If you’ve been scrolling through social media recently, chances are you’ve come across Australia-based content creator Anna Paul’s megaviral video featuring her mother’s Turkish pasta recipe.
With over millions of views and countless recreations, this dish is taking social media by storm—and for good reason. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make, ready in the time it takes to boil pasta!
Paul’s viral video captures her narrating her mother’s cooking process, showcasing the simplicity and mouthwatering appeal of this recipe. A simplified take on traditional Turkish manti, this dish combines bold flavours, hearty textures, and the ultimate comfort food vibes.
What Makes Turkish Pasta So Addictive?
The beauty of this recipe lies in its harmony of flavours and ease of preparation. It starts with perfectly seasoned ground beef, cooked until tender and savoury. Then comes the creamy garlic yogurt sauce that adds a tangy richness to the dish, followed by a buttery paprika drizzle that ties everything together with a smoky, vibrant kick. All of this goodness is tossed with tender pasta for a meal that’s satisfying, comforting, and bursting with flavour.
@anna..paull Mamas 10min Turkish Pasta 🇹🇷
♬ original sound - Anna Paul
How to Make the Viral Turkish Pasta
Ready to give it a try? Since Paul's original video doesn't provide a written recipe, here's an adapted recipe from Fool Proof Living.
Ingredients:
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta, farfalle is popular, but any shape would work
- Kosher salt
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 lbs ground beef
- 1 medium size onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 tablespoon red pepper paste, or tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
For The Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt, unsweetened plain (full fat or skim)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
For The Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more to taste (such as Aleppo Pepper or Urfa Chili pepper)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
As Garnish (optional)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 4 tablespoons fresh parsley
Instructions:
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Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season the pasta water generously with salt. It should taste like the ocean. Add the pasta and cook until it is al dente. Timing might differ depending on the brand you use, so be sure to check the instructions on the packaging. Save ½ cup of the cooking liquid, drain the pasta, and set it aside.
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While the pasta is cooking, make the meat sauce. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 pound ground beef. Cook, breaking up the large chunks of meat with a wooden spoon for about 4-5 minutes or until it is no longer pink. As it cooks, it should release some of its oils.
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Add the 1 medium-sized chopped onion, 1 tablespoon red pepper paste (or tomato paste), 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 2 teaspoons sweet paprika, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper. Cook, stirring regularly, until onions are softened and meat is fully cooked, for about 5-6 minutes. If needed, use the reserved pasta water to keep the sauteed meat moist. Set it aside.
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To make the yogurt sauce, whisk together 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, ½ teaspoon kosher salt in a bowl. Give it a taste and make sure it is seasoned to your liking. Set is aside.
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Right before serving, melt 4 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, ¼ teaspoon (or more) red pepper flakes and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Stir and cook until butter is fully melted and bubbly.
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To assemble, place the now-cooked pasta in a bowl. Top it off with 4 tablespoons of the yogurt sauce and â…” cup of the cooked beef. Drizzle it with a tablespoon (or more) of the butter sauce. Repeat the same process for the rest of the bowls.
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If preferred, garnish with a handful of cherry tomatoes and fresh parsley, serve, and enjoy!
Why You Should Try It Tonight
This dish is the perfect combination of quick, easy, and packed with flavour. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner idea or a way to impress your friends with the latest food trend, Turkish pasta delivers on all fronts. Plus, it’s customizable—swap in ground turkey or plant-based meat for a twist, or add a sprinkle of feta for extra tanginess.
Join the thousands of people recreating this viral recipe and experience the magic for yourself. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!
