Turkish Pasta Recipe

This Turkish Pasta Recipe combines rich, flavorful ground beef with creamy Greek yogurt and a smoky paprika butter sauce, making it a comforting and satisfying dish. Perfect for pasta lovers looking for a unique twist, this recipe features tender pasta topped with seasoned beef, a tangy yogurt sauce, and a fragrant butter sauce that brings all the ingredients together. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this dish offers a delightful balance of savory, creamy, and smoky flavors. Serve it with fresh tomatoes and parsley for a complete meal that’s sure to please.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces pasta of your choice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound 85% lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Butter Sauce:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons paprika

To Garnish:

• ½ cup chopped tomatoes
• ¼ cup chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onions. Stir in paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes, until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
3. Make the Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and salt until smooth. Set aside.
4. Prepare the Butter Sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine butter and paprika. Heat in 2 intervals of 30 seconds until the butter is fully melted and the paprika is fragrant. Set aside.
5. Assemble the Dish: On a serving dish or individual plates, place the cooked pasta. Spoon the yogurt sauce over the pasta, then top with the browned beef mixture. Drizzle the melted butter sauce on top. Garnish with fresh chopped tomatoes and parsley.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Turkish Pasta Recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines rich, seasoned ground beef with creamy yogurt and a smoky butter sauce. It’s a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and tangy flavors, making it a family favorite for any occasion. The yogurt sauce adds a refreshing contrast to the savory beef and the paprika butter sauce brings an extra layer of richness to the dish. Whether you’re craving a hearty dinner or looking for a dish to impress guests, this Turkish-inspired pasta will satisfy your taste buds!

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

• Pasta Choice: While traditional Turkish pasta is used in this recipe, feel free to swap in any pasta of your choice such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli.
• Yogurt Sauce: You can use plain regular yogurt or a dairy-free option like coconut yogurt if you’re looking for a vegan alternative.
• Beef: Ground lamb or chicken can be substituted for beef for a different flavor profile.
• Spice: For a spicier kick, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
• Toppings: Feel free to top the dish with additional garnishes like crumbled feta, roasted vegetables, or olives for extra flavor and texture.

FAQs

• Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture and yogurt sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble the dish when you’re ready to serve.
• Can I use a different sauce instead of yogurt? If you prefer, you can substitute the yogurt sauce with a creamy tahini dressing for a different taste, or even use sour cream for a milder flavor.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? The recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Just make sure all your ingredients, like the paprika, are certified gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

This Turkish Pasta is delicious on its own but can also be paired with a side of roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or warm pita bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad to balance the richness of the dish. Enjoy with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea.