Makaronia Me Kima Greek Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Classic Greek-style spaghetti simmered with a rich ground beef tomato sauce infused with cinnamon and oregano. This greek-inspired pasta (mediterranean) ready in about 35 minutes blends spaghetti pasta, extra virgin olive oil, pound ground beef into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup, for serving grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped medium onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 pound ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavor. Then add 14 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 cup water, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1 tsp sugar. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce gently for 15 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Step 6: Toss the drained spaghetti into the sauce with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley until well coated.
- Step 7: Serve hot topped with 1/2 cup grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Makaronia Me Kima Greek Spaghetti with Meat Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Makaronia Me Kima Greek Spaghetti with Meat Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Makaronia Me Kima Greek Spaghetti with Meat Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Makaronia Me Kima Greek Spaghetti with Meat Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Makaronia Me Kima Greek Spaghetti with Meat Sauce?
Greek pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.