Viral Anna Pauls Turkish Pasta

You may have seen this dish exploding all over TikTok, and for good reason! This Turkish Yogurt Beef Pasta is a twist on a classic comfort food, inspired by the viral recipe shared by Aussie influencer Anna Paul.

Her simple yet flavorful combination of garlicky Greek yogurt, spiced meat, tomatoes, and fresh parsley has captivated millions, and it’s easy to see why. 

This recipe is incredibly quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and incredibly versatile.

I’ve used it for everything from appetizers to main courses! I’ve even experimented with different proteins, like chicken or shrimp, and added my twists with veggies like spinach or mushrooms. The possibilities are truly endless.

The original video, showcasing Anna Paul’s mother’s recipe, went viral, garnering millions of views. Since then, countless creators have shared their unique spins on this delicious dish.

I was immediately drawn to the vibrant flavors and the simplicity of the recipe. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

This Turkish Yogurt Beef Pasta reminds me of a deconstructed gyro bowl but with the comforting addition of pasta. It’s a wholesome meal packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber. And if you’re watching your carb intake, you can easily omit the pasta and enjoy it as a low-carb option.

I’m excited to share my version of this viral sensation with you. Get ready to experience the magic of this quick and easy recipe that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow and guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

Ground Beef

This recipe calls for a pound of ground beef. You can use any variety of ground beef that you prefer, from lean to extra-fatty. I tend to go for leaner ground beef, around 90% lean, to cut down on some fat but still have enough flavor.

If you use leaner ground beef, you may want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan when you brown the meat to help keep it moist.

Pasta

For this recipe, you’ll need 8 ounces of any type of pasta you like. The original recipe uses penne, but other shapes like rotini, farfalle, or even spaghetti would work well too.

I often will use whatever pasta I have on hand in the pantry, and it always seems to turn out delicious!

Greek Yogurt

This recipe is all the rage for a reason, and a big part of that reason is the creamy Greek yogurt sauce. You’ll need one cup of Greek yogurt for this recipe.

Make sure to use full-fat Greek yogurt, not non-fat or low-fat. The fat content in the yogurt is what helps to create that luxuriously creamy sauce. 

Onion

You’ll also need one onion for this recipe, diced. Onions add a depth of flavor to savory dishes, and they also help to balance out the richness of the ground beef and Greek yogurt sauce.

A fun fact about onions is that they were one of the earliest cultivated vegetables, and evidence of their cultivation dates back to over 5,000 years ago!

Garlic

This recipe calls for two cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic is another key ingredient that adds tons of flavor to this dish. I love using fresh garlic whenever possible, but if you’re short on time or don’t have any fresh garlic on hand, you can substitute in 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder in a pinch.

Olive Oil

You’ll need just a tablespoon of olive oil to brown the ground beef in. Olive oil is a great choice for cooking because it has a high smoke point, which means it can withstand high heat without burning. Another benefit of olive oil is that it adds a subtle fruity flavor to dishes.

Roma Tomatoes

Two roma tomatoes, diced, are called for in this recipe. Roma tomatoes are a type of plum tomato that are known for their meaty flesh and low moisture content.

This makes them a great choice for dishes where you don’t want a lot of excess liquid, like in this pasta recipe.

Did you know that tomatoes are technically a fruit, not a vegetable? They are a fruit because they develop from the flower of a plant and contain seeds.

Fresh Parsley

The recipe calls for two tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish. It’s also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

I love to garnish my dishes with fresh herbs whenever possible, not only for the flavor but for the visual appeal as well.

Paprika, Onion Powder, Salt, and Pepper

These spices are all added to the ground beef as it cooks to give it flavor. Paprika comes in a variety of smoked and unsmoked varieties, but for this recipe, you can use either one.

Onion powder adds a subtle onion flavor without the need to chop up an onion. And of course, salt and pepper are essential for enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

Step-By-Step Instructions For The Recipe

Alright, here’s a walkthrough of the recipe with some insights and anecdotes from my own experience making this viral Turkish Pasta:

Grab a pound of 90% lean ground beef. Fry it in the pan with a tablespoon of olive oil until brown and tender according to your taste. 

Now, for the pasta itself. The recipe calls for 8 ounces, and the beauty is you can use any type you like.

The original recipe uses penne, but I have worked with even macaroni pasta. The other night, I only had some leftover fusilli in the pantry, and it turned out fantastic!

Now onto the main ingredient, the creamy Greek yogurt sauce. This is what truly elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. I made the mistake of using low-fat yogurt once, and let me tell you, it was a disaster.

The sauce ended up thin and runny, and just not what we were going for. Live and learn, right?

Now that we’ve got our ground beef browned and our creamy yogurt sauce ready, it’s time to bring everything together. We’ll dice up an onion and some garlic for that extra layer of savory goodness. 

Throw the diced onion into the pan with the cooked ground beef and let it soften up for a few minutes. Then add the garlic and cook for another minute or so, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, though! Burnt garlic is not your friend here.

Pour in the diced tomatoes, the creamy Greek yogurt sauce, and a tablespoon of olive oil. Season everything with paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Now, let it all simmer together for a few minutes, just until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens up a bit.

While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta according to package directions. I always recommend tasting a piece of pasta a minute or two before the recommended cooking time to see if it’s done to your liking. 

Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce is nice and thick, it’s time to assemble! Drain the pasta (but reserve a little of that starchy pasta water, trust me you’ll thank me later) and toss it into the pan with the sauce.

If your sauce seems a bit too thick, add a splash or two of that starchy water to thin it out and create a nice, silky consistency.

Finally, sprinkle in that fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Plate it up, grab a fork, and get ready to devour this delicious and incredibly easy Turkish Yogurt Beef Pasta!

Tips & Tricks

Tip # 1 – Yogurt Tip

One thing to keep in mind when selecting Greek yogurt is that some brands can be quite tangy. If you find your yogurt is too tart for your liking, you can try adding a bit of honey or sugar to sweeten it up a bit before adding it to the recipe.

Tip # 2 – Turkish Pasta Spice Blend

 I always pre-make a “Turkish Pasta Spice Blend” by combining paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small jar. This saves me time when I’m ready to cook, and it ensures consistent flavor every time.

Tip # 3 – Tomato Puree

Instead of dicing fresh tomatoes, I often use a good quality tomato puree. It’s incredibly convenient and adds a rich, concentrated flavor to the sauce. Plus, it eliminates the need for chopping!

FAQs