Oven-Baked Youvetsi with Tender Beef and Orzo

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

A classic Greek comfort dish featuring tender beef slow-cooked with aromatic tomatoes and orzo pasta baked to perfection in the oven. This greek-inspired beef ready in about 140 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, 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 520 calories and feeds 6, 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 Greek cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides for about 6-8 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add 1 medium finely chopped onion and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 14 oz crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1/2 cup dry red wine, 3 cups beef broth, 2 tsp dried oregano, and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon. Bring to a simmer and season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Return the browned beef to the pot. Cover and bake in the oven for 1 1/2 hours until the beef is tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove the lid, stir in 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta evenly, and bake uncovered for another 30 minutes until the orzo is cooked and the sauce is thickened.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese over the top and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Oven-Baked Youvetsi with Tender Beef and Orzo take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 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 Oven-Baked Youvetsi with Tender Beef and Orzo?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Oven-Baked Youvetsi with Tender Beef and Orzo?

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 Oven-Baked Youvetsi with Tender Beef and Orzo for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Oven-Baked Youvetsi with Tender Beef and Orzo?

Greek 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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