Name: Anna Paul’s Viral Turkish Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 2 cups Greek yogurt; 4 garlic cloves, grated; Juice from ½ lemon; Salt, to taste; 1 lb ground beef; 1 yellow onion, diced; 1 tsp sweet paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp cumin; 3 tbsp tomato paste; Salt and pepper, to taste; ¼ cup butter; 1 tsp sweet paprika; 12 oz cooked pasta (fusilli or penne recommended); Cherry tomatoes, halved; Fresh parsley, chopped; Feta cheese, crumbled

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Introduction

This Turkish-inspired pasta dish from Anna Paul combines creamy garlic yogurt, spiced ground beef, and a flavorful paprika butter drizzle. It’s a comforting, vibrant meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any weeknight dinner.

A white bowl with a thin blue rim holds a layered pasta dish. The first layer is large shell pasta, pale yellow with a smooth texture, filling the bowl's bottom. Next, a creamy white sauce is spread over the pasta. On top of this sauce is a rich brown minced meat mixture with visible pieces of cooked onions. Red cherry tomato halves are scattered over the meat, adding bright color and shine. The dish is finished with crumbles of white cheese and small green herb leaves sprinkled on top and around the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups Greek yogurt
4 garlic cloves (grated)
Juice from ½ lemon
Salt (to taste)
1 lb ground beef
1 yellow onion (diced)
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp cumin
3 tbsp tomato paste
Salt and pepper (to taste)
¼ cup butter
1 tsp sweet paprika
Cherry tomatoes (halved)
Fresh parsley (chopped)
Feta cheese (crumbled)
12 oz cooked pasta (like fusilli or penne)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the garlic yogurt by combining Greek yogurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.
Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft.
Step 3: Stir in the sweet paprika, garlic powder, and cumin, cooking for another 2 minutes to toast the spices.
Step 4: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, about 10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and tomato paste, stirring well. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika and stir gently until it bubbles. Remove from heat.
Step 6: Place the cooked pasta in a serving dish or on individual plates. Top with the garlic yogurt mixture, followed by the spiced beef.
Step 7: Drizzle the paprika butter evenly over the dish.
Step 8: Finish with halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
Step 9: Serve warm and enjoy this cozy and flavorful meal.

Tips & Variations

Use penne or fusilli pasta as they hold the sauce well, but feel free to substitute with your favorite shape.
For a vegetarian version, swap ground beef for sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
Adjust the garlic amount in the yogurt to taste if you prefer a milder or stronger flavor.
Add a pinch of chili flakes to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or extra yogurt if it feels dry.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with one main layer of large shell pasta, creamy white sauce spread unevenly over the pasta, topped with crumbled white cheese and a cooked ground meat sauce with a rich brown and reddish color mixed with small cooked onion pieces. Bright red cherry tomato halves and chopped green herbs scatter on top, adding fresh color. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the components ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the garlic yogurt and spiced beef in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble the dish just before serving to keep the textures fresh.

What type of yogurt works best?

Greek yogurt is best for its thick, creamy texture which balances the spices and richness of the beef and butter. Avoid watery yogurts to maintain the dish’s consistency.