keeps everyone coming back for more.This comfort food Greek recipe is also incredibly forgiving. The slow-cooked beef casserole method means you can't really overcook it – the longer it goes, the more tender everything becomes.

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Why This Beef Giouvetsi Is a Family Game-Changer
Ingredients You'll Need For Beef Giouvetsi
How To Cook Beef Giouvetsi Step By Step
Smart Swaps for Beef Giouvetsi
Beef Giouvetsi Variations
Equipment For Beef Giouvetsi
Storing Your Beef Giouvetsi
Top Tip
The Recipe That Got Passed Down From My Aunt's Kitchen
FAQ
The Ultimate Greek Comfort Food!
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Pairing
Beef Giouvetsi Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need For Beef Giouvetsi

For the Beef:

2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 large onion, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup red wine

For the Tomato Sauce:

2 cups tomato sauce or puree
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 bay leaves
1 cinnamon stick
½ teaspoon ground allspice
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste

For the Orzo:

Extra cheese for topping
2 cups orzo pasta
3 cups hot water or beef broth
½ cup grated kefalotyri or parmesan cheese

See recipe card for quantities.

How To Cook Beef Giouvetsi Step By Step

Brown the Beef:

Start by heating your olive oil in a large, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Pat your beef chunks completely dry with paper towels – this is crucial for getting a good sear. Season them generously with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot pot in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Let them sit undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until they develop a beautiful brown crust, then flip and brown the other sides. Don't rush this step that caramelization adds so much flavor to your giouvetsi with tomato sauce.

Close-up of juicy beef pieces searing in a red cast-iron pot filled with tomato sauce and orzo pasta. A wooden spoon drizzles golden olive oil over the simmering meat, adding shine and richness. The scene captures a key cooking step in preparing traditional Greek giouvetsi — the slow braising that develops deep flavor and tender texture.

Build the Sauce:

In the same pot with all those delicious brown bits stuck to the bottom, add your diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it softens and turns translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until your kitchen smells absolutely incredible. Pour in the red wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those caramelized bits from the bottom – that's pure flavor you don't want to waste. Let the wine reduce by half, then add your tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, allspice, oregano, and tomato paste.

Add the Orzo:

Let that beef cook low and slow for about 2 hours until it's fork-tender and falling apart. Pull the pot out of the oven and remove the bay leaves and cinnamon stick. Now comes the fun part – stir in your orzo pasta along with the hot water or broth. Make sure all the orzo is submerged in liquid. Cover the pot again and return it to the oven for another 25-30 minutes, stirring once halfway through. The orzo will absorb all that rich, beefy tomato sauce and become incredibly flavorful.

A rustic red Dutch oven filled with tender, slow-cooked beef chunks and orzo pasta simmered in a rich tomato sauce. The dish is beautifully garnished with fresh herbs like rosemary and bay leaves, and you can see a few cinnamon sticks adding a hint of spice. The deep golden orzo absorbs the sauce’s flavor, creating a comforting, hearty Greek one-pot meal known as beef giouvetsi

Finish and Serve:

Crank your oven up to 400°F and put the pot back in, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top gets golden and slightly crispy. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving – this gives the orzo time to absorb any remaining sauce and makes it easier to serve. Scoop generous portions into bowls and watch everyone's eyes light up.

Smart Swaps for Beef Giouvetsi

Meat Options:

Lamb shoulder → Beef chuck (for giouvetsi lamb version)
Beef short ribs → Chuck roast
Veal stew meat → Beef stew meat
Ground beef → Cubed beef (quicker version)

Equipment Swaps:

Slow cooker → Dutch oven (for beef giouvetsi slow cooker method)
Instant Pot → Oven method
Regular pot + baking dish → Dutch oven
Clay pot → Dutch oven

Ingredient Alternatives:

Feta cheese → Kefalotyri cheese
White wine → Red wine
Fresh tomatoes → Canned sauce
Rice → Orzo pasta

Beef Giouvetsi Variations

Classic Lamb Version:

Use lamb shoulder instead of beef
Add extra oregano
Top with crumbled feta
Serve with lemon wedges

Vegetable-Packed Style:

Add diced carrots and celery
Include pearl onions
Mix in green beans
Emma actually eats these!

Spicy Greek Twist:

Add crushed red pepper flakes
Include diced green peppers
Use spicy Italian sausage alongside beef
Top with kasseri cheese

Winter Comfort Version:

Add root vegetables
Use extra cinnamon
Include dried fruit
Perfect for cozy Sunday dinner recipe

Equipment For Beef Giouvetsi

Large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot with lid
Sharp knife for cutting beef
Wooden spoon for stirring
Measuring cups and spoons
Box grater for cheese

Storing Your Beef Giouvetsi

Refrigerator (3-4 days):

Cool completely before storing
Transfer to airtight container
Orzo will absorb more sauce
Add splash of broth when reheating

Freezer (2-3 months):

Freeze in individual portions
Leave out the cheese topping
Thaw overnight in fridge
Add fresh cheese when reheating

Reheating Tips:

Add 2-3 tablespoons water or broth
Cover and heat at 350°F for 20 minutes
Microwave works but oven is better
Top with fresh grated cheese

Make-Ahead Strategy:

Flavors develop overnight
Cook beef completely day before
Add orzo day of serving
Assemble and bake fresh

A beautifully plated serving of beef giouvetsi in a white ceramic bowl. The tender shredded beef sits on top of saucy orzo pasta, with chunks of tomato and a generous sprinkle of feta cheese and chopped parsley. The rich red sauce glistens under the light, showcasing a traditional Greek comfort dish full of depth and home-cooked warmth.

