Mediterranean🍜 Noodles & pasta

One-Pot Greek Beef & Orzo (Kritharaki Me Kima)

Name: One-Pot Greek Beef & Orzo (Kritharaki Me Kima)
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2至4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 2 lb (900 g) ground beef; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 4 garlic cloves, grated or minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional; ~3 tsp Kosher salt, 1½ teaspoons for the sauce plus 1½ teaspoons when the orzo is added (or to taste); ~½ tsp Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; ¼ ground cinnamon or cinnamon stick; 2 bay leaves; 1 can canned crushed tomatoes; 1 tsp honey or sugar; 1 lb (450 g) orzo (kritharaki); 6 cups hot water or low-sodium beef broth; ¼ cups fresh parsley, finely chopped

⏱ 60 min

A Greek comfort food featuring ground beef simmered with orzo pasta in a rich, aromatic meat sauce infused with cinnamon, tomatoes, and herbs. This one-pot dish combines the flavors of classic Greek meat sauce pasta with the warmth of baked orzo, perfect for easy weeknight dinners.

Adapted from a video by Dimitra's Dishes

Watch on YouTube

Ingredients

extra-virgin olive oil2至4 tbsp
ground beef2 lb (900 g)
medium onion, finely chopped1
garlic cloves, grated or minced4
dried oregano1 tsp
crushed red pepper flakes, optional¼ tsp
Kosher salt, 1½ teaspoons for the sauce plus 1½ teaspoons when the orzo is added (or to taste)~3 tspest.
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste~½ tspest.
ground cinnamon or cinnamon stick¼
bay leaves

Steps

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1
Heat olive oil in a wide pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 8 minutes until soft and golden brown.
2
Stir in the grated garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
3
Add the ground beef and break it up thoroughly with a spatula as it cooks until no longer pink. Season with salt, black pepper, oregano, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes.
4
Add the bay leaves and stir in the crushed tomatoes. If using canned crushed tomatoes, add honey or sugar to balance acidity.
5
Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium or medium-low, cover partially, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the meat sauce thickens and the beef is fully cooked.
6
Add the uncooked orzo and hot water or broth. Season with salt (about 1½ teaspoons), and stir to combine well.
7
Bring to a boil. Once boiling, stir frequently every few minutes to prevent the orzo from sinking and sticking to the bottom. Cook over medium heat for about 18 minutes until the orzo is tender but still al dente.
8
After cooking, there will still be liquid in the pot. If serving immediately, this is fine, but if serving after an hour or two, thin with more broth or water as the orzo will absorb liquid. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
9
Remove from heat and stir in the finely chopped fresh parsley. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes so the orzo absorbs the remaining liquid, creating a creamy, risotto-like texture.
10
Serve warm, optionally topped with crumbled feta cheese.

One-Pot Greek Beef & Orzo (Kritharaki Me Kima)

Ingredients

Steps

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