Youvetsi (Greek Baked Beef and Orzo)

Youvetsi is Greek Sunday comfort food, tender braised beef and orzo baked together in a rich tomato sauce until the pasta turns almost creamy. One pot goes into the oven and a complete meal comes out.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into large chunks
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups orzo pasta
• Grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Sear the beef
   Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef and sear on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Build the sauce
   In the same pot, saute the onion until soft, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the red wine and scrape up any browned bits.
3. Braise the beef
   Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, and oregano. Return the beef to the pot, cover, and simmer on low for about 1 1/2 hours, until the meat is fork-tender.
4. Add the orzo
   Remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaf. Stir the orzo directly into the pot along with the beef and sauce. If the mixture looks dry, add a splash more broth or water.
5. Bake until tender
   Transfer to a 375F oven, uncovered, for about 20 minutes, stirring once, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
6. Serve
   Let rest for 5 minutes, then top with grated cheese before serving.

Leftovers reheat beautifully, the orzo only gets more flavorful.