Name: Makaronia Me Kima (Greek Style Meat Sauce) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 large red onion, finely chopped; 1 medium carrot, finely chopped or grated; 2–3 celery stalks, finely chopped; 2 large garlic cloves, chopped; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 lb (500 g) lean ground beef; ½ cup (100 ml) beef broth; 1 teaspoon red vinegar; ½ teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 large garlic cloves (whole); 2–3 bay leaves; 1 cinnamon stick; 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 10.5 oz (300 g) bucatini; Grated parmesan, to serve

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If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that bursts with Mediterranean warmth, the Makaronia Me Kima (Greek Style Meat Sauce) Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender bucatini pasta with a rich, spiced meat sauce that has been slowly simmered to perfection, layering flavors of cinnamon, garlic, and tomatoes in a way that feels both familiar and exciting. Every bite offers a wonderful balance of savory and subtly sweet notes, making it a beloved classic in Greek home cooking and a delightful centerpiece for any dinner table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white round pot with light blue handles is filled with three separate piles of chopped vegetables sitting on a white marbled surface. On the left, there is a pile of purple and white chopped onions with a slightly translucent look. Above it, an orange pile of small chopped carrots. On the right, there is a light green pile of chopped celery that looks fresh and crunchy. The vegetables in the pot are clearly separated but close to each other as if ready to be cooked. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Makaronia Me Kima (Greek Style Meat Sauce) Recipe lies in its simplicity and thoughtful layering of essential ingredients. Each item brings something unique to the bowl, from the fresh crunch of celery to the deep umami of lean ground beef and the aromatic hint of cinnamon, creating a symphony of flavors that feels both rustic and refined.

Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity, smooth base for sautéing and enriches the overall sauce flavor.
Large red onion, finely chopped: Provides sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
Medium carrot, finely chopped or grated: Introduces subtle natural sweetness and texture.
Celery stalks, finely chopped: Offers a fresh, slightly peppery undertone that brightens the sauce.
Garlic cloves, chopped: Imparts pungent, aromatic warmth essential to traditional Greek flavors.
Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and gives the sauce a rich, velvety body.
Lean ground beef: The protein star that makes this dish satisfying and hearty without excess fat.
Beef broth: Adds moisture and deepens the savory profile of the sauce.
Red vinegar: Balances the meat’s richness with a bright, tangy note.
Sugar: Softens the acidity of the tomatoes for a well-rounded flavor.
Ground cinnamon: Provides the sauce’s signature warm, slightly sweet spice twist.
Bay leaves: Infuse gentle herbal aromas during the simmering process.
Cinnamon stick: Reinforces the cinnamon flavor with subtle complexity.
Crushed tomatoes (canned): The saucy base that brings moisture and acidity.
Bucatini pasta: A thick, hollow spaghetti that holds the meat sauce beautifully.
Grated parmesan: For finishing, adding a salty, nutty richness that melts atop the dish.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all other flavors.

How to Make Makaronia Me Kima (Greek Style Meat Sauce) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics

Start by heating the extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. This will create the perfect base for your sauce. Sauté the finely chopped red onion until it becomes soft and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Then add the carrot and celery, cooking them until they release their wonderful aromas and start to soften. This combination is the foundation of your sauce, contributing a natural sweetness and a bit of texture that will balance the meat perfectly.

Step 2: Build the Sauce Base

Next, stir in the chopped garlic and tomato paste. Allow the tomato paste to cook for a couple of minutes so it caramelizes slightly, deepening its flavor and enriching the sauce’s color. This step might seem small, but it develops a complexity that’s key to an authentic Makaronia Me Kima (Greek Style Meat Sauce) Recipe.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add the lean ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with your spoon or spatula so it cooks evenly. Let it brown fully with no pink remaining, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Properly browning the meat not only locks in flavor but also adds a lovely texture contrast to the softened vegetables.

Step 4: Simmer with Spices and Liquids

Pour in the beef broth, red vinegar, and sugar. Stir these around before adding the ground cinnamon, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, crushed tomatoes, and the remaining garlic cloves. Bring everything to a gentle simmer on low heat, cover partially, and let it cook slowly for 30 to 35 minutes. Stir occasionally as the sauce thickens and the flavors meld beautifully together. The cinnamon and vinegar, in particular, will create that unmistakable Greek warmth and tanginess.

Step 5: Prepare the Bucatini

While the sauce is simmering, cook the bucatini pasta in plenty of well-salted boiling water according to package instructions, aiming for that perfect al dente bite. Drain the pasta well once done, as it’s going to soak up the flavors of your luscious meat sauce in the next step.

Step 6: Final Touches and Serve

Remove the bay leaves and cinnamon stick from your sauce before tossing or spooning it generously over the drained bucatini. Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan for that final hit of savory richness that brings it all together, and your Makaronia Me Kima (Greek Style Meat Sauce) Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Makaronia Me Kima (Greek Style Meat Sauce) Recipe

A white shallow bowl filled with two main layers: the bottom layer is thick spaghetti noodles, light yellow in color, twisted and tangled across the dish; the top layer is a hearty ground meat sauce, rich brown with small chunks of caramelized onion and bits of orange carrot, spread evenly, with small green parsley leaves sprinkled for color contrast. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with cinnamon sticks and green herbs near the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Makaronia Me Kima (Greek Style Meat Sauce) Recipe, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or oregano. These herbs add a fresh, herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich meat sauce. A little extra parmesan on the table lets everyone customize their cheesy finish, while a drizzle of good olive oil over the top can add a silky touch.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple Greek sides like a crisp cucumber and tomato salad dressed in olive oil and lemon. For a warm complement, try some crusty bread to soak up any remaining sauce or roasted vegetables with Mediterranean herbs to keep the meal balanced and colorful.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not make a family-style feast? Serve the Makaronia Me Kima (Greek Style Meat Sauce) Recipe in a large ceramic bowl straight from the stovetop, letting everyone dish up their own portions. Alternatively, layer the sauce with pasta and béchamel for a Greek-inspired baked pasta casserole to switch things up and impress guests with a comforting, cheesy twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Makaronia Me Kima (Greek Style Meat Sauce) Recipe tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep pasta separate if you can to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This meat sauce freezes beautifully. Transfer the cooled sauce portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For reheating, warm the sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid drying it out. Add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. If heating pasta together, do so cautiously to keep it from becoming mushy—microwaving with a damp paper towel over the bowl helps retain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While bucatini is the traditional choice because its hollow center cradles the sauce so well, feel free to swap in rigatoni, penne, or even spaghetti depending on what you have on hand.

Is ground beef the only meat option for this sauce?

You can experiment with ground lamb or a mix of pork and beef to bring different nuances to the flavor. Lamb adds a richer, slightly gamey taste that’s very Greek-inspired.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Use a plant-based ground meat substitute or sauté a medley of mushrooms and lentils for texture. Keep the same seasoning to maintain that classic taste.

What can I substitute if I don’t have red vinegar?

A splash of red wine or even apple cider vinegar works nicely to provide that subtle tang and balance the meatiness of the sauce.

How important is the cinnamon in the recipe?

Cinnamon is a hallmark spice in this dish, adding a warm, sweet aroma that defines its Greek identity. Leaving it out will change the flavor dramatically, so it’s best to include it if you want an authentic experience.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend enough that you give the Makaronia Me Kima (Greek Style Meat Sauce) Recipe a try. It’s a wonderful way to bring a taste of Greece into your kitchen, with vibrant flavors and comforting textures that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether served on a busy weeknight or for a casual weekend dinner, this recipe promises to satisfy and delight with every luscious bite.