Turkish Pasta with Spiced Ground Beef and Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Turkish Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta with a spiced ground beef sauce and a creamy yogurt topping. This easy and satisfying recipe brings together rich, aromatic ingredients for a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (farfalle recommended, but any shape works)
- Kosher salt
- 1 pound ground beef (93% lean)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 tablespoon red pepper paste (or tomato paste)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (unsweetened plain, full fat or skim)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste, such as Aleppo or Urfa chili)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 tablespoons dried mint (or fresh parsley)
- 2 tablespoons sumac (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season the pasta water generously with kosher salt until it tastes like the ocean. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, about 9-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, drain the pasta, and set aside.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon for 4-5 minutes until no longer pink and it releases its oils.
- Step 3: Add the chopped onion, red pepper paste (or tomato paste), onion powder, cumin, sweet paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper to the beef. Cook, stirring regularly, until onions soften and meat is fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Add reserved pasta water as needed to keep the mixture moist. Set aside.
- Step 4: In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and kosher salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Set aside.
- Step 5: Just before serving, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in sweet paprika, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt. Cook until the butter is fully melted and bubbly.
- Step 6: To assemble, divide the cooked pasta into bowls. Top each with 4 tablespoons of the yogurt sauce and about two-thirds cup of the beef mixture. Drizzle with a tablespoon or more of the spiced butter sauce. Repeat for remaining portions.
- Step 7: Garnish each serving with halved cherry tomatoes, dried mint or fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of sumac if using. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use any pasta shape you prefer; short pasta like penne or rigatoni works well.
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or use a hotter chili powder.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can be added instead of dried mint for a fresher flavor.
- If you don’t have red pepper paste, tomato paste with a pinch of cayenne pepper is a good substitute.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the yogurt sauce and buttery topping.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens. The yogurt sauce is best added fresh before serving to maintain its creamy texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground lamb, turkey, or chicken can be used instead of beef. Adjust cooking time accordingly until the meat is fully cooked.
Is the yogurt sauce necessary?
The yogurt sauce adds a tangy creaminess that balances the spices and richness of the beef and butter. It is a key component, but if you prefer, you could serve the dish without it.
Print
Turkish Pasta with Spiced Ground Beef and Yogurt Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Turkish Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring al dente pasta topped with a richly spiced ground beef sauce, creamy garlic yogurt, and a fragrant paprika butter drizzle. Garnished with cherry tomatoes, dried mint, and optional sumac, this recipe combines robust Turkish spices with simple ingredients for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (farfalle or any shape)
- Kosher salt (for pasta water)
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef (93% lean)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 tablespoon red pepper paste or tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (unsweetened plain, full fat or skim)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste; e.g., Aleppo or Urfa chili)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Garnishes
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 tablespoons dried mint or fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons sumac (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season generously with kosher salt until the water tastes like the ocean. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 9-10 minutes or according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking the meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon, for 4-5 minutes until no longer pink and some oils are released. Add chopped onion, red pepper paste, onion powder, ground cumin, sweet paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir frequently and cook for 5-6 minutes until the onions are soft and the meat is fully cooked. Add reserved pasta water as needed to keep the mixture moist. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Yogurt Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and kosher salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Set aside.
- Prepare the Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add sweet paprika, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt. Stir and cook until the butter is completely melted and bubbly, then remove from heat.
- Assemble the Dish: Place cooked pasta in serving bowls. Spoon approximately 4 tablespoons of yogurt sauce over the pasta, then add ⅔ cup of the meat sauce. Drizzle each serving with about 1 tablespoon or more of the butter sauce. Repeat for remaining servings.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish each bowl with halved cherry tomatoes, dried mint or fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of sumac if using. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Use farfalle or any pasta shape you prefer.
- The reserved pasta water helps maintain moisture in the meat sauce if it thickens too much.
- Red pepper flakes can be adjusted to your desired spice level.
- Sumac adds a tangy, lemony flavor but is optional.
- Butter sauce should be prepared fresh and drizzled right before serving for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Turkish
Keywords: Turkish pasta, ground beef, yogurt sauce, paprika butter, easy Turkish recipe, Mediterranean pasta
