If you are craving a comforting and hearty dish that bursts with Mediterranean flavors, look no further than this Manestra: Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef Recipe. This soul-satisfying meal combines tender orzo pasta simmered in a savory tomato and ground beef sauce, enriched with warm spices like cinnamon and oregano. It’s simple yet flavorful, bringing together wholesome ingredients in a way that makes every bite feel like a warm hug from the heart of Greece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Manestra: Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef Recipe lies in how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each component plays a crucial role, from the aromatic onion and garlic building the flavor base, to the cinnamon adding a subtle, unexpected warmth. Together, these ingredients create a deliciously rich and satisfying dish.
- Olive oil: A tablespoon of good-quality olive oil adds a fruity richness and helps soften the onions.
- Onion: One chopped onion provides a sweet, aromatic foundation for the sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Two cloves minced offer that classic savory punch essential in Mediterranean cooking.
- Ground beef: One pound of lean ground beef lends hearty protein and depth of flavor; swap with ground lamb for a more traditional taste.
- Diced tomatoes (14 oz can): They bring bright acidity and juiciness to balance the richness of the meat.
- Tomato paste: A quarter cup thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor.
- Chicken broth or water: Two cups provide the necessary liquid to cook the orzo and infuse the dish with savory notes.
- Orzo pasta: One and a half cups offer tender, rice-shaped pasta that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- Dried oregano: One teaspoon injects an earthy, herbal aroma that’s quintessentially Greek.
- Ground cinnamon: A half teaspoon adds a warm and slightly sweet complexity that really elevates the dish.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, these seasonings enhance every flavor element perfectly.
- Fresh parsley: A quarter cup chopped, for a bright and fresh garnish that adds color and zing.
- Grated feta cheese (optional): Adds a salty, tangy finish when sprinkled on top at serving.
How to Make Manestra: Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and let it soften and turn translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the flavorful base of the dish, setting the stage for the layers to come.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add your ground beef to the pan, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir frequently and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, until the meat is beautifully browned and cooked through. This browning is essential—it creates rich, savory notes that make the Manestra shine.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Spices, and Simmer
Now stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, oregano, ground cinnamon, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and let it cook slowly for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to mellow and the sauce to thicken slightly into a luscious, aromatic blend.
Step 4: Cook the Orzo in the Sauce
Once your sauce has thickened, add the orzo pasta directly into the pan. Stir it gently to coat the grains in the sauce, then cover and let it cook for around 10 minutes. The orzo will absorb the flavorful liquid, becoming tender and perfectly infused. Remember to stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Step 5: Adjust Consistency and Finish
After the orzo is tender, remove the pan from the heat. If the dish looks too thick, add a splash of extra broth or water to loosen it up to your preferred consistency. This step ensures your Manestra has that perfect balance of creamy sauce and tender pasta, ready to serve.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, plate your Manestra with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and, if desired, a generous topping of grated feta cheese. These garnishes add a burst of freshness and a savory tang that makes every forkful irresistible.
How to Serve Manestra: Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley and crumbled feta are classic companions to this dish. The parsley offers a vibrant, herbaceous contrast that brightens the earthy flavors, while feta cheese provides a creamy, salty finish that complements the spices beautifully.
Side Dishes
A crusty Greek bread or pita works wonderfully for mopping up the sauce, and a crisp Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and a drizzle of olive oil makes an ideal refreshing side. Together, these sides round out the meal, bringing additional textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider serving the Manestra in individual shallow bowls with a sprig of parsley and a feta crumble on top for an elegant touch. Another fun idea is to stuff bell peppers with the prepared Manestra, top with cheese, and bake for a colorful presentation that’s both appetizing and family-friendly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Manestra: Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent the orzo from drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the pasta has absorbed too much liquid. Microwaving works well too—just cover the dish to keep moisture in and stir halfway through heating.
FAQs
Can I use ground lamb instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground lamb is actually traditional in Greek versions of Manestra and adds a richer, slightly gamier flavor profile that’s fantastic if you enjoy that depth in your dishes.
What if I can’t find orzo pasta?
You can substitute with other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or even small elbow macaroni. The key is using a small pasta that absorbs the sauce well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional orzo is made from wheat, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free pasta alternatives that mimic orzo for a similar texture.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! Omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding sautéed mushrooms or lentils can add that meaty texture and keep the dish hearty.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe isn’t spicy at all; it focuses more on warm, aromatic spices like cinnamon and oregano. You can always add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Final Thoughts
This Manestra: Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef Recipe is one of those comforting dishes you’ll want to keep coming back to. It’s easy to make, full of wonderful flavors, and brings a special taste of Greece right into your home kitchen. Whether you’re serving a casual family meal or feeding friends, this recipe never fails to delight. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite!
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Manestra: Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
Manestra is a comforting Greek-style orzo dish featuring ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce with aromatic spices and tender orzo pasta. This hearty one-pot meal is infused with oregano and cinnamon for a unique Mediterranean flavor, garnished with fresh parsley and optionally topped with feta cheese, perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground lamb for a more traditional flavor)
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Grated feta cheese, optional
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until soft and translucent.
- Cook Garlic and Beef: Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the pan, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Cook for about 5–6 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Cook Orzo: Once the sauce has thickened, add the orzo to the pan and stir to combine. Cover the pan and let the orzo cook in the sauce for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adjust Consistency: Once the orzo is fully cooked, remove the pan from heat. If the mixture looks too thick, add a little extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve the Manestra hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of feta cheese if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread or a fresh Greek salad.
Notes
- Substitute ground lamb for a more traditional Greek flavor instead of beef.
- Chicken broth adds richness, but water can be used for a lighter dish.
- Stirring occasionally during orzo cooking prevents sticking and burning.
- Feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy contrast but can be omitted for a dairy-free option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
