Description
This Greek-inspired Ground Beef Orzo recipe, also known as Manestra, combines tender orzo pasta with savory ground beef and fragrant Mediterranean spices. Cooked in a skillet with aromatic herbs, cinnamon, and tomato paste, this comforting dish is perfect for a quick and flavorful meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tbsp butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp sweet red pepper flakes (or sweet paprika)
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- 3 tbsp concentrated tomato paste
- 4 cups (980ml) chicken broth, plus extra if needed
- 1 ½ cups (300g) orzo
- ½ cinnamon stick (or large pinch ground cinnamon)
- 1 bay leaf
Herbs and Garnish
- 4 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
- Grated Parmesan, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, salt, black pepper, sweet red pepper flakes, and ground allspice. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until onions are softened and translucent.
- Add garlic and brown beef: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant. Add the lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the beef is nicely browned and cooked through.
- Incorporate tomato paste and herbs: Mix in the concentrated tomato paste, half of the chopped parsley and fresh mint. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Simmer with broth and spices: Pour in the chicken broth and add the cinnamon stick and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add orzo and cook: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed much of the broth.
- Finish and serve: Remove the bay leaf and cinnamon stick. Garnish with the remaining parsley and mint. Serve hot with a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground lamb for a more authentic Greek flavor.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace beef with mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
- Adjust the amount of broth if the orzo absorbs it too quickly, adding extra liquid as needed to maintain a creamy consistency.
- Fresh herbs add brightness; feel free to increase parsley and mint according to taste.
- The Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a lovely savory finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
