If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that feels like a hug from the Mediterranean, look no further than this Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef) Recipe. It’s a charming one-pot dish where tender orzo pasta mingles with perfectly seasoned ground beef in a rich tomato sauce brightened by subtle cinnamon and herbs. Every spoonful sings with hearty, homestyle goodness, making it a family favorite that’s as simple to prepare as it is delicious. Whether you’re new to Greek cooking or just wanting a tasty twist on pasta night, this recipe will quickly become one you reach for time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity here — each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, tender texture, and inviting color in this Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef) Recipe. Gather these essentials to create a dish that’s wholesome, satisfying, and unbeatable at the dinner table.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A foundation for flavor and helps sauté the aromatics beautifully.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce as it softens.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with that unmistakable, aromatic warmth.
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground lamb for a traditional twist): Brings hearty protein and richness.
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes: Offers juicy acidity and vibrant color.
- 1/4 cup tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens and intensifies the sauce.
- 2 cups chicken broth or water: The liquid that cooks the orzo and blends all flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta: The tiny pasta that absorbs all that delicious sauce perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Greek herb that brightens the overall taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a surprising, warm spice note that makes this dish memorable.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing all the flavors just right.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Brings freshness and a pop of green.
- Grated feta cheese (optional, for topping): A creamy, tangy finish that echoes traditional Greek flavors.
How to Make Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef) Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet or saucepan. Add the chopped onion and let it cook gently for about 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent. Then, toss in the minced garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant — this sets a fantastic aromatic base.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add your ground beef to the pan. Use your spoon or spatula to break it up, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until browned and completely cooked through. This step is crucial because those browned bits add rich, savory flavor that elevates the entire dish.
Step 3: Create the Tomato Sauce
Now, stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and let it bubble away for 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to develop deeply.
Step 4: Cook the Orzo in the Sauce
After the sauce is thick and beautifully aromatic, add the orzo pasta directly into the mixture. Stir well to coat the orzo, then cover the pan. Let the pasta cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo will absorb most of the liquid, becoming tender and infused with all that luscious flavor.
Step 5: Adjust Consistency and Finish
When the orzo is perfectly cooked, remove the pan from heat. If the mixture looks too thick or pasty, simply add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up until it reaches the ideal consistency — slightly saucy but not soupy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Dish up hot servings of your beautiful Manestra, topped with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and, if you like, crumbled feta cheese for a creamy tangy contrast. This cozy dish is ready to be enjoyed immediately, bringing the heart of Greek home cooking to your table.
How to Serve Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is your best friend here, adding vivid green color and a fresh, herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. For an extra layer of flavor, crumble some feta cheese on top — its salty, creamy nature complements the cinnamon-spiked beef sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair this Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef) Recipe with a crisp Greek salad featuring cucumber, tomato, olives, and red onion dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. A side of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. Together, these sides create a balanced, satisfying meal full of texture and fresh flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try serving Manestra in individual rustic bowls garnished with extra parsley and a wedge of lemon for squeezing. Adding a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving gives it a glossy finish that brightens every bite. It also makes a lovely filling for stuffed bell peppers or baked tomatoes if you want to mix things up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to preserve moisture and prevent the orzo from drying out. The flavors even deepen after a day, making it a delicious next-day lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
You can freeze Manestra, but remember orzo’s texture can change slightly after freezing and thawing. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove with a splash of broth to refresh the sauce.
Reheating
Gently reheat in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little broth or water as needed to loosen the sauce and prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving at high power to keep the orzo tender and to warm the beef sauce evenly.
FAQs
Can I use ground lamb instead of ground beef in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground lamb is actually a traditional choice and adds a wonderfully rich, authentic Greek flavor that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and oregano.
Is it possible to make Manestra vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and add a bit more tomato paste, vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, and extra herbs to keep it hearty and flavorful.
Can I substitute orzo with another pasta?
Orecchiette or small shells work okay, but orzo is ideal because it cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce perfectly. Other pastas might alter the texture and cooking time.
Why is there cinnamon in this savory dish?
Cinnamon adds a subtle warmth and complexity that complements the tomato and beef, a classic flavor profile in Greek cooking that might surprise but delights many palates.
How thick should the sauce be when cooking the orzo?
The sauce should be thick but still liquid enough for the orzo to absorb and cook properly. Think of a loose stew consistency, not dry or overly soupy.
Final Thoughts
This Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef) Recipe is one of those recipes that feels like a treasured secret shared between friends. It’s wonderfully hearty, deeply flavorful, and surprisingly simple to pull together. Give it a try for your next cozy meal—you’ll find it a joyful adventure into Greek comfort food that satisfies both the heart and the appetite.
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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 orzo dish featuring ground beef simmered in a savory tomato sauce with aromatic herbs and warm cinnamon. This hearty one-pot meal is simple to prepare, combining tender orzo pasta cooked directly in the flavorful meat sauce, and is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner topped with fresh parsley and optional feta cheese.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground lamb for a more traditional flavor)
Tomato Base
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
Liquids and Seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Grated feta cheese (optional, for topping)
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, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and translucent, which helps build a flavorful base.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the pan. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook for about 5–6 minutes until the beef is evenly browned and fully cooked, releasing its rich flavors into the pan.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and cook uncovered for 15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.
- Cook Orzo: After the sauce has thickened, add the orzo directly into the pan and stir to combine with the meat sauce. Cover and let the orzo cook for about 10 minutes on low heat until it is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adjust Consistency: Once the orzo is cooked through, remove from heat. If the mixture seems too thick, add a small amount of additional broth or water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the manestra hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of feta cheese if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a refreshing Greek salad.
Notes
- For a more traditional Greek flavor, substitute ground lamb instead of beef.
- Use chicken broth for a richer taste or water for a lighter option.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when adding the seasonings.
- Manestra can be reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
- Feta cheese topping is optional but adds a nice salty contrast to the savory flavors.
