If you’ve been searching for a comforting yet exciting dish to wow your taste buds, this Turkish Pasta with Spiced Ground Meat and Yogurt Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine perfectly cooked farfalle tossed with a rich spiced ground meat blend, complemented by a creamy, tangy yogurt sauce and finished off with a fragrant paprika-infused butter drizzle. This dish captures the warmth and vibrant flavors of Turkish cuisine in every bite, making it a delightful meal that feels both familiar and adventurous.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet each plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor. From the hearty farfalle pasta providing the perfect texture to the spices painting the meat with bold character, every component works harmoniously to deliver this Turkish classic.
- 1 pound Farfalle pasta: The bow-tie shape holds onto sauce beautifully, adding great texture.
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb: Either choice offers juicy, rich flavor that’s perfect for absorbing spices.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a slight smokiness and vibrant color to the meat.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds warming heat and complexity.
- ½ teaspoon curry powder: Infuses mild exotic notes that balance the richness.
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus ½ teaspoon for yogurt sauce): Essential for seasoning and brightening flavors.
- 1 yellow onion, diced: Provides natural sweetness and a tender bite to the spiced meat.
- 1½ cups Greek yogurt: Creamy and tangy, it cools and contrasts the spicy meat beautifully.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds robust aroma and a savory kick to the yogurt sauce.
- ¼ cup butter: Enriches the final sauce with luscious texture and earthy depth.
- 2 tablespoons paprika: For the paprika butter sauce, adding warmth and a stunning red hue.
- Optional – 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper, ½ teaspoon cumin: If you like added layers of spice and earthiness, include these.
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced: Freshness and a burst of sweetness to brighten the dish.
- ¼ cup chopped parsley: A vibrant herbal note and pretty garnish.
How to Make Turkish Pasta with Spiced Ground Meat and Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta to Perfection
Start by boiling your farfalle pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Timing is key here—cook until al dente so your pasta retains a firm bite that balances well with the creamy sauce and hearty meat topping. Once drained, set it aside while the magic happens in the skillet.
Step 2: Brown and Spice the Ground Meat
Heat a pan over medium-high flame and add your ground beef or lamb. Break it up gently with a spoon as it cooks to achieve that luscious, crumbly texture. Sprinkle in the onion powder, paprika, black pepper, curry powder, and salt, tossing everything together so the meat becomes aromatic and beautifully seasoned. Mix in the diced onion, continuing to cook until the meat crisps slightly at the edges and the onions soften and brown, about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Whip Up the Refreshing Yogurt Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and the designated pinch of salt. Stir well until smooth and fragrant. This sauce will bring a cool and tangy contrast that balances the warmth of the spices perfectly. It’s like a soothing hug for your taste buds!
Step 4: Prepare the Vibrant Paprika Butter
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the paprika and, if you’re feeling adventurous, add the optional Aleppo pepper and cumin as well. This bright red butter sauce adds an extra layer of depth and a gorgeous splash of color that will make your dish look as spectacular as it tastes. Remove from heat once combined.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Now for the fun part—assembling your Turkish Pasta with Spiced Ground Meat and Yogurt Sauce Recipe. Place a generous helping of pasta on your plate or bowl, then layer on the spiced ground meat. Drizzle the cooling yogurt sauce over the top, followed by the warm paprika butter. Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley and sliced cherry tomatoes to add crunch and freshness. The combination is simply irresistible.
How to Serve Turkish Pasta with Spiced Ground Meat and Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley adds a lovely herbal brightness while the sliced cherry tomatoes give the dish juicy pops of color and a sweet counterpoint. If you want a little extra heat, a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper or a pinch of chili flakes on top works wonderfully here. The yogurt sauce itself also makes a beautiful and tasty garnish.
