Quick Turkish Pasta Bowl (Print Version)

Spiced beef, roasted vegetables, and tangy yogurt come together with pasta for a hearty, vibrant Turkish-inspired bowl.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 10.5 ounces short pasta, such as penne, fusilli, or macaroni
02 - Salt for boiling water

→ Beef & Vegetables

03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 1 small onion, finely diced
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 10.5 ounces ground beef or lamb
07 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
08 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
09 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
12 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
13 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Yogurt Sauce

14 - 7 ounces plain Greek yogurt
15 - 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
16 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
17 - Salt, to taste

→ Garnish

18 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
19 - 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts (optional)
20 - 1/2 teaspoon sumac or extra paprika (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 2 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
03 - Add ground beef or lamb, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until well browned, about 5 minutes.
04 - Stir in bell pepper and zucchini; cook for 5 to 6 minutes until vegetables are tender.
05 - Add cumin, paprika, coriander, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until spices release their aroma.
06 - Return pasta to the skillet with the meat and vegetable mixture. Add a splash of reserved pasta water and toss until heated through and cohesive. Adjust seasonings as needed.
07 - In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth.
08 - Divide pasta between serving bowls. Top with generous dollops of yogurt sauce. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, pine nuts, and a dusting of sumac or paprika if preferred.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Easy enough for busy weeknights
  • Perfect blend of savory spice and creamy tang
  • Naturally satisfying in a single bowl
  • Customizable and family-friendly
02 -
  • High in protein thanks to beef or lamb
  • Yogurt sauce helps mellow heat from spices
  • Flexible for gluten free or dairy free diets by swapping simple ingredients
03 -
  • Toasting spices directly in the skillet makes all the difference in deep flavor
  • Try prepping and dicing vegetables the night before for a dinner that comes together in mere minutes
  • If doubling or tripling the recipe cook veggies in batches so they keep their texture and do not steam

Return