Name: Turkish Pasta with Spiced Beef and Paprika Butter
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lb ground beef or lamb; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 small clove garlic, grated (for yogurt sauce); 2 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon sweet paprika; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Turkish Pasta with Spiced Beef and Paprika Butter a quick and comforting Turkish-inspired pasta dish that brings together savory spiced beef, a cool tangy yogurt sauce, and a rich paprika butter drizzle. It’s a flavorful, hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

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

12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni work best)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb ground beef or lamb

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

1 small clove garlic, grated (for yogurt sauce)

2 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon sweet paprika

1 tablespoon tomato paste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. I like to use penne or rigatoni for the way they hold the sauce. Drain and set aside.

While the pasta cooks, I heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. I add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Then I stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

Next, I add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. I stir in the cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors blend well.

For the yogurt sauce, I mix Greek yogurt with a grated garlic clove and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. It adds a cool and tangy contrast to the warm pasta.

In a separate small saucepan, I melt butter over medium heat. I stir in sweet paprika and tomato paste, letting it cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. This paprika butter gives the dish a rich and smoky finish.

To serve, I toss the cooked pasta with the spiced beef mixture, plate it, and top with dollops of the garlicky yogurt sauce. Then I drizzle the paprika butter over the top and sprinkle everything with fresh chopped parsley.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 480 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes use ground lamb instead of beef for a richer flavor.

For a vegetarian version, I replace the meat with finely chopped mushrooms or lentils.

A touch of chili flakes adds heat if I want a spicier kick.

I swap out the yogurt with dairy-free alternatives for a lactose-free option.

Stirring in a handful of spinach or kale at the end adds a nutritional boost.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep it from drying out. I store the yogurt sauce separately and add it fresh after reheating for the best texture.

FAQs

What type of pasta works best for this dish?

I prefer short, sturdy pasta like penne or rigatoni because they hold up well to the hearty beef and thick sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I often cook the beef and paprika butter ahead of time. I just cook the pasta and prepare the yogurt sauce fresh before serving.

Can I freeze this pasta?

I don't recommend freezing it with the yogurt sauce, but the beef mixture and paprika butter can be frozen separately for up to 2 months.

What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?

I sometimes use sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative if I’m out of Greek yogurt.

How do I make it spicier?

I add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes to the beef while cooking for extra heat.

Conclusion

This Turkish Pasta with Spiced Beef and Paprika Butter is a simple yet flavorful meal that I turn to when I want something hearty, fast, and full of rich Mediterranean flavors. The layers of warm spices, cooling yogurt, and buttery finish make it a favorite in my kitchen.

Recipe:

Turkish Pasta with Spiced Beef and Paprika Butter

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Halal

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Description

A quick and comforting Turkish-inspired pasta dish with savory spiced beef, tangy yogurt sauce, and a rich paprika butter drizzle, ready in just 20 minutes.

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the ground beef or lamb and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Stir in cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt with the grated garlic clove and a pinch of salt to make the yogurt sauce.
In a separate small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in sweet paprika and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Toss the cooked pasta with the spiced beef mixture.
Plate the pasta and top with dollops of yogurt sauce.
Drizzle the paprika butter over the top and garnish with chopped parsley.