Manestra: Greek Orzo Comfort Food with Ground Beef and Mint Recipe

Introduction

Manestra is a simple and comforting Greek dish that combines orzo pasta with savory ground meat and aromatic spices. It’s an easy one-pot meal perfect for weeknights when you want something hearty and flavorful with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 lb. ground beef (or lamb or turkey)
• 6 oz. tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more if needed)
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 heaping teaspoon dried spearmint (or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped mint)
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup orzo (whole wheat or regular)
• Grated romano cheese, fresh chopped mint or parsley, and/or extra-virgin olive oil, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large heavy pot with a lid, such as a Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and starting to brown, about 3 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Stir in the tomato paste, kosher salt, black pepper, ground cinnamon, and dried spearmint. Cook, stirring frequently, until the tomato paste begins to brown slightly, about 2 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the water and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Step 4: Stir in the orzo, cover the pot, and reduce heat to low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and cooked through, approximately 20 minutes. Cooking on a back burner can help prevent sticking.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and serve warm. Add grated romano cheese, fresh chopped mint or parsley, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a different flavor, substitute ground lamb or turkey for the beef.
• Fresh mint can be used instead of dried spearmint for a brighter herbal note.
• To make it vegetarian, omit the meat and add mushrooms or lentils instead.
• Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful tomato sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

Orzo works best because it cooks quickly and blends well with the sauce, but small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells can also be used. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is manestra traditionally served with cheese?

Yes, it’s common to serve it with grated romano or feta cheese on top for added flavor, but it’s optional and delicious even without it.

Manestra: Greek Orzo Comfort Food with Ground Beef and Mint Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 110 reviews

Manestra is a simple and comforting Greek dish featuring orzo pasta cooked with ground meat, tomato paste, and aromatic spices like cinnamon and spearmint. This hearty one-pot meal combines savory flavors and tender orzo, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a satisfying lunch.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 lb. ground beef (or lamb or turkey)
• 6 oz. tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more if needed)
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 heaping teaspoon dried spearmint (or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped mint)
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup orzo (whole wheat or regular)

For Serving (Optional)

• Grated Romano cheese
• Fresh chopped mint or parsley
• Extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

1. Heat Olive Oil and Sauté Onion: In a large heavy pot like a Dutch oven, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened and starting to brown.
2. Brown the Ground Meat: Add 1 lb. ground beef to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until fully browned.
3. Add Tomato Paste and Spices: Stir in 6 oz. tomato paste, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, black pepper to taste, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 heaping teaspoon dried spearmint. Cook for about 2 minutes until the tomato paste starts to brown and flavors meld.
4. Add Water and Bring to Boil: Pour in 4 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Cook the Orzo: Stir in 1 cup orzo, cover the pot, and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for approximately 20 minutes until the orzo is fully cooked and tender.
6. Serve: Plate the manestra and serve warm. Optionally, garnish with grated Romano cheese, fresh mint or parsley, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil for added flavor.

Notes

• For a lower-fat version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or omit cheese toppings.
• Use fresh chopped mint if available for a more vibrant flavor.
• Simmering the orzo on a back burner helps prevent sticking and burning.
• Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if using salted cheese as a topping.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: Manestra, Greek orzo recipe, comfort food, ground beef and orzo, Mediterranean pasta dish, one-pot meal