Greek Orzo Beef Bake (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Beef Preparation

01 - 2 lbs (900g) stew meat or beef chuck, diced
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 garlic bulb, finely minced
04 - 1 big onion, chopped small

→ Sauce Mix

05 - 1 14-oz (400g) can of crushed tomatoes
06 - 1 tsp ground allspice
07 - Salt and black pepper as needed
08 - 1 stick of cinnamon
09 - 1 optional tsp of sugar
10 - 2 bay leaves
11 - 1 cup beef broth or stock
12 - 2 tbsp tomato paste

→ Pasta Ingredients

13 - 1½ cups dry orzo
14 - 2 cups hot beef stock or water

→ Add-Ons

15 - Grated Parmesan or Kefalotyri cheese
16 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for topping

# Instructions:

01 - Warm olive oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat. Season beef with pepper and salt. Sear in portions until browned, then set aside.
02 - Using the same pan, cook onion until it's soft. Toss in garlic and stir for a minute. Add tomato paste, stirring for 1-2 minutes.
03 - Pour in crushed tomatoes, stock, cinnamon stick, allspice, bay leaves, and optional sugar. Stir everything together.
04 - Return meat to the pan. Simmer on low heat with the lid on for 1½-2 hours until it’s nice and tender.
05 - Set oven to 375°F. Stir orzo into the mixture with hot water if it’s looking dry. Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes or until orzo softens.
06 - Remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaves. Sprinkle cheese and parsley on top before digging in.

# Notes:

01 - Skip the oven and use the stovetop if you'd like.
02 - Comforting dish from Greece.
03 - Pairs great with Greek salad and crusty bread.

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