Turkish Dishes with Mince for Weeknights

Turkish dishes with mince are a great option when you're looking to try something different for weeknights while keeping it simple. Mince is a staple in many traditional Turkish recipes, from köfte and kebabs to stuffed vegetables, pides, pastries, and easy oven dishes. These dishes are made with everyday ingredients and are perfect to serve alongside rice, salad, bread, or yogurt, making your meal both delicious and stress-free.

Islim Kebabi - Aubergine Meatball Wraps

Aubergine Meatball Wraps are one of those traditional Turkish dishes mainly known and loved by regular households in Turkey. It is not a landmark dish widely representative of Turkish cuisine abroad, such as Chicken Shish Kebab or Lamb Shish Kebab. 

However, it is an oriental dish that is an extremely flavorful and delicious combination of meat and vegetables.

To learn more: Islim Kebabi - Aubergine Meatball Wraps

Inegol kofte

My Turkish Beef Kofta recipe is based on İnegöl Köfte, one of Turkey’s most famous meatball recipes. It is made with minced beef, breadcrumbs, onion, and baking soda, then rested overnight for a soft, juicy texture.

To learn more: Turkish Beef Kofta Recipe

Lahmacun

Homemade Turkish Lahmacun (or Lahmajun-Lahmajoun) is a super-thin crispy flatbread topped with minced beef or lamb mixed with vegetables, herbs, and spices.

You can find this popular street / fast food everywhere in Turkey, in restaurants, cafes, and fast-food shops.

To learn more: Turkish Lahmacun

Turkish Tray Kebab

Patatesli Tepsi Kebabı, or Turkish Tray Kebab with Potatoes, is a popular dish from southern Turkey, especially around Antakya. It’s a fuss-free and hearty meal made by shaping a mix of minced lamb and beef into a large patty, placing thin potato slices around it, and topping everything with tomatoes and peppers before baking.

To learn more: Patatesli Tepsi Kebabı - Turkish Tray Kebab

Stuffed Onions

My Stuffed Onions, called Soğan Dolması in Turkish, are made with soft onion layers filled with minced beef, rice, parsley, tomato paste, and warm spices. I cook them slowly in a tomato and pomegranate molasses sauce until the onions are tender and the rice is fully cooked.

To learn more: Stuffed Onions

Lamb Doner Kebab

My Doner Kebab Recipe is a simple way to make Turkish-style doner at home without a rotisserie. It uses minced lamb or beef, onion juice, yogurt, and simple seasoning.

To learn more: Doner Kebab Recipe

Chebureki

Chebureki are thin, crispy fried pastries filled with juicy minced beef and onions. In Turkey, they are known as Çiğ Börek or Çibörek, and they are especially popular in Eskişehir, where many Crimean Tatars settled. They are best served hot, straight from the skillet, while the pastry is still crisp and the filling is juicy. 

To learn more: Chebureki 

Adana Kebab

My Adana Kebab Recipe is made with minced lamb, lamb tail fat, pul biber, salt, and a little Turkish red pepper paste. The ingredient list is short, but the flavor comes from using good lamb, enough fat, and mixing the meat until it holds well on the skewer.

To learn more: Adana Kebab Recipe

Karadeniz Pidesi

Karadeniz Pidesi (or Kapali Bafra Pidesi) is a type of Turkish Pide made with a simple and delicious filling consisting of minced beef, onions, and spices. This traditional staple Turkish dish is the perfect comfort food on a cold winter’s day as well as a hearty snack on a sunny summer’s day.

To learn more: Karadeniz Pidesi

Lamb Beyti Kebab

Sarma Lamb Beyti is a traditional Turkish Kebab made with minced lamb seasoned with spices, herbs, and onions, and then wrapped in a yufka or filo pastry. It is one of the easiest and most delicious kebabs you can make at home. 

To learn more: Sarma Lamb Beyti

Grilled Lamb Kofta

Grilled Lamb Kofta (Izgara Kofte in Turkish) is one of the most popular street foods in Turkey, made with minced lamb and aromatic spices such as coriander and paprika.

It is extremely easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills.

To learn more: Grilled Lamb Kofta - Izgara Kofte

Stuffed Aubergines

My Stuffed Aubergine Recipe is a Turkish classic called Karnıyarık, made with pan-fried aubergines filled with minced meat, onions, tomatoes, garlic, and parsley, then baked in a light tomato sauce until soft and delicious. It is one of the best ways to cook aubergines, especially in summer when they are at their best.

To learn more: Stuffed Eggplant Recipe