Name: Makaronia Me Kima: Greek Spaghetti with Rich Meat Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, finely diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 500 grams lean ground beef; 120 ml red wine; 250 ml beef stock; 400 grams tomatoes (freshly grated, tinned, or passata); 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground cloves; 500 grams spaghetti (or preferred pasta); 1 tbsp butter

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 13 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that’s warm, comforting, and packed with rich flavors, the Makaronia Me Kima: Greek Spaghetti with Rich Meat Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. This traditional Greek favorite combines perfectly cooked spaghetti with a deeply savory meat sauce, infused with hints of cinnamon and cloves that add an unforgettable aromatic warmth. Every bite tells a story of homestyle cooking that’s both satisfying and soul-soothing. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this recipe brings the rich culinary heritage of Greece right to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A stainless steel frying pan is seen from above, placed on a white marbled surface with a blue and white checkered cloth to the side. Inside the pan, at the bottom, there is a layer of finely chopped white onions spread out evenly. On top of the onions, there are two large, loose piles of raw ground beef, with a textured, coarse appearance showing strands of meat in reddish-pink color. A woman's hand is holding a wooden spatula, stirring the meat gently from the right side of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Even though the ingredient list might seem straightforward, every element plays a vital role in making this dish truly special. From the fragrant spices to the tender ground beef and silky spaghetti, they all work together to create a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.

1 tbsp olive oil: The base for sautéing that brings out the sweetness of the onions and garlic.
1 onion (finely diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
2 garlic cloves (minced): Gives a punch of aromatic intensity without overpowering.
500 grams ground beef (lean preferred): The heart of the kima, providing rich flavor and meaty texture.
120 ml red wine: Adds complexity and helps tenderize the meat while giving a slight tang.
250 ml beef stock: Boosts the savory essence of the sauce, making it luscious and hearty.
400 grams tomatoes (freshly grated, tinned, or passata): Creates the vibrant, luscious body of the sauce with a fresh acidity.
1 tbsp tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor for a deeper, richer sauce.
1 tsp ground cinnamon: A signature Greek touch that warms the sauce gently.
½ tsp ground cloves: Adds a whisper of exotic spice that rounds out the flavors.
500 grams spaghetti (or your favourite pasta): The perfect vehicle for soaking up all that wonderful meat sauce.
1 tbsp butter: Enriches the pasta and helps the sauce cling to every strand.

How to Make Makaronia Me Kima: Greek Spaghetti with Rich Meat Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Gently fry the finely diced onion and minced garlic until they turn translucent and fragrant. This foundational step unlocks the sweetness in the onion and mellows the sharp edge of the garlic, setting the stage for a rich sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until beautifully browned, which caramelizes the meat and intensifies its flavor. This browning step is key—it creates those deep, meaty notes that make the sauce so hearty.

Step 3: Deglaze with Red Wine

Pour in the red wine and cook until it mostly evaporates. This step helps remove any browned bits stuck to the pan and adds a subtle acidity and depth to the sauce, lifting the flavors to a whole new level.

Step 4: Add Stock and Tomatoes

Pour in the beef stock and give everything a good stir. Then add the tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir well to combine all the elements into a rich, cohesive sauce that’s bubbling with promise.

Step 5: Incorporate the Spices and Simmer Slowly

Sprinkle in the cinnamon and cloves if using, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 45 minutes. This slow cooking melds all the flavors beautifully, reduces the sauce to a luxurious consistency, and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Step 6: Cook and Butter the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Don’t forget to save a little pasta water before draining. Then, in the pasta pot, melt a tablespoon of butter over high heat. Toss the hot spaghetti in the butter, adding a splash of pasta water to help the sauce cling perfectly to every strand.

Step 7: Bring It All Together

Serve the warm spaghetti topped generously with your rich meat sauce. Add plenty of grated cheese for that final indulgent touch, and you’ve got a dish that’s sure to become a beloved staple.

How to Serve Makaronia Me Kima: Greek Spaghetti with Rich Meat Sauce Recipe

A white bowl held by a woman's hands contains three layers: the bottom layer is yellow cooked spaghetti, the middle layer is chunky brown meat sauce with some green herbs, and the top layer is a heap of finely grated white cheese. Next to the bowl is a small white bowl filled with more grated cheese, and above these is a blue and white checkered cloth spread loosely. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finishing touches matter. For this recipe, freshly grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese is perfect to complement the hearty sauce. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, balancing the deep flavors.

Side Dishes

This meal pairs beautifully with a simple Greek salad—think crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese dressed in olive oil and lemon juice. Some crusty bread on the side is great for soaking up every last bit of that meaty sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Makaronia Me Kima family-style with all elements laid out in bowls so everyone can build their own plates. Alternatively, try layering the meat sauce and pasta in a baked casserole dish topped with cheese for a cozy, baked version everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making the next-day serving even more delicious.

Freezing

The meat sauce freezes wonderfully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems thick, add a splash of water or stock to loosen it before tossing it again with freshly cooked pasta.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat for the sauce?

Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, mixing ground lamb or pork can add extra richness and complexity to your Makaronia Me Kima: Greek Spaghetti with Rich Meat Sauce Recipe.

Is it necessary to use cinnamon and cloves in the sauce?

These spices give the sauce its unique Greek character, but if you’re not a fan, you can leave them out. The dish will still be delicious, but those warm spices truly elevate the flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

For a meat-free version, try using lentils or finely chopped mushrooms instead of beef. Adjust the seasoning and cooking time accordingly, and you’ll have a satisfying vegetarian take on Makaronia Me Kima.

What cheese works best as a topping?

Traditional Greek Kefalotyri cheese is ideal, but Parmesan or Pecorino Romano also work beautifully for grating over the finished dish.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes! While spaghetti is classic, fusilli, penne, or even tagliatelle will hold the sauce well and provide nice texture variety.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly heartwarming about preparing and enjoying the Makaronia Me Kima: Greek Spaghetti with Rich Meat Sauce Recipe. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a delicious connection to Greek culinary tradition, full of bold flavors and comforting textures. Dive in and make this dish your own—it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.