Greek Style Meat Sauce {makaronia Me Kima}

The cooked Greek Style Meat Sauce {Makaronia Me Kima} ready to serve - 5

This recipe for Greek-Style Meat Sauce {Makaronia Me Kima} is a 30-minute dish full of authentic flavors – fresh mint, cinnamon & allspice.

A plate of curly pasta topped high with Greek Style Meat Sauce - 6

This recipe for Greek Style Meat pasta Sauce is 30 minute dish which infuses spaghetti Bolognese with the flavors of Greece. - 7

Makaronia Me Kima

In Greece, this dish is called Makaronia Me Kima , which simply translates as spaghetti with meat sauce. I didn’t use spaghetti, but this recipe uses all the authentic flavors you’d expect in Greek food.

What Meat For Greek-Style Meat Sauce {Makaronia Me Kima}

Growing up, we had a close family friend from Greece who made this all the time. She used ground lamb, but most recipes call for beef which is what this recipe calls for. I prefer lamb, If you haven’t tried it – give it a try! The flavors are delicious!

This quick and easy recipe is a delicious homemade pasta sauce made with simple ingredients that are probably already in your pantry and your fridge.

Why this recipe works:

The traditional Greek ingredients of fresh mint, cinnamon, and allspice give this dish a flavorful richness.
It’s a simple recipe that’s quick to prepare , making it perfect for busy weeknight meals.
Using fresh ingredients , rather than jarred sauce makes this recipe a much healthier option.

How to makeGreek-Style Meat Sauce {Makaronia Me Kima}

Start with cooking the onion until soft, add the garlic, followed by the cinnamon, allspice, ground cloves, and dried oregano. Cook to release the flavors.

The meat added to the pan with the onion and garlic mixture - 9

Add the meat.

The tomato paste mixed into the meat - 10

Fry until fully cooked and no pink shows at all in the meat (about 8 minutes). Add the tomato paste and stir into the meat.

The wine being added to the beef mixture - 11

The fresh herbs and tomatoes added to the pan with the meat mixture. - 12

Fry another minute and stir in the wine and allow to cook down. Add the tomatoes, sugar, parsley, and fresh mint.

The Greek Style Meat Sauce {Makaronia Me Kima} cooking in the pan - 13

Stir together, season with salt and pepper.

The cooked Greek Style Meat Sauce {Makaronia Me Kima} ready to serve - 14

Lower the heat and simmer for 25 minutes.

Serve over pasta and enjoy!

A plate of curly pasta topped high with Greek Style Meat Sauce {Makaronia Me Kima} - 15

Other Pasta Dishes You’ll Love

Spaghetti Bolognese
Pasta Alla Norma
Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce
Fettuccine Alfredo
Spaghetti with Clam Sauce

Cook’s Tips:

This recipe calls for ground beef, but authentic recipes would call for lamb. You could easily use ground pork or turkey too.
The longer you simmer, the deeper the flavor , so if you have the time, cook the sauce longer and add a little water if it gets too thick.
For a more authentic combination , instead of serving with Parmesan cheese, try using Greek Mizithra cheese.
For a low-fat option , try dry frying the meat and adding cooking spray when adding the onions and garlic.
Different regions of Greece use varied ingredients. Other options are adding cayenne pepper, ground cloves, bay leaves or topped with mozzarella cheese.

Ingredients

▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil
▢ 1 large red onion (chopped or sliced)
▢ 3 cloves garlic (chopped)
▢ 1 lb ground beef
▢ 1 tablespoon tomato paste
▢ ½ cup white wine (or red wine)
▢ 28 oz can crushed or pureed tomatoes
▢ ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
▢ ½ teaspoon ground allspice
▢ ½ teaspoon ground cloves
▢ 1 tablespoon dried oregano
▢ ½ teaspoon sugar
▢ 4 leaves fresh mint (chopped)
▢ fresh parsley ((a good handful) chopped)
▢ Salt and pepper (to taste)
▢ ½ lb pasta

Instructions

Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Cook the onion until soft, add the garlic, followed by the cinnamon, allspice, ground cloves, and dried oregano. Cook to release the flavors.
Fry until fully cooked and no pink shows at all in the meat (about 8 minutes). Add the tomato paste and stir into the meat.
Stir in the wine and allow to cook down.
Add the tomatoes, sugar, parsley, and fresh mint. Stir together, season with salt and pepper.
Lower the heat and simmer for 25 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and serve topped with the sauce.

Slow Cooker

Follow the stovetop instructions through step 4. Then transfer to a slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally.

Tips

This recipe calls for ground beef, but authentic recipes would call for lamb. You could easily use ground pork or turkey too.
The longer you simmer, the deeper the flavor , so if you have the time, cook the sauce longer and add a little water if it gets too thick.
For a more authentic combination , instead of serving with Parmesan cheese, try using Greek Mizithra cheese.
For a low-fat option , try dry frying the meat and adding cooking spray when adding the onions and garlic.
Different regions of Greece use varied ingredients. Other options are adding cayenne pepper, ground cloves, bay leaves or topped with mozzarella cheese.

Nutrition

Update Notes: This post was originally published on Apr 17, 2017 , but was republished with a slight change in recipe, step by step instruction photos, a new video, and tips in February of 2019 .