Top Tip

My cousin Dimitri grew up in Athens and claims his Beef Giouvetsi is the most authentic version outside of Greece. Every time he makes it at family gatherings, people rave about how it tastes "just like the restaurants in Greece." For years, I followed his recipe exactly, but mine never had that same depth of flavor his did.

Last Christmas, I finally caught him in the act. While everyone was busy opening presents, I snuck into the kitchen and watched him make his famous beef giouvetsi. That's when I saw it – he was adding a tablespoon of molasses to his tomato sauce. Molasses! He also used a secret blend of spices: regular cinnamon plus a tiny bit of ground cloves and a pinch of nutmeg. Those warming spices create a complexity that makes you think you're eating something way more complicated than it actually is.

When I confronted him later, he laughed and admitted he'd been holding out on the family for years. But there was one more secret. He saves all the rendered fat from browning the beef and stirs it back into the orzo before the final bake. It sounds heavy, but it adds incredible richness and helps the cheese topping get extra golden and crispy.

The Recipe That Got Passed Down From My Aunt's Kitchen

My Aunt She learned to make Beef Giouvetsi from her mother-in-law when she married into a Greek family 40 years ago. Every Sunday dinner at her house featured this dish, and everyone always said hers was the best they'd ever tasted. For years, I followed traditional recipes, but mine never had that same rich, deep flavor that made Aunt She's so special.Last summer, she finally invited me into her kitchen to teach me properly. That's when I discovered her secrets. First, she adds a tablespoon of molasses to the tomato sauce – something she swears her Greek mother-in-law taught her.

It adds a subtle sweetness and depth that makes the sauce taste like it simmered for days. She also uses a secret spice blend: regular cinnamon plus a tiny pinch of ground cloves and nutmeg. Those warming spices create a complexity you can taste but can't quite identify.Aunt She saves all the rendered fat from browning the beef and stirs it back into the orzo before the final bake. "Never waste the flavor," she told me in her kitchen that day. That fat helps the cheese topping get extra golden and crispy, and it adds an incredible richness to every bite.

FAQ

What is the best cut of Beef Giouvetsi?

Chuck roast is hands-down the best cut of beef for giouvetsi because it has the perfect amount of marbling and connective tissue. During the long, slow cooking in the oven, that fat and collagen break down, making the meat incredibly tender and flavorful. I cut it into 2-inch cubes so every piece gets browned on all sides. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin or round – they'll get tough and stringy. Beef short ribs also work beautifully if you want even more richness.

How to cook Beef Giouvetsi?

Cooking giouvetsi is easier than it looks! Start by browning cubed beef in a Dutch oven, then build a rich tomato sauce with onions, garlic, wine, and warming spices like cinnamon and allspice. Let the beef simmer in the sauce in a 325°F oven for about 2 hours until fork-tender. Then stir in orzo pasta with hot liquid, return to the oven for 25-30 minutes until the orzo is tender, top with cheese, and bake uncovered at 400°F until golden.

What is beef giouvetsi?

Beef giouvetsi (also spelled youvetsi) is a traditional Greek comfort food that combines tender, slow-cooked beef with orzo pasta in a rich tomato sauce flavored with cinnamon, allspice, and oregano. It's an oven-baked one-pot dish that's popular for Sunday dinners and family gatherings throughout Greece. The name comes from the clay pot (youvetsi) it's traditionally baked in.

What cut of beef is used for giouvetsi?

Traditional Greek cooks use beef chuck roast or stewing beef for giouvetsi because these cuts have enough fat and connective tissue to stay moist and tender during the long cooking time. Chuck roast is my top choice – I buy a whole roast and cut it into 2-inch cubes myself for the best results. You can also use beef short ribs if you want extra richness, or even lamb shoulder if you want to make the traditional giouvetsi lamb version.

A bowl of Greek beef giouvetsi served with rich tomato sauce, tender orzo pasta, and soft chunks of braised beef. The dish is topped with crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. The combination of savory beef, sweet tomato, and creamy feta creates a warm, comforting Mediterranean meal.

The Ultimate Greek Comfort Food!

There you have it – everything you need to make beef giouvetsi that tastes like it came straight from a Greek grandmother's kitchen. What started as me trying to recreate restaurant-quality Greek food has become one of our family's most-requested Sunday meals. Even Emma, who usually picks around vegetables and sauce, devours every last orzo.This traditional Greek giouvetsi proves that the best comfort food doesn't have to be complicated. Yes, it takes a couple of hours in the oven, but the actual hands-on work is maybe 30 minutes.

Plus, it makes your house smell so incredible that neighbors might start showing up around dinnertime.Craving more Mediterranean comfort food? Our Best Grilled Halloumi Salad Recipe brings bright, fresh flavors to your weeknight dinner rotation. Want another warming stew? Try our The Best Baked Spaghetti And Meatballs Recipe with pearl onions and warming spices. And if you loved the orzo in this dish, our Best Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe is a lighter side dish that's equally delicious!

Made this giouvetsi? We need to see your creation! and show us that gorgeous golden cheese topping. Did you try Dimitri's molasses trick? Did your kids actually eat the orzo? Drop a comment and let us know!

Please rate this Beef Giouvetsi! Your feedback helps other home cooks discover this incredible Greek comfort food, and we love hearing about your dinner table wins.

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