Baked Orzo Giouvetsi with Beef and Tomato Sauce
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 pairs ground beef, olive oil, medium onion, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.
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). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Orzo Giouvetsi with Beef and Tomato Sauce?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The orzo was cooked to perfection and the flavors were authentic Greek.
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a hit with my family! The beef and tomato sauce were perfectly balanced.
- ★★★★☆
The sauce was slightly bland, but the orzo was great. I'll add more herbs next time.
