Spaghetti with meat sauce ("makaronia me kima") is the ultimate comfort food for almost every Greek! Ground meat and rich tomato sauce served over pasta is the Greek version of spaghetti Bolognese.
There are many different ways to cook Greek spaghetti Bolognese and this one is my favorite! Greek Bolognese sauce can be the same or similar sauce that's used to make Greek Moussaka or Pastitsio.
Type of meat to use for Greek Bolognese Sauce
Many people use lean ground beef to make Greek bolognese sauce. In order to make that sauce so much flavorful is the addition of ground pork. So if you prefer a non dry sauce for your pasta, go for half ground beef & half ground pork.
Tips
This ground meat sauce is suitable for freezing. You can prepare a big amount, separate in desired servings and storage in your refrigerator for up to 4 months. Defrost a day/night before and when ready to consume, microwave or heat the sauce on medium heat in a small pan and enjoy with desired pasta.
Recipe
Servings: 6
Preparation time: 2 mins
Cooking time: 45 mins
Ingredients
5 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
700 gr. ground beef or half ground beef & half ground pork
1 big onion, finely chopped or minced
1 clove garlic, minced
2-3 tbsp. parsley, minced or chopped
1 tsp. tomato paste
400 gr. chopped or grated tomatoes (fresh or canned)
1 tsp. brown or granulated sugar
1 tsp. oregano
70 ml red dry wine
1 small stick of cinnamon
1 cup water
To season & serve
500 gr. spaghetti
parmesan cheese
Kefalotiri cheese
feta cheese
Method
Place a pan over high heat and heat 4 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil. Add mixed ground beef & pork and sweat until it turns brown on the outside(don't cook it all the way through), while breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Add onion and garlic and let it soften for 1-2 minutes or until soften.
Lower heat, pour wine and stir, until it evaporates.
Once the meat has dried completely from its juices, add tomato paste, chopped tomatoes and stir to combine.
Next, add water, salt, pepper, spices, a vegetable cube, parsley and simmer on low to medium heat for 30 to 40 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
Cook pasta according to package instructions.
Remove cinnamon stick, add 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil and stir.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning according to your preferences, if needed.
Serve with desired cheese and garnish with fresh oregano, parsley or basil leaves.
If you make this recipe, I'd love to see pictures of your creation on social media. Hashtag them #sweetandsaltyfeelings and tag @sweetandsalty_feelings