Turkish Pasta (Fırında Makarna) – Creamy, Cheesy, and Oven-Baked
If you love baked pasta dishes, Turkish Pasta—or Fırında Makarna—is a must-try. This oven-baked pasta is rich, creamy, and layered with flavorful ingredients, often including ground beef or chicken, béchamel sauce, and a generous topping of melted cheese. It’s the kind of dish that feels hearty, indulgent, and perfect for family dinners or weekend gatherings.
Unlike typical pasta casseroles, Turkish Pasta has a unique creamy, slightly spiced flavor profile, combining tomato, garlic, and yogurt or béchamel sauce for richness and depth. It’s the ultimate comfort food.
Why You’ll Love Turkish Pasta
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Rich, creamy, and cheesy
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Layered flavors from meat, tomato, and béchamel
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Easy to prepare and perfect for entertaining
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Family-friendly and comforting
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Can be made ahead and baked when needed
It’s versatile, customizable, and satisfies both pasta lovers and those who enjoy Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
Pasta
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400 g (14 oz) penne, macaroni, or elbow pasta
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Salt for boiling
Meat Sauce
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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2–3 cloves garlic, minced
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400 g (14 oz) ground beef or chicken
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1 medium tomato, peeled and chopped (or ½ cup canned tomato)
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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½ teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon cumin (optional)
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Salt, to taste
Béchamel Sauce
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3 tablespoons butter
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3 tablespoons flour
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2 cups milk
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Topping
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1 cup grated Turkish kasar cheese, mozzarella, or cheddar
How to Make Turkish Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. Lightly toss with a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
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Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
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Add ground meat, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned.
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Stir in chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
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In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
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Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flavor.
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Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
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Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
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Simmer until slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble the Turkish Pasta
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Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F.
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In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta.
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Spoon half of the meat sauce over the pasta.
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Pour half of the béchamel sauce on top.
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Repeat layers with remaining pasta, meat sauce, and béchamel.
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Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly. For extra browning, switch to broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
Tips for Perfect Turkish Pasta
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Use al dente pasta so it doesn’t become mushy during baking
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Simmer meat sauce for deeper flavor
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Don’t over-thicken béchamel; it will continue to thicken in the oven
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Layer generously for rich, creamy bites
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Add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for variation
Variations
Vegetarian Turkish Pasta
Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Add extra tomato for depth.
Spicy Version
Add ½ teaspoon chili flakes to the meat sauce for a subtle kick.
Cheesy Deluxe
Mix mozzarella with Turkish kasar or feta for a more decadent topping.
Make-Ahead Option
Assemble the pasta in advance, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with a fresh green salad and lemon wedges
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Pair with Turkish pickles (turşu) for authenticity
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Garlic bread or flatbread makes a great side
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Enjoy hot with a drizzle of yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh parsley
Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days
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Freezer: Freeze unbaked layers up to 1 month
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Reheat: Oven or microwave until heated through; sprinkle with extra cheese if desired
Final Thoughts
Turkish Pasta is comfort food at its best—creamy, cheesy, and packed with layers of flavor. With a simple meat sauce, smooth béchamel, and golden melted cheese, this dish brings warmth and indulgence to any table. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, it’s one of those recipes you’ll return to again and again.