Makaronia Me Kima Greek Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe

I’ve just cooked up a delicious pot of Makaronia Me Kima, and let me tell you, the aroma of cinnamon and red wine mingling with the beef is utterly intoxicating. The layering of flavors over that slow simmer turned a simple pasta dish into a culinary embrace, perfectly rounded off with a sprinkle of Kefalotyri cheese.

Greek dish that I love for its rich, aromatic meat sauce. Ground beef sautéed in olive oil, it includes finely chopped onions and minced garlic.

The sauce gets its depth from crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a splash of red wine. A hint of sweetness comes from a teaspoon of sugar, while spices like cinnamon and oregano infuse it with warmth.

The perfect finish is topping the spaghetti with grated Kefalotyri or Parmesan.

Makaronia Me Kima Greek Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Rich in protein and B vitamins; adds savory depth.
• Olive Oil: Healthy fats; enhances flavor and aids in cooking.
• Garlic: Known for its aromatic flavor and health benefits.
• Canned Tomatoes: Provides acidity and sweetness; rich in vitamins.
• Red Wine: Adds complexity and enhances flavor through cooking.
• Cinnamon Stick: Infuses warm, sweet-spicy notes into the sauce.
• Bay Leaf: Imparts subtle earthy, floral undertones.
• Oregano and Thyme: Mediterranean herbs that bring aromatic depth.

Makaronia Me Kima Greek Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe Ingredient Quantities

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• 500g (1 lb) ground beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 400g (14 oz) canned tomatoes, crushed
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 package spaghetti (about 500g or 1 lb)
• Grated Kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese, for serving

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How to Make this Makaronia Me Kima Greek Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe

1. In a big saucepan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Put in the onion, chopped fine, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Combine the ingredients with the minced garlic. Continue cooking for an additional minute, allowing it to become aromatic.

3. Raise the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the saucepan. Cook, using a spoon to break it into smaller pieces, until it is a uniform brown.

4. Combine the ingredients well. The ingredients are:
– Crushed canned tomatoes
– Tomato paste
– Red wine

5. Combine the sugar, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Add salt and pepper to taste.

6. Put the sauce on the stove and heat it up to a simmer. Once it is simmering, turn down the heat and cover the pot. Let the sauce simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, stirring every so often, and try to do it in such a way as to not disrupt the cover too much. You want the sauce to reduce and thicken, but you also want the flavors to meld, so be patient and let it simmer for at least 30-40 minutes.

7. As the sauce simmers, fill a big pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add salt and the spaghetti. Cook following the package directions until the pasta is al dente.

8. Empty the pan of spaghetti into a colander set in the sink. Return the spaghetti to the pan for tossing.

9. Remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaf from the sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary.

10. The spaghetti should be served after it has been topped with meat sauce and then sprinkled with Kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese. This is Makaronia Me Kima!

Makaronia Me Kima Greek Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large saucepan
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Large pot
7. Colander
8. Cheese grater (optional, for serving)

FAQ

• What is Makaronia Me Kima?Makaronia Me Kima is a classic dish from Greece that resembles spaghetti with meat sauce but is known for its zesty flavor and an intense blend of spices, including cinnamon and bay leaf.
• Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?You can indeed replace ground beef with ground chicken or turkey. And if you prefer a plant-based option, there are meat alternatives that work in this recipe.
• What type of canned tomatoes should I use?For a smooth sauce, use crushed canned tomatoes. If you like a chunkier texture, you can also use whole peeled tomatoes and crush them yourself.
• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, the meat sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• What can I use instead of red wine?You can substitute beef broth or a mixture of grape juice and vinegar for added acidity and sweetness if you prefer not to use red wine.
• How can I make the sauce thicker?To thicken the sauce, allow it to simmer uncovered on low heat until it reaches the desired consistency or add a bit more tomato paste.
• What is Kefalotyri cheese?Kefalotyri is a hard, salty cheese from Greece made with either sheep or goat milk. If you can’t find it, you can top with an alternative: use good ol’ Parm.

Makaronia Me Kima Greek Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Ground lamb or ground turkey can be used in place of ground beef to create a dish with a different flavor or one that is lower in fat.
You may slightly alter the flavor profile if you substitute olive oil with vegetable or avocado oil.
Beef broth can be used in place of red wine, resulting in a dish that is alcohol-free but just as delicious as the original. For a non-alcoholic option that is a little closer to the original, try using white wine instead.
If inaccessible, Kefalotyri cheese may be replaced with Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano.
In the absence of cinnamon sticks, use 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in their place.

Pro Tips

1. Brown the Beef Thoroughly When browning the ground beef, let it sit in the pan for a few minutes before stirring. This allows it to develop a deeper, caramelized flavor that will enhance the overall taste of the sauce.

2. Use High-Quality Wine Since the red wine is a key component of the sauce, opt for a wine that you would enjoy drinking. A good-quality wine will add depth and complexity to the sauce.

3. Simmer with Patience Allow the sauce to simmer on a low heat for as long as possible, even beyond the suggested 30-40 minutes if you have time. This slow cooking process will help the flavors meld together beautifully.

4. Undercook the Pasta Slightly Cook the spaghetti until just shy of al dente, then finish cooking it in the sauce for a couple of minutes. This will allow the pasta to better absorb the sauce’s flavors.

5. Enhance with Fresh Herbs For added freshness and flavor, consider garnishing the final dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley right before serving. This will brighten the dish and add a layer of fresh herbaceous notes.