Cheesy Turkish Pide with Spiced Beef Recipe
This Cheesy Turkish Pide with Spiced Beef is a delightful savory flatbread featuring a flavorful ground beef filling combined with aromatic spices and melted cheese. The pide dough is shaped like a boat, filled generously, and baked to golden perfection, making it a perfect appetizer or main dish inspired by Turkish cuisine.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 2 large pides (serves 4)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 lb ground beef (or lamb)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 small bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped or pulsed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp black pepper
Dough & Topping
- 2 (8 oz) pizza dough balls, room temperature
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella or Turkish cheese
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Chili flakes (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Sauté Filling: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, bell pepper, tomato, and garlic, cooking for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste along with cumin, paprika, kosher salt, cinnamon, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to blend flavors. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
- Shape Dough: Roll each dough ball out on a floured surface into a 12-inch by 6-inch oval shape. Transfer each oval carefully onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Assemble Pides: Spoon half of the beef filling down the center of each dough oval. Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella or Turkish cheese over the meat on each pide. Fold the edges of the dough over slightly and pinch the ends to form a traditional boat shape, encasing the filling.
- Egg Wash: Brush the exposed dough edges and crust generously with the beaten egg to help achieve a shiny, golden finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and chili flakes to taste. Slice and serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- You can substitute ground lamb for beef to make the filling more authentically Turkish.
- If you don’t have Turkish cheese, mozzarella works well as a mild melting cheese alternative.
- Letting the filling cool before assembling prevents the dough from becoming soggy.
- Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for extra heat.
- The pide dough can be found at specialty stores or substituted with pizza dough from your local grocery.
