Pennsylvania Greek Sauce Recipe

Pennsylvania Greek Sauce Recipe

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly. Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings.

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 small onions, chopped
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • teaspoon salt
  • teaspoon ground black pepper
  • teaspoon dried oregano
  • teaspoon dried basil
  • teaspoon garlic powder
  • teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 teaspoons prepared yellow mustard

Directions

Follow these easy steps to prepare this savory dish:

  1. Place the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the beef until fully browned. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat.
  2. Add the chopped onions, tomato sauce, water, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, garlic powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, and yellow mustard into the skillet with the beef.
  3. Stir the ingredients together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the mixture simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Information Amount
Calories 78
Total Fat 5g (6% DV)
Saturated Fat 2g (9% DV)
Cholesterol 23mg (8% DV)
Sodium 218mg (9% DV)
Total Carbohydrates 3g (1% DV)
Dietary Fiber 1g (2% DV)
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 7g (14% DV)
Vitamin C 2mg (3% DV)
Calcium 12mg (1% DV)
Iron 1mg (6% DV)
Potassium 168mg (4% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

FAQ about Pennsylvania Greek Sauce Recipe

Store any leftover Pennsylvania Greek Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container, and it will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to use, reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a little water if necessary to restore its original consistency.

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time. The flavors actually improve after sitting for a few hours or even a day. If you plan to serve it later, store it in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop before serving.

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or even a plant-based meat like Beyond Meat for a healthier or vegetarian version. The sauce will still have a similar flavor, although the texture might be slightly different.

If you're missing a spice, don't worry! You can substitute dried thyme for oregano, skip the cumin if you don't have it, or even experiment with other spices like paprika or chili powder for a different flavor profile. Adjust according to your taste preferences.

Definitely! This Pennsylvania Greek Sauce is versatile and can be used as a topping for hamburgers, French fries, or even as a pasta sauce. It can also be served with baked potatoes or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.

The sauce has a mild heat due to the crushed red pepper flakes, but it's not overwhelmingly spicy. If you prefer less heat, you can reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes entirely. Conversely, if you like more spice, feel free to add more to taste.

Yes, you can easily double or halve the recipe. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the amount you're making. If you're doubling it, consider using a larger pan to prevent overcrowding and ensure the sauce simmers evenly.

The sauce should be simmered for about 45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. However, if you have time, you can simmer it longer (up to 1 hour or more) to develop an even deeper flavor. Just be sure to stir occasionally and check the consistency.

The best way to serve this sauce is as a topping for hot dogs or hamburgers, similar to the way it's served in Erie, PA. You can also try it over fries for a 'Greek fries' experience, or use it as a savory topping for baked potatoes. Some people even like to eat it with a side of bread or on pasta.

Yes, you can freeze this sauce. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat on the stovetop, adding a little water if needed to adjust the consistency.

Comments

Debra Moore

04/09/2024 04:27:43 AM

I misplaced my recipe for Greek sauce from the Erie newspaper, so I turned to my reliable source, All Recipes. This recipe is fantastic! I ended up using more tomato sauce, as I only had a larger can - around 12 oz. instead of the specified 8 oz. I also added a little extra mustard, red pepper, and a dash of ketchup. I let it simmer for a longer period to absorb the additional liquid and finely broke up the meat using my favorite tool for ground beef, the "P Chef" "Mix & Chop." I served it with Smith's hot dogs and used it as a topping for baked steak fries. It was absolutely delicious! I just wish I could indulge like this every day, if only my waistline would allow it!

Stephen Miller

11/15/2023 07:52:50 PM

This dish was incredibly tasty. I caramelized the onions and reduced the amount of water by half. I didn't have crushed red pepper flakes, so I left them out, resulting in a milder flavor than some reviews mentioned. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it even without the heat. For those who prefer a spicier kick, adding the pepper flakes separately could be a good option. I will definitely be making this recipe regularly.

Christopher Phillips

06/11/2023 01:09:31 AM

Rewritten review: I've been using this recipe for years but never got around to signing up and writing a review until now. This sauce is the real deal for anyone who grew up in Erie or other parts of western Pennsylvania enjoying "Greek Dogs." I prefer slow cooking it for a longer time to achieve a smoother texture, but overall, it's fantastic. I particularly liked the suggestion from another reviewer to wrap it in wax paper with the bun and sauce for a slightly soggy effect. Thanks for sharing! For those who didn't enjoy it, well, maybe it's because they didn't have the pleasure of growing up in E-town and savoring this dish. No hard feelings.

Jason Lopez

05/28/2023 01:40:02 AM

This recipe is fantastic! It tastes just like the ones they serve at Greek festivals. Be sure to use a potato masher to ensure the beef chunks are nicely minced. It's also heavenly when served on top of french fries with cheese. We refer to it as Greek Fries here in Erie!

Ronald Turner

08/08/2023 12:14:10 AM

Initially, I was skeptical about how this dish would turn out. However, after preparing it, it immediately brought back memories of the delicious Greek-style hot dogs I used to enjoy as a kid. I assembled the hot dog by placing it on a bun, drizzling on the sauce, adding diced sweet onions, a line of mustard, wrapping it in wax paper, letting it rest for a few minutes, unwrapping it, and savoring every bite. The aroma and flavor were reminiscent of the authentic Greek hot dogs I used to relish from a nearby restaurant. In terms of the cooking process, I finely minced the meat for better texture. Despite accidentally using more meat than required, resulting in excess liquid evaporation, I rectified the situation by incorporating a little water and powdered beef bouillon. Overall, a delightful culinary experience! Thank you!

Michael Rodriguez

05/07/2023 02:01:16 AM

I discovered Greek sauce for the first time at Dinor in Erie, and it was amazing! I purchased a packet of their seasonings to recreate it at home, and it turned out delicious. I regret not keeping a list of the ingredients in the packet because it was truly a great blend.

Michelle Diaz

01/20/2025 06:09:09 AM

Close to what I remembered - This place brought back so many memories.

Joseph Torres

10/19/2023 11:47:11 AM

Feels just like home! I absolutely adore indulging in a Greek Omelet at The Breakfast Place whenever I'm in Erie. It's hands down my favorite way to enjoy Greek flavors!

Nicole Williams

09/30/2024 12:18:02 AM

This dish brought back memories of the Greek dogs I once had while living in Erie, PA. I decided to add extra cumin to suit my taste. Overall, it was delicious.