Turkish cuisine is known for its rich flavors, hearty dishes, and diverse ingredients. One of the most beloved Turkish comfort foods is Turkish pasta, which comes in many forms, from handmade egg noodles (erişte) to savory stuffed dumplings (mantı). These dishes incorporate spices, yogurt, and butter-infused sauces to create a unique and delicious experience.
One of the most popular modern Turkish pasta recipes that has gained global recognition is the Turkish pasta with garlic yogurt and spiced beef. This dish blends al dente pasta, savory beef, creamy garlic yogurt, and a butter-infused paprika sauce for a flavorful and easy-to-make meal. If you’re looking for authentic Turkish pasta dishes, check out this detailed guide on traditional Turkish pasta varieties.
Many Turkish pasta recipes are deeply rooted in Ottoman cuisine, combining simple ingredients with bold flavors. If you’re curious about the history of pasta in Turkish cuisine, check out this insightful article on the origins of Turkish pasta.
Why You’ll Love This Turkish Pasta Recipe
✔️ Easy to make with simple ingredients
✔️ Packed with authentic Turkish flavors
✔️ Creamy, savory, and slightly spicy
✔️ Perfect for weeknight dinners
Traditional Turkish Pasta Varieties
Turkish pasta recipes come in various forms, each with its own unique preparation method and flavor profile. Here are some of the most popular types:
1. Erişte (Turkish Egg Noodles)
✔️ Handmade thin noodles made from flour, eggs, salt, and water
✔️ Often dried and stored for winter use
✔️ Served with butter, cheese, or meat sauces
2. Mantı (Turkish Dumplings)
✔️ Similar to Italian ravioli, but smaller and served with garlic yogurt sauce
✔️ Filled with spiced ground meat
✔️ Topped with melted butter infused with red pepper flakes
3. Su Böreği (Water Börek – Layered Pastry Pasta)
✔️ A mix between lasagna and pastry, made with boiled yufka layers
✔️ Filled with cheese, spinach, or ground meat
✔️ Baked until golden and crispy
4. Siron (Yufka Rolls with Yogurt & Butter Sauce)
✔️ Rolled yufka (thin Turkish flatbread) sliced and baked
✔️ Served with garlic yogurt and spiced butter
5. Etli Makarna (Meaty Turkish Pasta)
✔️ A simple but delicious pasta dish with spiced ground meat and tomatoes
✔️ Inspired by Ottoman and Mediterranean cuisine
Turkish Pasta with Garlic Yogurt & Spiced Butter Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
✔️ 250g short pasta (shells or penne)
✔️ 1 tbsp olive oil
✔️ ½ tsp salt
For the Spiced Beef:
✔️ 200g ground beef or lamb
✔️ ½ tsp paprika
✔️ ½ tsp black pepper
✔️ ½ tsp cumin
✔️ 1 small onion, finely chopped
✔️ 1 tbsp butter
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
✔️ 1 cup Greek yogurt
✔️ 2 cloves garlic, minced
✔️ ½ tsp salt
For the Butter Paprika Sauce:
✔️ 2 tbsp butter
✔️ 1 tsp paprika or red pepper flakes
How to Make Turkish Pasta with Garlic Yogurt & Spiced Beef
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
1️⃣ Boil water and cook pasta until al dente.
2️⃣ Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Spiced Beef
1️⃣ Heat butter in a pan, add chopped onions and sauté until golden.
2️⃣ Add ground beef, paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt.
3️⃣ Cook until the beef is fully browned and fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
1️⃣ In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and salt.
2️⃣ Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Prepare the Butter Paprika Sauce
1️⃣ Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
2️⃣ Add paprika or red pepper flakes, stirring until fragrant.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
1️⃣ Plate the pasta and top with garlic yogurt sauce.
2️⃣ Add spiced beef over the pasta.
3️⃣ Drizzle with butter paprika sauce.
4️⃣ Garnish with fresh parsley or sumac.
🍽️ Serve immediately and enjoy this authentic Turkish pasta dish!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
✔️ Pair with a fresh salad like Shepherd’s Salad (chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions with sumac).
✔️ Serve with Turkish bread such as pide or simit.
✔️ Drink with Ayran, a traditional Turkish yogurt-based beverage.
For more Turkish pasta serving ideas, check out this recipe collection.
FAQs About Turkish Pasta Recipes
1. What is the difference between Turkish pasta and Italian pasta?
✔️ Turkish pasta incorporates yogurt-based sauces, spiced butter, and meats, while Italian pasta is often served with tomato-based sauces.
2. Can I use store-bought pasta for Turkish pasta dishes?
✔️ Yes! Short pasta shapes like penne, orecchiette, and shells work well.
3. What is the most famous Turkish pasta dish?
✔️ Mantı (Turkish dumplings) is the most iconic Turkish pasta dish, served with garlic yogurt and melted butter.
4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
✔️ Yes! Replace ground meat with mushrooms or lentils for a plant-based version.
Conclusion
This Turkish pasta recipe with garlic yogurt and spiced beef is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that brings authentic Turkish flavors to your kitchen. Whether you try traditional mantı, erişte, or su böreği, Turkish pasta dishes are sure to impress!
✔️ Easy & flavorful
✔️ Perfect for pasta lovers
✔️ Rich in Turkish culinary tradition