Turkish Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-Packed: The combination of seasoned beef, creamy yogurt sauce, and spiced butter brings a rich depth of flavor.
• Quick and Easy: While it looks impressive, this dish comes together easily and can be made in about 30 minutes.
• Customizable: You can substitute ground turkey for beef, use your favorite pasta, or adjust the spiciness to your liking.
• Viral and Trendy: Join the TikTok craze and enjoy a delicious dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients

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

• Pasta (short pasta like shells, bowties, or elbow macaroni)
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon mild pepper paste (or substitute with tomato paste)
• 1 teaspoon dried mint
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (Turkish or regular)
• 1 cup Greek yogurt (or plain yogurt)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Cherry tomatoes, chopped

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Follow package instructions to cook the pasta. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef: In a skillet, sauté ground beef until almost fully cooked, then add chopped onions and season with salt and pepper. Stir in paprika, onion powder, and tomato paste, cooking until the onions are soft.
3. Make the Butter Sauce: Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then add olive oil, pepper paste, dried mint, paprika, and chili flakes. Stir to combine and set aside.
4. Prepare the Yogurt Sauce: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and a bit of water to thin the sauce.
5. Assemble the Dish: Place the cooked pasta on a plate, top with the yogurt sauce, followed by the seasoned beef. Drizzle with the butter sauce and garnish with fresh parsley and chopped tomatoes.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or chickpeas for a plant-based version.
• Spicy Kick: Increase the chili flakes or add hot sauce to the butter sauce for more heat.
• Cheese Lovers: Sprinkle some feta cheese or grated parmesan on top before serving.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet or microwave. If the yogurt sauce thickens, add a splash of water to thin it out.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative.

2. Can I skip the pepper paste?

Yes, use tomato paste as a substitute or skip it entirely.

3. What type of pasta is best?

Short pasta like bowties, shells, or elbow macaroni works best for this dish.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the beef and yogurt sauce in advance and store them separately in the fridge.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Store the pasta and sauce separately in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

6. Can I freeze this?

It’s best to freeze the beef mixture separately, as the yogurt sauce may not freeze well.

7. What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

Plain yogurt or a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt can be used.

8. Is this recipe spicy?

It’s mildly spicy due to the chili flakes, but you can adjust the heat to your liking.

9. Can I use fresh tomatoes?

Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used as a garnish in place of chopped cherry tomatoes.

10. Can I add more garlic?

Yes, if you love garlic, feel free to add more to the yogurt sauce.

Conclusion

This Turkish Pasta recipe is a delicious, savory dish that’s both comforting and full of flavor. With its simple ingredients and customizable nature, it’s perfect for a quick family dinner or a fun recipe to try with friends. Whether you follow the viral TikTok version or make your own tweaks, this dish is sure to impress

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