Ev’s Greek Spaghetti Dinner π
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Description:
Don’t let the extensive list of ingredients and steps intimidate you – this Greek Spaghetti Dinner recipe comes together surprisingly quickly, and the attention to detail is what makes it so delicious! π I highly recommend trying spaghetti ‘the Greek way’βyou’re in for a treat! To make it a truly Greek feast, pair it with a Greek salad, crusty bread, a glass of red wine, and fresh fruit for dessert.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 2 plum tomatoes, diced
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice berries
- 1/2 cinnamon stick
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (such as myzithra or Parmesan)
Instructions:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | In a medium to large pot, heat olive oil over high heat. Add the onion and garlic, stirring often until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Add the ground beef and break it up with the back of a spoon, allowing it to brown well. This should take about 12-15 minutes. |
| 2 | It’s crucial to let the meat brown properly for a flavorful sauce. Resist the urge to stir too oftenβlet it brown for 1-2 minutes between stirs. |
| 3 | Once the beef is nicely browned, add in the diced tomatoes, water, tomato paste, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, basil, bay leaf, allspice berries, and cinnamon stick. Stir to combine. |
| 4 | Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 35 minutes. Cover the pot and continue simmering for an additional 30 minutes. This will thicken the sauce to perfection. |
| 5 | After simmering, remove the bay leaf, allspice berries, and cinnamon stick from the sauce. |
| 6 | To Prepare Pasta: Cook your spaghetti or preferred pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of the pasta water. |
| 7 | In the same pot you used to cook the pasta, melt the butter over high heat until it starts to brown, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to burn it. |
| 8 | Turn off the heat and return the drained pasta to the pot. Toss the pasta in the browned butter until evenly coated. If the pasta seems too dry, add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. |
| 9 | Transfer the spaghetti to a large serving platter. Pour half of the prepared sauce over the pasta and sprinkle with about 1/2 cup of grated cheese. |
| 10 | Serve the remaining sauce in a deep bowl on the side, allowing guests to top their pasta with extra sauce and cheese as desired. |
Recipe Notes:
- This recipe yields a generous amount of sauce, perfect for freezing leftovers for a quick meal on another day.
- For an authentic Greek experience, pair the pasta with a Greek salad, crusty bread, and a glass of your favorite red wine.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the sauce a nice kick if you like it spicy.
Ev’s Greek Spaghetti Dinner is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a weeknight family dinner or a gathering with friends. The rich flavors of the meaty sauce combined with the buttery pasta and tangy cheese create a truly satisfying meal that everyone will love. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your home too! ππ·