Side Dishes
This dish is a star on its own, but if you want to create a well-rounded meal, consider serving it alongside a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. Warm flatbreads or crusty bread are perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce and meat. A light lentil soup can also complement the meal beautifully without overpowering the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual family dinner, serve the pasta in big bowls allowing everyone to scoop and combine as they like. For something more elegant, plate the pasta neatly in individual shallow bowls and artistically drizzle sauces in swirls. Adding edible flowers or a small dollop of extra yogurt sauce on the side can elevate presentation for guests. This recipe’s colors naturally shine, making it a feast for both the eyes and palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The yogurt sauce will keep its creaminess, and the meat stays flavorful. Before storing, it’s best to keep the sauces separate if possible to retain texture.
Freezing
This Turkish Pasta with Spiced Ground Meat and Yogurt Sauce Recipe freezes nicely, especially the meat component. Store the cooked spiced ground meat in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Pasta and yogurt sauce freeze less well, so it’s best to make those fresh when ready to reheat.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, warm the meat gently in a skillet to maintain juiciness. Reheat the pasta by briefly dunking in hot water or quickly microwaving with a splash of water to prevent drying. Add fresh yogurt sauce after warming to preserve its tangy texture and flavor. The paprika butter can be melted again and drizzled on just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of beef or lamb?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey work as leaner options. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be milder, so you might want to increase the spices slightly to keep that signature bold taste.
Is Greek yogurt essential in the sauce?
Greek yogurt’s thick creaminess and tanginess are key to balancing the spicy meat and rich butter sauce. While you can try plain yogurt, Greek yogurt holds up better without becoming runny and delivers that authentic texture.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the ground meat for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or chopped eggplant seasoned with the same spices to achieve similar earthiness and texture. The yogurt and butter sauces remain fantastic additions.
What if I don’t have Aleppo pepper or curry powder?
Don’t worry—Aleppo pepper adds mild heat and fruitiness, and curry powder adds complexity, but paprika and black pepper do most of the flavor work. Feel free to omit them or substitute with mild chili flakes and a pinch of cumin or garam masala to experiment.
How spicy is this Turkish Pasta with Spiced Ground Meat and Yogurt Sauce Recipe?
The dish has a gentle warmth from paprika and black pepper but isn’t overly spicy. Adding Aleppo pepper slightly increases heat, but overall it’s accessible for most palates with that perfect balance of spice and creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This Turkish Pasta with Spiced Ground Meat and Yogurt Sauce Recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner that feels special without fuss. Its welcoming flavors and textures come together to create something truly comforting and memorable. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy every delicious bite as much as I do!
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Turkish Pasta with Spiced Ground Meat and Yogurt Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Turkish
Description
This Turkish Pasta recipe combines tender farfalle pasta with a flavorful ground beef and spice mixture, complemented by a creamy garlic yogurt sauce and a vibrant paprika butter drizzle. Finished with fresh cherry tomatoes and parsley, it’s an easy and delicious dish that brings traditional Turkish flavors to your table in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound Farfalle pasta
Meat and Spices
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 yellow onion, diced
Yogurt Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- Optional: 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cumin
Garnish
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the farfalle pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the meat mixture: While the pasta cooks, heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or lamb and break it up with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle in onion powder, paprika, black pepper, curry powder, and salt. Stir to combine. Add the diced onion and continue to cook for about 10 minutes or until the meat is browned and crispy.
- Prepare the yogurt sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, salt, and minced garlic until smooth and well combined.
- Make the butter sauce: Melt the butter in a small pot over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the paprika and if using, the Aleppo pepper and cumin. Remove from heat once combined.
- Assemble the dish: Place a serving of cooked pasta in each bowl or plate. Top with the cooked meat mixture, a generous dollop of yogurt sauce, and drizzle the paprika butter sauce over the top. Garnish with sliced cherry tomatoes and chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use lamb for a more authentic Turkish flavor, but beef works well too.
- Adjust the spice levels by adding or omitting the Aleppo pepper and curry powder according to your preference.
- Cook the meat thoroughly until it is browned and slightly crispy to enhance texture and flavor.
- The yogurt sauce adds creaminess and a slight tang, balancing the spices perfectly.
- Fresh parsley and cherry tomatoes add color and freshness to the finished dish.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.
