Turkish pide with ground beef
Savory treat
During our vacations in Turkey, we regularly enjoyed this delicious savory treat, known there as kıymalı pide.
This traditional Turkish snack features a crispy crust topped with a flavorful mixture of seasoned ground beef, tomato, and bell pepper. It is traditionally baked in a wood-fired oven, which gives Turkish pide with ground beef its distinctive flavor and texture. The aroma coming from the oven is impossible to resist and is guaranteed to make you hungry.
While we make our version with ground beef and bake it in a regular oven, the flavor comes surprisingly close to the original. Despite a few small adjustments, it still captures the classic Turkish flavors beautifully.
Crispy crust and seasoned ground beef
The foundation of this pide is a crispy yet airy crust that strikes the perfect balance between lightness and crunch. The seasoned meat topping is very similar to the filling used for lahmacun, often referred to as Turkish pizza, but the main difference lies in the shape and texture. While lahmacun is thin and flat, pide has an oval shape with a thicker, fluffier crust, creating a completely different eating experience.
For this version, we use ground beef instead of the more traditional ground lamb. The meat is seasoned with classic Turkish spices such as cumin, paprika, and sometimes a touch of cinnamon, giving the pide its characteristic flavor. The addition of tomato and roasted bell pepper also adds a fresh, slightly sweet note that pairs perfectly with the seasoned meat.
Pide in just 30 minutes
Although pide dough can certainly be made from scratch, we chose convenience for this recipe. Fresh pizza dough works wonderfully and makes it possible to get a delicious meal on the table in no time. Using ready-made dough saves time without sacrificing flavor. In just 30 minutes, you can bake two generously topped pides, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
An easy recipe to make at home
This pide is not only quick to prepare, but also perfect for anyone who loves Turkish flavors and enjoys trying something new. The combination of the crispy crust, seasoned ground beef, and fresh vegetables creates a dish that tastes great both warm and cold. Whether you’re already a fan of Turkish cuisine or simply looking for an easy and satisfying meal, this Turkish pide with ground beef is sure to be a hit.
Turkish pide with ground beef
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Pide with ground beef is a traditional Turkish flatbread topped with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Easy to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb ground beef
- 2 roasted red bell peppers
- 2 tubes refrigerated pizza dough
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 shallot
- 1 tomato
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (or pul biber)
- A handful of fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Finely dice the roasted red bell peppers and the tomato, removing the seeds and pulp from the tomato first. Finely chop the shallot and mince the garlic, or press it if preferred. Place everything in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the ground beef, tomato paste, ground cumin, crushed red pepper flakes (or cayenne pepper), paprika, a generous pinch of salt and black pepper, and a handful of finely chopped fresh parsley.
- Knead the mixture until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Shape it into the traditional canoe-shaped pide.
- Spread the meat filling evenly over the dough and fold the edges inward. Brush the edges with egg yolk and bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Garnish with a little fresh parsley and serve immediately.

- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Turkish