Kıymalı Makarna is a comforting and easy-to-make Turkish pasta dish with ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and simple spices. It was a staple in our household growing up, and I always enjoyed its rich, hearty flavors and quick preparation.
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This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight meal and pairs beautifully with garlicky yogurt on top and a bowl of Çoban Salatası (Turkish Shepherd's Salad) on the side. I prepare this filling pasta dish when I need something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Pasta with meat sauce is a classic combination found in many cuisines, but the Turkish version has a unique touch. The use of tomato paste, mild spices, and fresh tomatoes gives it a rich and slightly tangy taste, while the optional yogurt on the side adds a cool contrast.
This Turkish ground beef pasta is often called "cheat mantı" because it’s much quicker and easier to make while still bringing the rich, comforting flavors of traditional Turkish Mantı.
Ingredients You'll Need
Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with measurements, complete recipe method, recipe notes, and nutritional information.
- Ground beef - I prefer ground beef with a %15 fat percentage but you can use lean beef if you prefer. Add an extra 1 tablespoon of olive oil if you want to use lean beef.
- Onion - You can use white, yellow, or brown onion to add flavor to the meat sauce.
- Olive Oil - I always go for a good quality olive oil but you can use any oil you like cooking with.
- Garlic - It is one of the essential flavorings for kıymalı makarna - Turkish ground beef pasta. You can turn it into a paste with a mortar and pestle or grate it with a Microplane.
- Tomato paste - It is the staple of Turkish cooking. You can buy tomato paste in Turkish or Middle Eastern shops or buy it online from Amazon .
- Pasta - I like using fusilli, but farfalle or penne also work well for holding onto the rich, meaty sauce.
- Tomatoes - Grated or finely chopped fresh tomatoes add a light, natural sweetness.
How to Make Kıymalı Makarna - Turkish Pasta with Ground Beef
Making Kıymalı Makarna - Turkish Ground Beef Pasta is very easy, and straightforward. However, to achieve the best results you need to follow a few simple steps:
Prepare the Ground Beef Sauce
Place a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
Add olive oil and chopped onions, then sauté for a few minutes until the onions turn translucent.
Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add in the tomato paste and mix well before adding grated tomatoes, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and paprika
Pour in ⅓ cup of water and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cook the Pasta
Start cooking the pasta while preparing the meat sauce. Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add a teaspoon of salt, then add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set it aside until the sauce is ready.
Prepare the Toppings and Serving
In a small saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the paprika and chili. Cook on low heat for a few minutes, and set it aside.
In a separate bowl, mix together yogurt, garlic paste, and a pinch of salt. Set it aside. Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the beef sauce.
Mix well so the pasta is fully coated. Let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot topped with a dollop of garlic yogurt and a drizzle of chili butter.
Recipe Tips From the Chef
- Choose the Right Pasta – Short pasta like farfalle, penne or fusilli holds the sauce well, but spaghetti works too.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Keep it al dente so it holds up in the sauce.
- Use Fresh Tomatoes When Possible – Grated fresh tomatoes, especially when in season, add a brighter, more authentic taste.
- Make it Spicier – A bit of extra red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper can give the dish a kick.
Variations to Try
- With Butter and Yogurt – Instead of mixing the pasta with the sauce, serve it separately and drizzle melted butter over the pasta before topping with yogurt.
- With Peppers and Mushrooms – Adding diced vegetables makes it a more complete meal.
- Baked Version – Layer the pasta and sauce in an ovenproof dish, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake until golden.
- Extra Garlic and Herbs – More garlic or fresh thyme can bring out stronger flavors.
What to Serve with Kıymalı Makarna
This pasta pairs well with simple sides that complement its hearty nature. Here are a few ideas:
- Plain Yogurt – A classic pairing in Turkey that adds a creamy, cooling contrast.
- Gavurdagi Salatasi (Turkish Tomato Walnut Salad) – A refreshing salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and crunchy walnuts.
- Pickles (Turşu) – Adds a tangy crunch to balance the meal.
- Ayran (Turkish Yogurt Drink) – A salty yogurt-based drink that goes well with pasta dishes.
How to Store and Reheat
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or a little olive oil to the pan and warm over low-medium heat. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store it longer, you can freeze the sauce separately for up to 3 months and cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to eat.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve.
While both dishes feature pasta with a ground beef sauce, kıymalı makarna has a distinct Turkish twist. It uses tomato paste, fresh tomatoes, and mild spices, creating a lighter and slightly tangy flavor compared to the richer, herb-heavy Italian bolognese.
Grated Turkish kaşar cheese, Parmesan, or even crumbled feta can be added on top for extra richness. Each cheese gives a slightly different twist to the dish.
Related Recipes
For more delicious pasta dishes why not try:
Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below and tag @cookingorgeous on Instagram and hashtag it #cookingorgeous.
I hope you enjoy the process of making this delicious Kıymalı Makarna - Turkish Pasta with Ground Beef as much as you enjoy eating it! 🙂
Bon appétit! / Afiyet olsun!
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Kıymalı Makarna - Turkish Pasta with Ground Beef
Equipment
Ingredients
- 400 g ground beef
- ½ tablespoon good quality olive oil
- 1 medium onion (finely diced)
- 1 clove garlic (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 large tomato (grated or finely chopped)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ⅓ cup water
- 400 g pasta
For Topping
- ½ tablespoon butter
- ¼ teaspoon flaked chilli (pul biber)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt or plain natural yogurt
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- parsley (to garnish)
Instructions
Making the Ground Beef Sauce
- Place a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
- Add olive oil and chopped onions, then sauté for a few minutes until the onions turn translucent.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add in the tomato paste and mix well before adding grated tomatoes, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and paprika
- Pour in ⅓ cup of water and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cooking the Pasta
- Start cooking the pasta while preparing the meat sauce.
- Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot
- Add salt, then add the pasta.
- Cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set it aside until the sauce is ready.
Preparing the Toppings and Serving
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the paprika and chili. Cook on low heat for a few minutes, set it aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix together yogurt, garlic paste, and a pinch of salt. Set it aside.
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the beef sauce.
- Mix well so the pasta is fully coated. Let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot topped with a dollop of garlic yogurt and a drizzle of chili butter.
Notes
- Choose the Right Pasta – Short pasta like farfalle, penne or fusilli holds the sauce well, but spaghetti works too.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Keep it al dente so it holds up in the sauce.
- Use Fresh Tomatoes When Possible – Grated fresh tomatoes, especially when in season, add a brighter, more authentic taste.
- Make it Spicier – A bit of extra red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper can give the dish a kick.
Lauren
This recipe is so good, and took minutes to prepare. I added some dried mint to the chili butter sauce, totally delicious!
Ayla Clulee
That's great to hear! I love the idea of adding dried mint to the sauce.