Greek-Style Cinnamon & Allspice Meat Sauce — My Comfort Food Go-To
Some days I love being in the kitchen, and others… not so much. But there’s one dish that never fails me — no matter my mood — and that’s this beautifully spiced meat sauce. It’s my secret lazy-day meal, the one I reach for when I’m not particularly keen to cook but still want to put something warm, filling, and delicious on the table.
This isn’t your typical bolognese. What sets this sauce apart is the aromatic twist of cinnamon, bay leaves, and allspice, which gives it that comforting, slightly sweet depth you’ll find in classic Greek cooking. A good grating of myzithra or kefalograviera on top and… YUM. It's hearty, rich, and full of warmth — just what comfort food should be.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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It’s easy to make, but tastes like you’ve put in hours
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Filled with Greek flavour from spices like cinnamon and allspice
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A guaranteed crowd-pleaser — from toddlers to grandparents
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Makes plenty — perfect for leftovers or meal prep
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Delicious with any kind of pasta (or even mashed potatoes)
Tips & Serving Suggestions:
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Use penne, rigatoni, or Kritharaki — it works with any pasta shape.
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The sauce freezes beautifully, so you can double it and save some for another lazy-day dinner.
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If you're out of kefalograviera or myzithra, parmesan or pecorino are lovely substitutes.
Whether you're cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or just need a reliable dish that brings comfort, flavour, and a sense of home, this one ticks all the boxes. You don’t need a dozen steps or fancy techniques — just a little spice, a lot of love, and a good block of cheese to finish.
This is comfort food, Greek-style — and my not-so-secret anymore, secret dish.
MACARONIA ME KIMA | Greek Spaghetti Meat Sauce
Mary PolitisIngredients
- 5 Tbsp olive oil
- 700 g beef mince
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves chopped
- 1/2 cup red or white wine
- 1 cinnamon stick or 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- 3 bay leaves
- 700 g crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 cups water
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Dry myzithra or grated kefalograviera to serve
Instructions
- In a large pan over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil for about 2 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Add the beef mince and cook for around 10 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned all over.
- Pour in the wine, stir, and cook for 2–3 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate.
- Add in the crushed tomatoes, cinnamon, allspice, bay leaves, and oregano.
- Pour in the water, season generously with salt and pepper, and stir everything to combine.
- Simmer with the lid on for 40–60 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Turn the heat down if needed to avoid burning.
- When the sauce has thickened and smells deeply aromatic, serve it generously over cooked pasta.
- Top with a grating of myzithra or kefalograviera, and enjoy!