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Youvetsi Recipe - Greek Beef & Orzo Stew

Youvetsi is a traditional Greek dish made with lamb or beef where the meat is slow-braised in a savory red wine sauce for hours, then paired with orzo pasta in this amazing one-pan dinner.  
5 from 8 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Greek
Keyword: Giovetsi, Greek Beef & Orzo Stew, Youvesi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 598kcal
Author: Eva

Ingredients

  • 2.5 lbs. boneless beef short ribs or Chuck roast
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt and pepper
  • 2 carrots thinly sliced
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 sprigs of thyme
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 14.5 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 ½ cups beef broth divided
  • 8 oz orzo pasta
  • parsley chopped for garnish
  • feta or parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 325° F.
  • Cut the beef into 2" chunks and season it generously with salt and pepper.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large oven-proof skillet or braising pan with a lid.
  • Place the beef into the hot skillet and sear until brown on all sides.
  • Remove the beef to a plate and set it aside.
  • To the skillet add the diced onion, and carrots and cook until tender, about 6-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the minced garlic and thyme.  Cook until the vegetables are tender - about 4 minutes.  Add the tomato paste and stir to combine. Add the red wine and deglaze the pan by scraping up all the brown bits.   Cook for 1-2 minutes.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar, and 1 cup of beef broth to the skillet.  Stir and simmer for a few minutes until combined. 
  • Add 2 bay leaves and 2 cinnamon sticks along with the seared beef to the pan. Cover and braise for 2 hours at 325 degrees.
  • Add the orzo and 1 ½ cups of broth to the skillet and stir.  Place the braising pan back into the oven for 35 minutes.
  • Top with chopped parsley and serve with grated parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 598kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 112mg | Sodium: 652mg | Potassium: 1370mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 3648IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 6mg