Greek Spaghetti Bolognese (Makaronia Me Kima)

Greek Bolognese is thick, glossy, and deeply flavored. Infused with warm spices like cloves, allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg, making it extra cozy and absolutely irresistable!

📝 Ingredients

• olive oil
• 1 large onion (minced (about 200 grams))
• 500 grams (1.1 pounds) ground beef (or half ground beef & half ground pork)
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 60 ml sweet red wine
• 500 grams (2 cups + 2 tablespoons) crushed tomatoes
• 2 large garlic cloves (crushed)
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice (or 5-6 allspice berries)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (or 4-5 whole cloves)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 small stick of cinnamon
• 1 bay leaf
• 2-3 small sprigs fresh thyme
• coarse sea salt
• ground pepper
• 500 ml (2 cups) hot water or stock
• 500 grams dried spaghetti (cooked according to package instructions)
• Greek Kefalotyri, or Parmesan, or Pecorino cheese (to serve with)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Heat a good splash of olive oil in a saute pan.
2. 2Add the onion with a pinch of salt, and saute over moderate heat until almost caramelized.
3. 3Add the ground meat. Raise the heat to high. Season with coarse sea salt and ground pepper. Cook the meat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until it starts to brown.
4. 4Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute.
5. 5Pour in the wine and deglaze the pan.
6. 6Add the crushed tomatoes (see notes below), bay leaf, thyme, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon stick.
7. 7Pour in the hot water or stock.
8. 8Simmer over low heat, covered, for about 30 minutes.
9. 9Raise the heat a bit, taste the sauce to see if it needs additional seasoning. Cook it uncovered until it thickens.
10. 10Serve with spaghetti or your favorite pasta accompanied by Greek Kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese.