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
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
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.
