Makaronia Me Kima (Greek Spaghetti with Meat Sauce) (2024)

A recipe for Makaronia Me Kima (Μακαρόνια με Κιμά,Greek Spaghetti with Meat Sauce)! This flavorful meat sauce is packed with warming spices and perfect for serving over a bed of spaghetti.

Makaronia Me Kima (Μακαρόνια με Κιμά)is a Greek meat sauce seasoned with onion, garlic, red wine, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and tomatoes. After simmering until thickened, it is served over a bed of spaghetti and topped with grated cheese (preferably Mizithra or Kefalotyri). I made the sauce with ground beef, but you can also switch it out for lamb or half of each depending on what you have available.

I like to let the sauce to simmer for 45 minutes to an hour to give the flavors some time to blend and become more pronounced. If you are short on time, the sauce can be prepared in as little as 30 minutes, but the flavors just won’t be as robust. If all of the water has evaporated and the mixture is too thick before 45 minutes, add a splash or two more as needed to keep the sauce from burning.

I topped the sauce with grated Kefalotyri immediately before serving. Kefalotyri is a hard cheese originating in Greece and Cyprus. It is made using sheep milk or a combination from sheep and goat. I have been able to find it in some specialty cheese shops and markets featuring Mediterranean ingredients. You can also use Mizithra (another favorite) or if Greek cheese isn’t available, substitute with Parmesan or Pecorino.

Adjust the flavors as desired to taste. The exact spices and amounts will vary depending on the region and family. Mint and dried oregano are other popular additions. This recipe for Makaronia Me Kima can easily be doubled.

Looking for more Greek recipes?

Try my Alevropita (Green Thin-Batter Feta Pie), Domatosoupa Me Kritharaki (Greek Tomato Soup with Orzo), and Karpouzi Me Feta (Greek Watermelon with Feta).

Makaronia Me Kima (Greek Spaghetti with Meat Sauce) Recipe

Adapted from Honest Cooking