Turkish Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Turkish Pasta is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines hearty ground beef, creamy garlic yogurt sauce, and a spiced butter sauce, all served over your favorite pasta. The layers of flavor from cumin, paprika, sumac, and Aleppo pepper make this dish rich and aromatic, while the garlic yogurt sauce adds a cooling, creamy element. It’s an easy-to-make, satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Each bite is a delicious balance of savory, creamy, and spicy, with a burst of freshness from the parsley and mint garnish.

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef Mixture:

• 1 lb ground beef (93% lean)

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)

• 4 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 3 teaspoons sweet paprika

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:

• ½ cup plain full-fat yogurt

• ½ cup sour cream

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lime juice

• ½ teaspoon sea salt

For the Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika

• 1 teaspoon sumac

• 1 teaspoon coriander

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or chili pepper flakes (more or less to taste)

• ½ teaspoon sea salt

For Serving:

• 16 ounces cooked pasta (e.g., ravioli, tortellini, or small pasta like orecchiette or shells)

• Fresh parsley

• Fresh mint (optional)

• Grape tomatoes, chopped (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Pasta

1. Cook your pasta of choice according to the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.

2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

3. Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors together.

4. If the mixture looks too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Remove from heat and set aside.

Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sour cream, minced garlic, lime juice, and salt until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Prepare the Spiced Butter Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

2. Stir in the paprika, sumac, coriander, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and sea salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat.

Assemble the Dish

1. Layer the cooked pasta on a serving platter. Spoon the ground beef mixture over the pasta.

2. Drizzle the garlic yogurt sauce generously over the top.

3. Finish with the spiced butter sauce, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.

Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with fresh parsley, and chopped grape tomatoes (optional). Add fresh mint if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of vegetables like eggplant and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian dish.

• Different Pasta: Use any pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, fusilli, or penne, depending on your preference.

• Spicy Kick: If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of Aleppo pepper or chili pepper flakes in the butter sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to loosen up the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ground beef mixture and yogurt sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

2. Can I make the sauce spicier?

Yes, you can adjust the heat by adding more Aleppo pepper or chili flakes to the butter sauce. You can also add fresh chilies to the ground beef mixture if you like extra heat.

3. Can I use a different yogurt for the sauce?

Yes, you can use low-fat or non-fat yogurt, but full-fat yogurt gives a creamier and richer flavor. You can also use a plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free option.

4. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken will work as substitutes for ground beef. Keep in mind that ground turkey or chicken may be leaner, so you may want to add a bit more oil or butter to keep the dish moist.

5. Can I add other vegetables to the dish?

Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or peas to the ground beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition.

6. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and check that the yogurt and other ingredients are gluten-free. The recipe will be naturally gluten-free with these adjustments.

7. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the ground beef mixture and sauce separately, and reheat when ready. However, the pasta may become softer after freezing and reheating.

8. How do I know when the ground beef mixture is ready?

The ground beef should be fully browned and crumbled, and the spices should be well mixed into the meat. If the mixture looks dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

9. Can I skip the butter sauce?

While the butter sauce adds a rich, flavorful layer to the dish, you can skip it if you prefer a lighter version. The dish will still be delicious with just the beef mixture and garlic yogurt sauce.

10. Can I serve this with a side dish?

Yes, this dish pairs well with a side of greens, like a simple green salad, sautéed spinach, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

Turkish Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family meal or gathering. With tender pasta, savory ground beef, a creamy garlic yogurt sauce, and a spiced butter sauce, it’s a well-balanced and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this dish is both delicious and easy to prepare!

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