Hey there! If you’re looking for a warm and flavorful dinner that’s perfect for those cooler nights, look no further than this Slowcooker Beef Stifado and Orzo! This dish is a delicious twist on a traditional beef stifado, with the added bonus of orzo cooked right in the sauce no need to boil any pasta separately! The beef becomes tender and the flavors blend together beautifully, almost like a spiced beef risotto. Trust me, you’re going to love it.
Method in Detail
1. Prep and Combine Ingredients
Start by preparing all the ingredients. Begin by chopping your onion and carrots, then mince the garlic cloves. Add the beef to your slow cooker along with the chopped onion, carrots, and garlic. Next, add the tomato purée and the can of chopped tomatoes for that rich, saucy base. Pour in the 300ml of water or the beef stock pot (depending on what you’re using), along with the red wine to add depth of flavor. Stir in the mixed spice, cinnamon, bay leaves, oregano, basil, and parsley. Season everything with salt and pepper to taste. Once everything is in the slow cooker, give it a good stir to combine all the flavors before covering it and starting the cooking process.
2. Slow Cook
Now that your ingredients are combined, it’s time to slow cook the beef. Set your slow cooker to high and cook for 3 hours, or set it to low for about 6 hours, depending on your schedule. During this time, the beef will become incredibly tender, and all the spices and flavors will meld together beautifully. If you’re using the low setting, it’s great for a full day’s cooking, but make sure you have enough time for everything to cook slowly and become perfectly tender.
3. Add Orzo and Stock
Once the beef has finished cooking and is nice and tender, it’s time to add the orzo. Stir in the dry orzo pasta and 700ml of beef stock to help the pasta cook and absorb the flavors of the dish. The slow cooker will do the magic here as the orzo soaks up the stock and becomes perfectly tender. Set the slow cooker to high again and let it cook for another 45-50 minutes, keeping an eye on the orzo. If the pasta appears dry or is not fully cooked, feel free to add a little extra stock to ensure it absorbs all the liquid and becomes nice and soft. Stir occasionally to make sure everything is evenly mixed and well-cooked.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Once the orzo has cooked and absorbed all the flavors, your dish is ready to serve. The beef should be fork-tender, and the pasta perfectly cooked, giving you a rich, comforting one-pot meal. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or your favorite cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor. Now, dish it up and enjoy a delicious, flavorful dinner that’s sure to impress everyone at the table!
Necessary Tools
- Slow cooker
- Chopping board and knife
- Measuring spoons
- Stirring spoon
- Grater (for cheese topping, optional)
Slowcooker Beef Stifado and Orzo
Cuisine: GreeceDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes3
hours3
hours10
minutesIngredients
400g beef
2 tbsp tomato purée
1 onion , chopped
1 beef stock pot / 300ml water
1 can chopped tomatoes
3 carrots , chopped
100ml red wine
1 tsp mixed spice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
3 bay leaves
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil (fresh basil optional)
1 tsp parsley
4 garlic cloves , minced
Salt and pepper , to taste
330g dry orzo or penne + 700ml beef stock
(Optional) Parmesan or another cheese for topping
Directions
- Prep and Combine Ingredients: Add the beef, tomato purée, chopped onion, beef stock pot (or water), chopped tomatoes, carrots, red wine, mixed spice, cinnamon, bay leaves, oregano, basil, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper into your slow cooker. Stir it all together.
- Slow Cook: Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours, until the beef is nice and tender.
- Add Orzo and Stock: After the slow cooking time, add the orzo and additional beef stock. Stir everything together. Cook on high for 45-50 minutes, or until the orzo has cooked and absorbed all the stock. If needed, add extra stock if the orzo needs more liquid to cook.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the pasta has absorbed the flavors and everything is tender and delicious, serve up this hearty meal. Don’t forget to sprinkle with Parmesan or your favorite cheese if desired!
Notes
- Orzo Variations: If you’re using a different type of pasta, such as penne or tagliatelle, the cooking time may vary. You may need to adjust the amount of stock used, so keep an eye on it and add more liquid if necessary.
- Slow Cooker Settings: If you’re cooking on low, make sure you give it plenty of time to cook slowly. This recipe is forgiving, but the longer cooking time helps the beef become tender and the flavors develop.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Be sure to taste the dish and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Some beef stock pots can be quite salty, so it’s always a good idea to check before adding more salt.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is rich and flavorful on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. For a bit of extra comfort, serve with a warm crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a meal prep for the week ahead!
Fun Fact
Did you know? Stifado is a traditional Greek dish, usually made with beef or lamb, and cooked with onions and aromatic spices. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together, making it the ultimate comfort food. The addition of orzo gives it a twist, turning it into a hearty, one-pot meal that’s just as satisfying!
Conclusion
This Slowcooker Beef Stifado and Orzo is an easy-to-make, comforting dish that brings warmth and flavor to any table. The best part is how simple it is just pop everything into the slow cooker, let it do the work, and enjoy a flavorful dinner! Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to be a hit. Enjoy every bite!
