Baked Orzo Giouvetsi with Beef and Tomato Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting baked casserole featuring tender beef simmered in rich tomato sauce with orzo pasta, topped with melted cheese. This mediterranean-inspired beef ready in about 60 minutes blends ground beef, olive oil, medium onion, finely chopped into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped medium onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened, then add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes, then add 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 2 cups water, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 small cinnamon stick, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup orzo pasta to the sauce mixture, stirring to combine. Remove skillet from heat, discard the cinnamon stick, and transfer everything to a lightly greased 8x8-inch baking dish.
  5. Step 5: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes until orzo is tender and sauce is absorbed. Remove foil, sprinkle 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese evenly on top, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly golden.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Orzo Giouvetsi with Beef and Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Baked Orzo Giouvetsi with Beef and Tomato Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Orzo Giouvetsi with Beef and Tomato Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Orzo Giouvetsi with Beef and Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Orzo Giouvetsi with Beef and Tomato Sauce?

Mediterranean beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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