Vasiki Saltsa Kima

BASIC GROUND MEAT SAUCE

makes 8 cups (2 L)

3 tablespoons extra-virgin Greek olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1½ pounds (680 g) ground beef, lamb, turkey, chicken, or pork, or any combination

1 recipe My Secret Classic Cinnamon-Tomato Sauce

1 small cinnamon stick

Cooked spaghetti, tubular spaghetti, or tubini, for serving

Grated myzithra or Kefalotyri cheese, for serving

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until wilted, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and stir. Add the ground meat and cook, stirring, until browned, 10 to 12 minutes. Pour in the tomato sauce and add the cinnamon stick. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, until the meat is cooked through. Remove the cinnamon stick before serving. Toss the sauce with cooked pasta and grated cheese.