Anna Paul’s Viral Turkish Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Anna Paul’s viral Turkish pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines creamy garlic yogurt, spiced ground beef, and tender pasta. This quick 20-minute recipe offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

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 (for butter)
• Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• Feta cheese (crumbled)
• 12 oz cooked pasta (like fusilli or penne)

Instructions

1. 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.
2. Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the diced onion for 2-3 minutes until soft.
3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp sweet paprika, garlic powder, and cumin. Cook for another 2 minutes to toast the spices.
4. Step 4: Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Step 5: In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add 1 tsp sweet paprika and stir until it starts to bubble gently. Remove from heat.
6. Step 6: Place the cooked pasta in a serving dish or individual plates. Top with the garlic yogurt followed by the spiced beef.
7. Step 7: Drizzle the paprika butter over everything.
8. Step 8: Finish with halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
9. Step 9: Serve warm and enjoy your comforting Turkish pasta dish.

Tips & Variations

• Use any short pasta shape like penne or fusilli for best texture and flavor absorption.
• For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the beef.
• Swap ground beef for ground lamb for a richer taste.
• If you prefer a lighter version, substitute butter with olive oil for the paprika drizzle.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying out the yogurt. It’s best enjoyed fresh but reheats well if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute to keep it vegetarian while maintaining texture and flavor.

Is it necessary to use Greek yogurt?

Greek yogurt is preferred because of its thick and creamy texture, which balances the spices well. You can use regular yogurt, but strain it to remove excess whey for a similar consistency.

Anna Paul’s Viral Turkish Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 138 reviews

Anna Paul’s Viral Turkish Pasta Recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines creamy garlic yogurt, spiced ground beef, and tender pasta, all topped with paprika butter, fresh cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, and parsley. This quick and easy 20-minute recipe delivers complex Turkish-inspired flavors perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Turkish

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Garlic Yogurt Sauce

• 2 cups Greek yogurt
• 4 garlic cloves (grated)
• Juice from ½ lemon
• Salt (to taste)

Spiced Ground Beef

• 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)

Paprika Butter

• ¼ cup butter
• 1 tsp sweet paprika

Toppings and Assembly

• Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• Feta cheese (crumbled)
• 12 oz cooked pasta (such as fusilli or penne)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Garlic Yogurt: In a small bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Cook the Spiced Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the diced yellow onion for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add sweet paprika, garlic powder, and cumin, stirring and cooking for another 2 minutes to toast the spices. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, about 10 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in salt, pepper, and tomato paste, and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to deepen the flavors.
3. Make the Paprika Butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the sweet paprika and gently heat until the butter starts to bubble. Remove from heat to prevent burning.
4. Assemble the Dish: Place the cooked pasta into a serving dish or individual plates. Spoon the prepared garlic yogurt sauce evenly over the pasta, then top with the spiced ground beef mixture. Drizzle the warm paprika butter evenly over the entire dish.
5. Add the Toppings: Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for freshness and vibrant color.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the dish immediately while warm to enjoy the rich and comforting flavors at their best. Dig in and savor this cozy Turkish-inspired pasta meal.

Notes

• Use cooked pasta of your choice — fusilli or penne work well to hold the sauce.
• Adjust garlic and lemon juice in the yogurt to your taste preference.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes with the spices.
• Leftover paprika butter can be stored in the fridge and used for other dishes.
• This dish can be served with a side salad or crusty bread for a fuller meal.

Keywords: Turkish pasta, garlic yogurt sauce, spiced ground beef, paprika butter, feta, cherry tomatoes, easy weeknight dinner, Anna Paul recipe