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
Scale
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.
