If you love pasta and bold flavors, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Turkish Pasta! It’s made with juicy ground beef, creamy garlic yogurt, and a rich paprika butter drizzle that makes every bite exciting. I love how this dish brings a touch of Turkish flavor to a simple, weeknight meal. It’s super easy to make and tastes like something special from a restaurant!
Method
Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is bubbling, add your pasta of choice any shape will work, so feel free to use what you have on hand. Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package until it’s al dente or as soft as you like it. Once done, drain the pasta using a strainer and set it aside. You can drizzle a tiny bit of oil or stir it occasionally to keep it from sticking while you prepare the other ingredients.
Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, you can make the tangy garlic yogurt sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of thick Greek yogurt with 3 to 4 garlic cloves that are either pressed or finely chopped. Add about ½ teaspoon of salt, then give everything a good stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the salt if needed. Set this bowl aside you’ll be layering it later for that cool and zesty flavor contrast.
Cook the Ground Beef
Now it’s time to prepare the flavorful beef mixture. Lightly spray a large skillet with avocado oil (or your preferred cooking spray) and place it over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or lamb, if you’re using that for a richer taste) and begin breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. As the meat starts to brown, immediately season it with salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir well to make sure the spices coat the beef evenly.
Once the meat starts to release its juices, add the diced onion and continue to cook everything together for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the onions become soft and translucent. After that, stir in the tomato paste and minced garlic. This deepens the flavor and adds a bit of sweetness and richness to the beef. Let everything cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep cooking until the beef is nicely browned, slightly crispy on the edges, and full of that delicious, spiced aroma. This should take about 10 to 12 minutes total from the time you started.
Make the Paprika Butter
To prepare the final flavor-boosting drizzle, melt 4 tablespoons (half a stick) of butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, stir in 1 ½ teaspoons of paprika. Let it simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes so the paprika infuses the butter with its smoky, warm flavor. Be careful not to burn the butter low and slow is key here. Once it’s ready, remove it from heat and set it aside.
Time to Build Your Bowl!
Now comes the fun part putting it all together! In a serving bowl or plate, start with a base layer of the cooked pasta. Next, add a generous spoonful of the garlic yogurt sauce right on top. Then, pile on the spiced ground beef mixture, making sure it’s spread evenly across. Sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese over the top for that salty, creamy bite. Add a handful of freshly chopped mint and parsley to brighten things up, and if you’re using cherry tomatoes, scatter a few halves around for a juicy pop. Finally, finish it all off by drizzling your warm, golden paprika butter over everything. It ties the whole dish together and makes it look (and taste) absolutely mouthwatering.
Necessary Tools
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large skillet
- Small saucepan (for paprika butter)
- Mixing bowls
- Garlic press (optional but helpful!)
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Strainer for the pasta
Turkish Pasta: A Flavorful Twist on Dinner!
Difficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes25
minutes40
minutesIngredients
For the Pasta & Ground Beef
12 oz pasta (any shape you like!)
1 lb ground beef (or lamb for extra flavor!)
1 medium onion, diced
2 tsp tomato paste
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tsp paprika
1 ½ tsp onion powder
1 ½ tsp garlic powder
Avocado oil spray (or any cooking spray)
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
1 ½ cups Greek yogurt
3-4 garlic cloves, pressed or finely chopped
½ tsp salt (add more if needed)
For the Paprika Butter
½ stick butter (4 tbsp)
1 ½ tsp paprika
Toppings & Garnishes
Crumbled feta cheese
Fresh mint & parsley, chopped
Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
Directions
- Boil the Pasta
Cook your pasta in a big pot of salted water until it’s soft (follow the package directions). Drain and set aside. - Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, garlic, and salt. Stir until it’s smooth and creamy. This is your cool, tangy layer! - Cook the Ground Beef
Spray your skillet with avocado oil. Add ground beef (or lamb), and break it into small pieces. Sprinkle in all your spices: salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir everything up!
Now toss in the diced onion and cook for 5–7 minutes until it softens. Add tomato paste and minced garlic, then cook for another 2–3 minutes. Let it all sizzle together until the beef is browned and a little crispy (about 10–12 minutes total). - Make the Paprika Butter
In a small pan, melt the butter and stir in the paprika. Let it bubble for 1–2 minutes to get all those flavors going. - Time to Build Your Bowl!
In a serving bowl, layer the pasta first. Add a big spoonful of garlic yogurt sauce, then the spiced beef. Sprinkle on feta cheese and chopped herbs. Add some cherry tomatoes if you want. Then drizzle that beautiful paprika butter over the top. Done!
Notes
- Don’t skip the yogurt sauce! It balances the rich beef and buttery paprika perfectly.
- Let the beef get a little crispy. It adds awesome texture!
- Don’t overcook the garlic. Add it after the onion so it doesn’t burn.
- Taste as you go. Feel free to adjust salt, garlic, or herbs to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with warm pita bread or garlic naan on the side.
- A fresh cucumber-tomato salad would go great with this meal.
- Want some crunch? Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or crispy onions on top!
Fun Fact
Did you know yogurt is a HUGE part of Turkish cuisine? In Turkey, it’s not just for breakfast it’s served with meat, soup, and even pasta, just like in this dish!
Conclusion
This Turkish Pasta is one of my favorite comfort food recipes. It’s cozy, flavorful, and easy enough for a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s packed with delicious Turkish-inspired tastes. Whether you’re making dinner for family or impressing your friends, this dish is a total winner!
