If you love cozy, comforting meals that bring a taste of Greece right to your kitchen, you are going to adore the Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef) Recipe. This dish is the perfect combination of tender orzo pasta mingling with richly seasoned ground beef and a luscious tomato sauce, brightened by aromatic herbs and a hint of warm cinnamon. It’s a wonderfully simple recipe that captures authentic flavors in every bite, making it a go-to for family dinners or when you crave something hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this recipe is refreshingly straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role. From the olive oil that starts your flavorful base, to the ground beef that adds hearty richness, and the orzo pasta that gives the dish its unique texture, everything works in harmony to create this classic Greek comfort food.
- Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil to bring a fruity, slightly peppery note to your sautéed onions and garlic.
- Onion: Chopped finely to add sweetness and depth as it softens.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse a fragrant warmth throughout the dish.
- Ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base; lamb can be swapped in for a traditional twist.
- Diced tomatoes: Add juiciness and a hint of acidity to balance the richness.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Chicken broth or water: Needed to cook the orzo and meld the flavors together.
- Orzo pasta: Small rice-shaped pasta that soaks up the sauce perfectly.
- Dried oregano: Brings classic Mediterranean herbs into the mix for authentic flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds an unexpected warmth and complexity to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing and balancing all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Feta cheese (optional): Crumbled over the top to add a salty, creamy contrast.
How to Make Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef) Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet or saucepan. Toss in the chopped onion and cook it gently until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes—this creates the perfect savory base for the dish. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant, waking up the flavors of the pan.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to your pan, breaking it apart as it cooks. Let it brown evenly over 5 to 6 minutes until there’s no pink left and it’s beautifully caramelized. This step is key to developing the rich, hearty flavor that makes this Manestra so comforting and satisfying.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Once your beef is nicely browned, stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, oregano, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil before turning the heat down low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes so the sauce thickens and all those wonderful flavors meld together into a rich, aromatic blend.
Step 4: Cook the Orzo in the Sauce
Now for the magic moment—adding the orzo to the simmering sauce. Stir it in, cover the pan, and let the orzo cook for 10 minutes or until it’s tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Remember to stir occasionally, so your orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom and to ensure even cooking throughout.
Step 5: Adjust the Consistency
When the orzo is perfectly cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. If the mixture seems too thick or dry, simply add a splash of extra broth or water to loosen it up. This flexible step lets you customize the texture exactly how you like it—whether more stew-like or slightly saucier.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Serve your steaming hot Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef) recipe garnished with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of feta cheese if you like. The parsley adds a pop of color and brightness, while the feta brings a creamy, salty finish that perfectly complements the savory notes in the dish.
How to Serve Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef) Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is essential for a fresh burst of herbal brightness that cuts through the rich sauce. Adding crumbled feta cheese on top is optional but highly recommended—its tangy creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm spices and hearty beef.
Side Dishes
Keep things simple with a crisp Greek salad full of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and red onions dressed in lemon and olive oil. A side of warm, crusty bread or pita is perfect for mopping up the luscious sauce, making your meal all the more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Manestra in individual shallow bowls topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki for a cooling effect. You can also bake it briefly with a layer of shredded cheese on top for a bubbly, golden crust that adds another delicious dimension.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Manestra keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making for even tastier next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual servings, covered, stirring halfway through to heat evenly without drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground lamb for beef in this recipe?
Absolutely! Using ground lamb is a traditional choice for Manestra and adds a slightly richer, more authentic Mediterranean flavor.
What if I don’t have orzo pasta? Can I use something else?
While orzo is ideal because it mimics rice and soaks up the sauce perfectly, you can substitute other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or even small elbow macaroni if needed.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based ground meat substitute and use vegetable broth. The tomato and herb base still delivers fantastic flavor.
How important is the cinnamon in the recipe?
The cinnamon provides a subtle warmth that brightens the dish with a touch of Greek flair. It’s not overpowering but lends a unique depth that sets this recipe apart from typical beef and orzo dishes.
Can I prepare parts of this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the meat sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, just add the orzo to the sauce and cook as directed for a quick and easy meal.
Final Thoughts
Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef) Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s comforting, full of flavor, and pleasantly simple to make any night of the week. Whether you’re new to Greek cooking or a longtime fan, I promise this recipe will become one of your favorites to share and enjoy again and again.
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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 dish featuring tender orzo pasta cooked with savory ground beef in a rich tomato sauce infused with oregano and cinnamon. This hearty one-pan meal combines Mediterranean flavors with simple ingredients, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or a flavorful weeknight meal.
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
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Grated feta cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: 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, ensuring the onions release their sweetness and form a flavorful foundation.
- Cook the Beef: Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the pan. Break up the meat as it cooks and sauté for about 5–6 minutes until the beef is browned and completely cooked through, developing a rich, savory base for the sauce.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Bring this mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook gently for 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the thickened sauce and stir well to combine. Cover the pan and let the orzo cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo will absorb most of the liquid and become tender.
- Adjust Consistency and Finish: After the orzo is cooked, remove the pan from heat. If the mixture is too thick, add a little extra broth or water to reach your desired texture. Stir gently to incorporate.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the manestra hot, garnished generously with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated feta cheese if desired. Pair with crusty bread or a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground lamb for a traditional Greek flavor.
- Using chicken broth instead of water enriches the flavor of the dish.
- Stir the orzo occasionally during cooking to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- Adjust the seasoning at the end according to your taste preferences.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
