I discovered Turkish Pasta when scrolling through TikTok one hectic evening, craving something quick yet full of flavor. This easy weeknight version felt like a cozy hug after a long day. It’s comfort food meets simplicity—a perfect recipe for anyone juggling life but still wanting that homemade magic. Let me share how you can make this delicious Turkish Pasta at home.
Table of Contents
What is Turkish Pasta? (The Viral “Lazy Manti”)
Turkish Pasta, often called “lazy manti” or “kiymali makarna” in Turkey, is a simplified, deconstructed take on traditional Turkish manti dumplings. While manti are tiny filled dumplings often served with yogurt and a spiced butter sauce, this version replaces dumplings with pasta, making it much quicker to prepare without losing its authentic flavors. Its rise in popularity on TikTok has introduced many to this comforting classic in a modern, approachable way. This recipe brings you the most authentic-tasting version, blending rich, spiced ground beef, tangy yogurt, and a fragrant butter sauce.
The 4 Key Components of Turkish Pasta
1. The Pasta Base
The foundation of this dish is a simple pasta—any shape works. It provides a neutral canvas that soaks up all the rich sauces and savory meat perfectly, making it hearty and satisfying.
2. The Savory Meat Sauce
Lean ground beef is cooked with onions, tomato paste, and sweet paprika. This layer adds warmth and umami depth, giving the dish its comforting, meaty richness.
3. The Cool & Garlicky Yogurt Sauce
This creamy Greek yogurt sauce is brightened with minced garlic, salt, pepper, and a little water to thin it out. It cools down the dish, balancing the spicy butter and rich meat.
4. The Spiced Chili Butter Topping
A perfect finishing touch, this butter sauce is infused with mild pepper paste, Turkish chili flakes, dried mint, and paprika, creating a fragrant and slightly spicy drizzle that ties all the flavors together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, you’ll find that many of the ingredients are pantry staples, but a few key Turkish components are essential for that authentic flavor. You can find specialty ingredients like mild pepper paste and Turkish chili flakes at Middle Eastern markets or online.
- 8 ounces pasta of choice
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 2 medium yellow onions (diced)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika powder
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried mint (or fresh)
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika (not smoked)
- 1 tablespoon mild pepper paste
- 1 teaspoon Turkish chili flakes (or regular chili flakes)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (or plain yogurt)
- 2-3 small garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/4 cup minced parsley
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (diced)
Key Turkish Ingredients Explained
Mild Pepper Paste: Unlike tomato paste, mild pepper paste adds a subtle sweetness and smoky depth without overpowering. It’s vibrant and essential for that true Turkish flavor. You can find it at specialty Middle Eastern or online spice stores. For more information on this key ingredient, see this Turkish pepper paste guide.
Turkish Chili Flakes: These flakes offer heat with a slightly fruity undertone, milder and more aromatic than regular chili flakes. They add warmth without burning your palate.
Dried Mint: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the butter sauce, distinguishing it from other spicy oil-based toppings.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
| Original Ingredient | Substitution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef | Lentils or crumbled tofu | For vegetarian or vegan versions, use lentils or tofu to mimic texture. Pair with plant-based yogurt. |
| Greek Yogurt | Plant-based yogurt | Use coconut or almond yogurt for vegan option, ensure it is plain and unsweetened. |
| Pasta (regular) | Gluten-free pasta | Choose a gluten-free variety made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to keep it allergy-friendly. |
| Ground Beef | Ground turkey | A leaner, budget-friendly alternative with a mild flavor. |
How to Make Turkish Pasta (Step-by-Step)
- Cook the Pasta
Cook 8 ounces of your favorite pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Sear the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium. Add 1 pound lean ground beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts releasing natural oils and is almost cooked through. - Add Onions and Spices
Add 2 diced medium yellow onions, salt, pepper, 2 teaspoons sweet paprika, 2 tablespoons onion powder, and 1 tablespoon tomato paste. Stir well. - Cook Until Onions are Soft
Continue cooking the mixture for about 3 minutes until onions turn translucent. Remove skillet from heat and set aside. - Prepare the Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter over low heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon mild pepper paste, 1 teaspoon dried mint, 1 tablespoon sweet paprika, and 1 teaspoon Turkish chili flakes. Mix for 1 minute, then remove from heat. - Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
In a bowl, mix 1 cup Greek yogurt with 2-3 minced garlic cloves, salt, pepper, and 2-3 tablespoons water to achieve a pourable consistency. If your yogurt sauce seems too thick, a little pasta water can help thin it out while adding creaminess. - Assemble the Dish
Plate the cooked pasta. Spoon one-quarter of the yogurt sauce over it, then layer the seasoned beef mixture on top. Drizzle with the spiced butter sauce. Garnish with 1/4 cup minced parsley and 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes.
Pro Tips for the Best Turkish Pasta
- Use full-fat Greek or Turkish yogurt for a creamy sauce that won’t get grainy.
- If your yogurt sauce feels too thick, add a tablespoon of pasta cooking water for smoothness.
- Melt butter on low heat to avoid burning; a perfect sizzle releases flavors without bitterness.
- Let the beef brown without stirring too much for richer flavor development.
- Fresh parsley and cherry tomatoes brighten the dish, don’t skip the garnish!
What to Serve with Turkish Pasta
Pair this rich, flavorful Turkish Pasta with light, fresh sides for balance:
- Çoban Salatası (Shepherd’s Salad): Diced cucumber, tomato, onion, and parsley with lemon juice and olive oil.
- Simple Tomato and Cucumber Salad: A refreshing, crisp side with a drizzle of olive oil and sumac.
- Warm, crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of that luscious chili butter sauce.
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Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in separate airtight containers: keep the pasta, meat sauce, and yogurt sauce separate for best texture and flavor.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm the pasta and meat sauce gently in a pan or microwave. Add yogurt sauce fresh before serving for best results.
Can You Freeze Turkish Pasta?
Freezing the entire dish is not recommended as yogurt sauce may separate. Instead, freeze the meat sauce separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently before serving with freshly cooked pasta and yogurt sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the difference between Turkish pepper paste (biber salçası) and tomato paste?
Turkish pepper paste has a sweeter, fruitier depth and mild heat, while tomato paste is tangier and more acidic.
How do I keep the ground beef from getting dry?
Cook ground beef over medium heat until just done; don’t overcook to retain moisture.
Why did my yogurt sauce get grainy or curdle?
Using low-fat yogurt or heating it too quickly can cause curdling. Use full-fat yogurt and mix it in off heat.
My chili butter sauce burned, what did I do wrong?
Butter burns easily at high heat. Melt it slowly over low heat and remove from heat as soon as spices release aroma.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute ground beef with lentils or crumbled tofu and use plant-based yogurt.
Conclusion
This Turkish Pasta is your new go-to for a quick, flavorful, and comforting dinner that fits right into a busy week. The harmony of spiced beef, creamy garlic yogurt, and zesty chili butter is simply unbeatable. I can’t wait to see your version of this Turkish Pasta! Leave a comment below with any questions.
Turkish Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the pasta according to package directions.
- In a large skillet, sear the ground beef until almost cooked through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add diced onions, salt, pepper, sweet paprika powder, onion powder, and tomato paste. Cook until onions are translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Melt butter in a small saucepan, then add olive oil, mild pepper paste, dried mint, sweet paprika, and chili flakes. Mix well and set aside.
- Combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and a bit of water in a bowl. Mix until smooth.
- Layer cooked pasta, yogurt sauce, seasoned beef, and butter sauce. Garnish with parsley and cherry tomatoes.
