Potato Borani With Ground Beef Recipe
One of my favorite aspects of Turkish cuisine is its ability to create hearty, flavorful, and visually appealing dishes from simple ingredients, while also allowing endless variety with just a few small changes to the ingredients.
Ground Beef and Potato Borani is one of the best examples of this. In my opinion, the crispy texture of the potatoes combines with the rich aroma of the ground beef and the cool, refreshing taste of the yogurt to create a real feast on a single plate. What’s more, the recipe is so practical that it can easily be prepared even on busy days.
In Ottoman cuisine, boranis are traditionally dishes where vegetables meet yogurt, sometimes enriched with a final drizzle of sizzling butter. Although they were originally known as light dishes, today there are many variations made with different ingredients—some hearty enough to serve as a main course. Ground Beef and Potato Borani is a modern adaptation I created, inspired by my original Ground Beef Borani recipe.
When paired with ground beef, borani becomes a balanced meal in terms of both protein and carbohydrates. Baking the potatoes in the oven not only makes the dish healthier but also gives them a crispy exterior and a soft interior, adding textural depth. The yogurt sauce lightens the dish and creates a pleasant contrast when combined with the hot beef mixture.
When serving, paying attention to the presentation of the layers will take it to the next level. Start with the golden potatoes on the bottom, followed by the white yogurt sauce, and top with the spiced ground beef. This arrangement creates an elegant look, even for a formal dinner table. Just make sure the yogurt doesn’t completely cover the potatoes, and the beef mixture doesn’t entirely hide the yogurt.
You can serve Ground Beef and Potato Borani as a main dish for lunch or dinner. A fresh green salad and a selection of pickles make perfect accompaniments to complete the meal.
With its practicality, balanced nutrition, and delicious taste, Ground Beef and Potato Borani is bound to become a regular in your kitchen. Once you try it, I’m sure you’ll find yourself making this harmonious trio of flavors again and again. And when you do, don’t forget to share your experience in the comments.
Enjoy…
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef Mixture:
- 500 g lean ground beef,
- 1 onion,
- 1 tbsp tomato paste,
- 1 tsp sweet paprika,
- Salt,
- Black pepper,
- Cumin,
- 3–4 tbsp olive oil.
For the Potatoes:
- 4 potatoes,
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil,
- Salt.
For the Yogurt Sauce:
- 2 cups yogurt,
- 1 garlic clove,
- Salt.
Instructions
- Peel the potatoes, dice into cubes, and place in a bowl.
- Add olive oil and salt, and toss to coat.
- Spread on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 210°C (410°F) until crispy.
- For the beef mixture, finely chop the onion and sauté in heated olive oil.
- Add the ground beef and cook until it releases and reabsorbs its juices.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
- Add paprika, black pepper, cumin, and salt, mixing well.
- Cook for a few more minutes and remove from heat.
- For the yogurt sauce, whisk together yogurt, grated garlic, and a pinch of salt.
- To serve, arrange the potatoes on a serving plate, spoon the yogurt sauce over them, and top with the ground beef mixture.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes, if desired.
Enjoy…