Greek Style Meat Sauce {Makaronia Me Kima}

• 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 make  Greek-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.

Add the meat.

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.

Fry another minute and 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.

Serve over pasta and enjoy!

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4.92 from 12 votes

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Greek Style Meat Sauce {Makaronia Me Kima}

An easy traditional Greek style meat sauce for pasta.  Perfect for busy weeknight suppers.

Course Main

Cuisine Greek

Keyword greek style meat sauce, Makaronia Me Kima, meat sauce recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 572 kcal

Author Erren @ Erren's Kitchen

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

Cups - Metric

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon 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.

2. 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.

3. Stir in the wine and allow to cook down.

4. Add the tomatoes, sugar, parsley, and fresh mint. Stir together, season with salt and pepper. Lower the heat and simmer for 25 minutes.
   

5. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and serve topped with the sauce.

Recipe Notes

• 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 Facts

Greek Style Meat Sauce {Makaronia Me Kima}

Amount Per Serving

Calories 572 Calories from Fat 171

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 19g 29%

Saturated Fat 5g 25%

Cholesterol 73mg 24%

Sodium 117mg 5%

Potassium 662mg 19%

Total Carbohydrates 50g 17%

Dietary Fiber 3g 12%

Sugars 4g

Protein 30g 60%

Vitamin A 1.6%

Vitamin C 4.4%

Calcium 6.4%

Iron 23.2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Are you making this recipe? I LOVE to see your creations so snap a photo and tag @ErrensKitchen on Instagram with the hashtag #ErrensKitchen and please give a star rating below ★

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.