The Best Hearty Beef Celery Orzo Stew Recipe for Cozy Evenings

My kitchen always comes alive when I prepare this hearty beef celery orzo stew that promises comfort in every delightful spoonful.

Savory aromas will drift through your home, inviting everyone to gather around the table.

Cold evenings demand something substantial and warming like this delectable meal.

Tender meat chunks nestled among soft orzo create a symphony of textures that dance across your palate.

Rich broth infused with vegetables brings depth and soul to this classic dish.

celery adds a subtle crunch and freshness that balances the robust beef perfectly.

You’ll find this stew becomes an instant favorite that feels like a warm embrace on chilly nights.

Beef and Orzo Stew with Cozy Flavors

• This hearty beef stew simplifies cooking by using a single pot, minimizing cleanup and making meal preparation a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Adaptable ingredients let you swap vegetables or proteins, making it perfect for using what's in your kitchen and catering to personal taste preferences.
• Packed with tender beef, colorful vegetables, and satisfying orzo, this stew delivers a warm, filling meal that appeals to both kids and adults, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Loaded with protein from beef, vitamins from fresh vegetables, and wholesome orzo, this stew offers a balanced, nutritious meal that keeps everyone satisfied and energized.

Ingredients for Beef Celery Orzo Stew

• Beef Cubes: A hearty and flavorful protein that adds richness and substance to the stew.

• Onion, Garlic, Celery, Carrots, Bell Pepper: A classic vegetable blend that provides depth of flavor, texture, and nutritional value to the stew.

• Olive Oil: Helps with searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity and creates a robust base for the stew.
• Beef Broth: Provides a rich and savory liquid foundation for the dish.
• Thyme, Bay Leaves, Salt, Pepper: Essential herbs and seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.

• Orzo Pasta: A small, rice-shaped pasta that adds heartiness and texture to the stew.
• Fresh Parsley, Parmesan Cheese: Optional garnishes that add a fresh, bright flavor and creamy finish.

How to Cook This Comforting Beef Stew

Step 1: Unleash the Flavor of Beef

Warm up a large pot with olive oil over medium-high heat.

Carefully place beef cubes into the pot, ensuring they’re not overcrowded.

Let them sizzle and dance, transforming into golden-brown nuggets of deliciousness.

Each side should develop a rich, caramelized crust.

Once beautifully browned, transfer the beef to a waiting plate.

Step 2: Create a Vegetable Symphony

In the same pot, toss in onions and garlic.

Watch them become translucent and release their aromatic magic.

• Chopped celery
• Sliced carrots
• Diced bell pepper

Let the vegetables soften and mingle, creating a flavorful base for your stew.

Step 3: Build the Stew’s Foundation

Reunite the beef with the vegetable medley.

• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Fresh thyme
• Bay leaves
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.

Cover the pot and let the ingredients get acquainted for about an hour, occasionally giving a loving stir.

Step 4: Introduce the Orzo

After an hour of simmering, sprinkle in the orzo pasta.

Let it cook uncovered, absorbing the rich flavors for 10-12 minutes until tender.

Taste and adjust seasonings.

Remember to fish out those bay leaves before serving.

Step 5: Serve with Celebration

Ladle the steaming stew into waiting bowls.

Tips for Deep Flavor in Every Spoonful

• Sear the beef at high heat to lock in rich, deep flavors and create a delicious golden-brown crust that enhances the overall taste of the stew.
• Chop all vegetables to similar sizes to ensure consistent cooking and a uniform texture throughout the dish.
• Replace orzo with other quick-cooking grains like couscous or small pasta shapes if you want to experiment with different textures and presentations.
• Add salt and pepper in stages during cooking to build depth of flavor and prevent over-salting the stew.
• Use lean beef cuts and low-sodium broth to create a healthier version of this hearty stew without compromising on taste.

Store and Reheat This Hearty Stew Properly

• Store leftover stew in an airtight container, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Pour stew into a pot, adding a splash of beef broth or water to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly. This method helps maintain the stew's original texture and flavor.

What Complements This Orzo Stew Well

• Pair Rustic Red Wine: Select a bold, full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich beef flavors, enhancing the stew's deep, hearty profile.
• Create Crusty Bread Companion: Serve a rustic sourdough or hearty whole grain bread alongside the stew, perfect for soaking up the savory broth and adding delightful textural contrast.
• Match Fresh Herb Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with fresh herbs like basil and thyme, dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the stew's richness and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Add Robust Beer Pairing: Choose a malty, dark beer such as a porter or stout that mirrors the stew's deep flavors and provides a complementary robust drinking experience.

More Flavors for Beef Celery Orzo Stew

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace beef with firm tofu or seitan, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add extra mushrooms for meaty texture and umami flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap orzo with quinoa or brown rice. Use gluten-free broth and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Mediterranean Style: Incorporate kalamata olives, swap thyme for oregano, and add crumbled feta cheese on top. Use lamb instead of beef for a traditional Mediterranean twist.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute orzo with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Reduce overall carbohydrate content while maintaining the rich, hearty stew profile.

FAQs

• What makes the beef tender in this stew?

The key is slow simmering the beef for about an hour, which breaks down tough muscle fibers and allows the meat to become incredibly soft and flavorful.

• Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with small pasta shapes like small shells, ditalini, or even broken spaghetti pieces that will cook similarly and provide the same texture.

• Do I need to trim the beef before cooking?

It’s recommended to trim excess fat from the beef cubes, but leave some for flavor. Cutting the beef into uniform 1-inch cubes helps ensure even cooking and tenderness.

• Is this stew good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This stew reheats wonderfully and actually develops more depth of flavor when the ingredients have time to meld together overnight in the refrigerator.

Hearty Beef Celery Orzo Stew Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savor warmth with this hearty beef celery orzo stew, a comforting Mediterranean-inspired dish blending tender meat and delicate pasta. Robust flavors and rich textures promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, diced

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 cup (170 grams) orzo pasta
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a robust cooking vessel and heat olive oil over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling surface for meat transformation.
2. Strategically place beef cubes into the hot oil, ensuring each piece develops a rich caramel-colored exterior through thorough browning (approximately 3-4 minutes per surface). Extract meat and reserve.
3. Utilize the same pot’s flavorful remnants to sauté aromatic ingredients – onions and garlic will release their intense fragrance within 2-3 minutes.
4. Introduce celery, carrots, and bell peppers, allowing vegetables to soften and develop deep flavor profiles over 5-7 minutes.
5. Reunite browned beef with vegetable medley, incorporating diced tomatoes, beef broth, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper into a harmonious mixture.
6. Reduce heat, cover, and allow stew to simmer gently for 60 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent ingredient separation.
7. Incorporate orzo pasta, continuing uncovered cooking for 10-12 minutes until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.
8. Eliminate bay leaves, taste and refine seasoning as needed.
9. Transfer stew into serving vessels, optionally adorning with fresh parsley and delicate Parmesan cheese shavings for enhanced visual and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Ensure beef is patted dry before searing to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in maximum flavor.
• Choose tough, marbled cuts like chuck roast or shoulder for rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture during slow cooking.
• Swap beef with ground turkey or plant-based protein for a lighter, diet-friendly version that maintains the stew’s hearty essence.
• Toast orzo briefly in the pot before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent mushiness during cooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg