Entree: Greece – Aegean Islands – Μακαρόνια με κιμά ➤ Makaronia me kima (Pasta tossed with a seasoned ground meat and tomato sauce)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 40 min

Total 55 min

Ingredients

- 12 oz (340 g) macaroni or short tubular pasta
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef or a mix of ground beef and lamb
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped, about 8 oz (225 g)
- 1 large carrot, finely diced, about 4 oz (115 g)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp (30 g) tomato paste
- 14 oz (400 g) canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry red wine (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp (1.5 g) ground cinnamon or a small cinnamon stick
- 1/4 tsp (0.5 g) ground allspice (optional)
- 1 tsp (5 g) dried oregano
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated kefalotyri, graviera, or Pecorino Romano for serving
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) butter (optional, to finish)

Instructions

1. Step 1 Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until just al dente according to package instructions; drain and reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) of the pasta cooking water.
2. Step 2 While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrot and sauté until softened and starting to brown, about 6–8 minutes.
3. Step 3 Add the minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant, then add the ground meat. Break it up with a spoon and brown thoroughly until no pink remains.
4. Step 4 Stir in the tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes, then deglaze with the red wine if using, scraping up any browned bits. Add crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, cinnamon, allspice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Step 5 Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce gently for 20–30 minutes, uncovered, until thickened. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
6. Step 6 Remove the bay leaf, taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in chopped parsley and butter if using for a silkier finish.
7. Step 7 Combine the drained macaroni with the meat sauce in the skillet or a serving dish, tossing to coat evenly. Serve hot topped with generous grated kefalotyri or Pecorino.