5 Delicious Reasons to Love This Easy Turkish Beef Pasta
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Turkish Beef Pasta
Craving a hearty yet simple dinner that combines familiar flavors with a delightful twist? Our Easy Turkish Beef Pasta is about to become your new weeknight favorite! This mouthwatering dish brings together savory ground beef seasoned with aromatic Turkish spices and tender pasta for a meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy families and creative home cooks alike, this DailyMeatRecipe exclusive offers an exciting departure from ordinary pasta dishes without requiring specialty ingredients or complicated techniques. Get ready to discover your next go-to comfort food!
5 Reasons This Turkish Beef Pasta Will Become Your New Favorite
- Quick & Easy – From pantry to table in under 30 minutes
- Budget-Friendly – Uses simple ingredients that won’t break the bank
- Kid-Approved – Familiar pasta with exciting new flavors kids will love
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for meal prep and freezes beautifully
- Versatile – Easily customizable to suit your taste preferences
Ingredients for Turkish Beef Pasta
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio) | 1 pound (450g) |
| Pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle) | 8 ounces (225g) |
| Onion, finely diced | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Red bell pepper, diced | 1 medium |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz/400g) |
| Beef broth | 1/2 cup |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Paprika | 2 teaspoons |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground coriander | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/4 teaspoon (adjust to taste) |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste) |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Plain yogurt for serving | 1/4 cup (optional) |
| Feta cheese for garnish | 2 tablespoons (optional) |
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 485 |
| Protein | 29g |
| Carbs | 46g |
| Fat | 21g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 70mg |
| Sodium | 650mg |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Calcium | 8% DV |
| Iron | 20% DV |
| Potassium | 15% DV |
| Vitamin C | 45% DV |
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Prepare the meat sauce: While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Brown the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes until no longer pink.
- Add aromatics: Stir in garlic, bell pepper, and spices (paprika, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, red pepper flakes). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build the sauce: Add tomato paste and stir for 1 minute to caramelize slightly. Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth, stirring to combine.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 8-10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat, stir in half the chopped parsley. Serve in bowls topped with remaining parsley, a dollop of yogurt, and crumbled feta if desired.
Helpful Tips
Cooking Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Serves: 4
Temperature Notes
- Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple side salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil
- Warm pita bread makes an excellent accompaniment for scooping up the sauce
- For a more traditional Turkish presentation, add a dollop of plain yogurt and a sprinkle of sumac on top
- Fresh cucumber slices on the side add a refreshing crunch
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground lamb can replace beef for a more authentic Turkish flavor
- Vegetarians can use plant-based ground meat substitute or 2 cups cooked lentils
- Gluten-free pasta works perfectly in this recipe
- No beef broth? Use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead
- Greek yogurt can be used in place of plain yogurt for a tangier flavor
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover Turkish Beef Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a skillet with a splash of water to restore moisture. The flavors actually improve after a day!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef sauce up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve. Alternatively, make the complete dish and refrigerate—it reheats beautifully and the flavors deepen overnight.
Can I freeze this Turkish Beef Pasta?
Yes! This dish freezes exceptionally well. Cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a covered skillet with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat level, double the red pepper flakes or add a finely chopped jalapeño with the bell pepper. For serious heat lovers, a teaspoon of harissa paste stirred into the sauce creates an amazing flavor dimension.
Is this an authentic Turkish recipe?
This is a simplified version inspired by Turkish flavors and cooking techniques. Traditional Turkish pasta dishes like “Manti” are usually made with different preparation methods, but this recipe captures the essence of Turkish spices and ingredients in a weeknight-friendly format.
How to make Easy Turkish Beef Pasta even better? Try toasting the spices in the pan for 30 seconds before adding the meat for more complex flavor development. At DailyMeatRecipe, we’ve found this simple step elevates the dish to restaurant quality!
Give this Easy Turkish Beef Pasta a try tonight and let us know what you think in the comments section below! Share your own variations and serving suggestions to help other home cooks make the most of this delicious recipe.
Nutrition values are approximate and based on 4 servings, not including optional yogurt and feta toppings.
