Hype or Hit? Viral Turkish Pasta

Ingredients

• 500 g Ground Beef (80% lean)
• 1 large Onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 200 g Plain Yogurt (full‑fat, preferably Greek for thickness)
• 4 Tbsp Butter (unsalted, divided)
• 2 tsp Paprika (sweet or smoked, plus extra for garnish)
• 1 tsp Dried Cumin (ground)
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano (optional)
• ½ tsp Chili Flakes (optional for heat)
• to taste Salt
• to taste Black Pepper
• 300 g Pasta (penne, fusilli or any short pasta)
• 2 medium Tomatoes (diced)
• 2 Tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)
• 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: 100°C

2. Brown the Ground Beef

   Heat the large skillet over medium‑high heat, add the ground beef, season with cumin, oregano, chili flakes, salt and pepper, and cook, breaking it up, until fully browned.

   Time: PT8M

   Temperature: 180°C

3. Add and Crisp the Onion

   Add the chopped onion to the browned beef and sauté until the onion turns golden‑brown and crispy, about 5 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 180°C

4. Prepare Garlic Yogurt Sauce

   In a mixing bowl combine the plain yogurt, minced garlic, a pinch of salt and stir until smooth.

   Time: PT2M

5. Make Paprika Butter Sauce

   In the same skillet (or a small saucepan) melt 2 Tbsp butter over medium heat, stir in 2 tsp paprika and cook for 1‑2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the butter.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: Medium heat

6. Assemble the Dish

   In a serving bowl layer the cooked pasta, then the beef‑onion mixture, drizzle the garlic yogurt sauce, followed by the paprika butter sauce. Add an extra drizzle of melted butter with a pinch of paprika, then top with diced tomatoes and chopped parsley. Finish with a splash of lemon juice if desired.

   Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

620

Protein

30 g

Carbohydrates

70 g

Fat

22 g

Fiber

4 g