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Anna Paul’s Viral Turkish Pasta has become my go-to comfort dinner when I want something rich with flavor but easy enough for a busy weeknight. This dish layers tangy garlic yogurt, spiced beef, and buttery paprika over perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that tastes cozy and special all at once.
The first time I tried this, my whole family asked for seconds and even my picky eater went for the leftover yogurt sauce with a spoon.
Ingredients
- Greek yogurt: delivers creamy tang and smoothness pick a thick full-fat yogurt for best results
- Fresh garlic: brings heat and warmth to the yogurt topping always use freshly grated for a punchier taste
- Lemon juice: balances the richness and brightens the dish choose a firm juicy lemon
- Ground beef: provides a hearty base go for an 80 percent lean for the best flavor
- Yellow onion: brings sweetness and depth select ones that feel heavy and have tight skin
- Sweet paprika: builds smoky undertones get a high-quality Hungarian or Turkish paprika if possible
- Garlic powder: adds a mellow savory edge fresh is good but powder deepens the blend
- Cumin: gives earthiness and subtle spice freshly ground gives stronger aroma
- Tomato paste: creates umami richness in the beef sauce look for double-concentrated for fullness
- Butter: makes the paprika drizzle extra silky unsalted lets you control the seasoning
- Pasta: like fusilli or penne holds sauce and toppings use bronze-cut or whole wheat for a bit more texture
- Cherry tomatoes: add juicy pops of freshness pick vibrant firm fruit
- Fresh parsley: brings a burst of herby color flat-leaf has stronger flavor
- Feta cheese: gives salty creamy crumble buy a block and crumble yourself for fresher taste
- Salt and pepper: let you balance and sharpen all other flavors use sea salt and fresh cracked pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Yogurt:
- In a small bowl whisk Greek yogurt grated garlic fresh lemon juice and a pinch of salt until everything is fully incorporated. Let it sit at room temperature to soften the flavors for at least 10 minutes.
- Cook the Spiced Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium. Drop in diced onion and gently cook for three minutes until soft and starting to turn translucent. Sprinkle in paprika garlic powder and cumin stirring constantly to bloom the spices for two more minutes. Next crumble in the ground beef and continue stirring until deeply browned and juicy which takes about ten minutes. Season well with salt and pepper then mix in tomato paste until totally dispersed. Let the beef mixture bubble together low for two minutes for full flavor integration.
- Make the Paprika Butter:
- Place butter in a small sauce pot and melt it gently over low heat. Once melted swirl in the paprika and watch for gentle bubbling without browning which happens in about one minute. Pull off the stove and keep warm.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Pile your freshly cooked pasta onto a wide platter or deep bowls spreading slightly to create a nice bed. Spoon the garlic yogurt generously over the pasta first then scatter the spiced beef all over the top in an even layer. Drizzle the warmed paprika butter slowly across everything to get that signature gloss.
- Add the Toppings:
- Top the dish with loads of halved cherry tomatoes crumbled feta and a big handful of chopped fresh parsley so every bite feels vibrant and fresh.
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You Must Know
- Packed with protein and probiotics from yogurt and beef
- A satisfying all-in-one meal for busy nights
- Easy to scale for meal prep or a crowd
Paprika is the ingredient I crave most in this dish because it transforms the beef and butter into something truly Turkish. The first time I made it for a family movie night everyone went silent with the first bite then started asking for plenty of that bright red butter on their servings.
Storage Tips
This pasta keeps well for up to three days in the fridge in a closed container. Store the toppings and sauces separately if you want to keep the yogurt extra creamy and the tomatoes fresh when reheating. Reheat the beef and pasta together in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauciness.
Ingredient Swaps
You can make this dish with ground lamb or turkey if you do not have beef just watch the fat content for best results. Greek yogurt can be swapped for labneh or plain full-fat yogurt. For a vegetarian take use lentils or a mix of diced mushrooms seasoned the same way. If you want a tangier topping try goat cheese instead of feta.
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Serving Suggestions
This dish is bold enough to carry a full meal by itself but it shines next to a crisp cucumber salad or warm crusty bread for dipping into extra yogurt sauce. It is ideal for serving family style in the middle of the table as a cozy centerpiece.
Cultural Note
Inspired by Turkish manti and traditional Middle Eastern layered pasta dishes this recipe brings together the cooling tang of yogurt with warm savory spiced meat and paprika butter in a playfully modern way. The yogurt topping pays homage to classic Anatolian dishes that balance rich and fresh flavors.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, fusilli, penne, or any short-cut pasta will soak up the sauces well and provide a satisfying texture.
- → What makes the yogurt topping special?
The Greek yogurt mixed with garlic and lemon adds tang and creaminess, balancing the rich flavors of the beef and butter.
- → How do I make the spiced beef mixture?
Brown ground beef with onion, sweet paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and tomato paste, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- → What's the role of paprika butter?
Paprika butter brings warmth and a subtle smokiness, tying the beef and yogurt together with extra richness.
- → Are there suggested toppings besides feta?
Fresh cherry tomatoes, chopped parsley, and crumbled feta add freshness, brightness, and a touch of saltiness to the final dish.
- → Can this dish be made ahead?
The beef and yogurt components can be prepared in advance. Assemble and add toppings right before serving for best results.