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SPAGHETTI WITH AROMATIC GROUND BEEF SAUCE

A timeless Greek-style comfort dish with tender spaghetti and a rich, aromatic beef sauce simmered with tomato, herbs, and olive oil. Simple and heartwarming.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Ground Beef Sauce:
  • 500 g ground beef
  • 1 medium onion (120 g, finely chopped)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 small carrot (80 g, finely chopped)
  • 40 g tomato paste
  • 400 g grated or chopped tomato (canned or fresh)
  • 100 ml beef or vegetable broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 –3 allspice berries
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • Salt and black pepper
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
For the Spaghetti:
  • 400 g spaghetti
  • 3 L water
  • 1 tbsp salt

Equipment

  • Large frying pan or cast-iron pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Saucepan for pasta
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and slightly crispy.
  2. Add onion, garlic, and carrot and sauté until softened.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to release its aroma.
  4. Pour in the broth, then add bay leaves, allspice, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
  5. Simmer until most of the liquid evaporates.
  6. Add the grated tomato and cook gently for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  7. Boil the spaghetti in salted water until al dente, drain, and add to the sauce.
  8. Toss well to combine so the pasta absorbs the flavors.
  9. Serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil and freshly ground pepper.

Notes

  • Add a pinch of sugar if tomatoes are too acidic.
  • For a lighter version, use lean ground beef (5% fat) or half beef–half turkey.
  • Pairs beautifully with kefalotyri or parmesan cheese and a crisp green salad.
  • Calories calculated per 300 g serving (≈150 g pasta + 150 g sauce).