Turkish Pasta

Turkish pasta is more than just a bowl of noodles—it’s a bold, comforting dish built on layers of flavor. Inspired by the beloved Turkish dumpling dish manti, this version is affectionately called Yalancı Mantı (Fake Manti), and it’s a genius shortcut. A base of soft pasta is topped with spiced ground beef, tangy garlic yogurt, and a rich paprika-mint butter drizzle. It’s quick, satisfying, and deeply comforting.

Whether you spotted it on TikTok or are exploring Turkish cuisine, this is one Turkish pasta recipe that will absolutely become a go-to in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

this recipe

• ✅ Full of Turkish flavor but made in under 30 minutes
• ✅ No fancy ingredients or techniques required
• ✅ Easy to prep in stages for busy weeknights
• ✅ Customizable for spice level, protein, and pasta types
• ✅ Makes a stunning main dish or hearty lunch

Ingredients

Pasta Base

• 300g pasta (shells, fusilli, or penne)

Ground Beef Sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 450g ground beef
• 1½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp pul biber (or Aleppo pepper)
• 2 medium tomatoes, pureed (or ¾ cup canned)

Garlic Yogurt Sauce

• 200g plain yogurt
• 2 garlic cloves, mashed
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tbsp lemon juice

Spiced Butter Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp dried mint
• 2 tsp paprika

Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef Sauce
   In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft. Stir in garlic and tomato paste; cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef, break it up, and cook until browned and slightly crispy. Add spices and pureed tomatoes. Simmer for 5–7 minutes. Set aside.
2. Boil the Pasta
   Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Toss with a little oil to prevent sticking if needed.
3. Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
   In a bowl, combine yogurt, mashed garlic, salt, and lemon juice. If too thick, thin with a spoonful of water.
4. Make the Butter Sauce
   In a small saucepan, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add dried mint and paprika. Stir for 5–10 seconds and remove from heat.
5. Assemble the Dish
   Layer cooked pasta in bowls. Top with a generous scoop of beef sauce, then spoon over the yogurt sauce. Drizzle with spiced butter. Garnish with parsley and extra pul biber if desired.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Estimated)

• Calories: 764
• Carbs: 70g
• Protein: 33g
• Fat: 39g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sodium: 1686mg

Tips & Variations

• 🐑 Try ground lamb for a more traditional flavor
• 🌱 Make it vegetarian with lentils or sautéed mushrooms
• 🌶️ Dial up the heat with more pul biber or chili flakes
• 🥄 Yogurt too thick? Thin it with a little cold water
• 🥡 Make ahead: Prep the beef sauce 2–3 days ahead
• 🧊 Freeze tip: Only the meat sauce freezes well—assemble fresh

FAQs

Can I make this Turkish pasta gluten-free?
Yes, use your favorite gluten-free pasta. All other components are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use Greek yogurt?
Yes, but add lemon juice to mimic the tanginess of Turkish yogurt.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Very! You can reduce or skip the chili flakes for younger palates.

Can I store leftovers?
Store components separately. Reheat meat sauce and pasta, then reassemble.

Turkish Pasta

A simplified take on Turkish manti, this dish layers pasta, savory beef sauce, garlic yogurt, and spiced butter for an authentic and hearty Turkish meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 19 minutes mins

Total Time 24 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 764

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• **Pasta**
• – 300g pasta shells, penne, or fusilli
• **Ground Beef Sauce**
• – 1 tbsp olive oil
• – 1 large onion chopped
• – 2 garlic cloves minced
• – 2 tbsp tomato paste
• – 450g ground beef
• – 1½ tsp salt
• – ½ tsp black pepper
• – 1 tsp cumin
• – 2 tsp paprika
• – 2 tsp oregano
• – 1 tsp pul biber
• – 2 medium tomatoes pureed
• **Garlic Yogurt Sauce**
• – 200g plain yogurt
• – 2 garlic cloves mashed
• – 1 tsp salt
• – ½ tbsp lemon juice
• **Butter Sauce**
• – 2 tbsp butter
• – 1 tbsp olive oil
• – 2 tsp dried mint
• – 2 tsp paprika

Equipment

• Skillet
• Saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• – Pasta pot
• – Garlic press (optional)

Method

 

1. Sauté onions in olive oil until soft. Add garlic and tomato paste. Cook 1 min.
2. Add ground beef, cook until browned and crispy. Stir in spices and tomatoes. Simmer 5–7 mins.
3. Boil pasta. Drain and set aside.
4. Mix yogurt, garlic, salt, and lemon juice in a bowl.
5. Melt butter and oil. Add mint and paprika. Stir briefly.
6. In bowls: Add pasta → beef → yogurt → butter drizzle. Garnish if desired.

Notes

– Freeze only the meat sauce
– Add chili flakes for heat
– Substitute ground lamb for deeper flavor

Conclusion

Turkish pasta is a genius fusion of bold Turkish flavors with weekday efficiency. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a dish with savory beef, creamy yogurt, and aromatic butter sauce—every bite is comforting, rich, and deeply satisfying.