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Pasta with meat sauce (Makaronia me Kima)


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4 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Pam Kanavos
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Description

Macaronia Me Kima is a classic Greek pasta dish featuring a rich, spiced meat sauce infused with cinnamon, allspice, and cloves.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 can of tomato sauce
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 tbsp. olive oil (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/4 cup red wine
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 2-3 berries of allspice (or 1/4 tsp. ground allspice)
  • 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lb. pasta of choice (e.g., spaghetti or macaroni)
  • Grated cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a 4-quart saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until all pink color disappears, breaking it up with a spoon.
  2. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Pour in red wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Stir in chopped parsley, ground cinnamon, allspice, and ground cloves. Add tomato sauce and water. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  7. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  8. Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta to the saucepan and toss to combine.
  9. Serve hot, topped with grated cheese if desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use a good quality red wine. You can substitute ground turkey or lamb for the beef. This sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving. Adjust the spices to your taste; some prefer more cinnamon or allspice.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 600
  • Fat: 18
  • Carbohydrates: 50
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 25
  • Cholesterol: 70