Traditional Turkish Tirit with Ground Beef, Crispy Bread, and Garlic Yogurt.
Kıymalı Tirit is a comforting Turkish dish that layers crispy bread, garlic yogurt, and savory spiced ground beef, all brought together with a drizzle of warm bone broth.
Traditionally made with stale bread, this hearty and economical recipe turns simple ingredients into a flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for sharing.
Whether served as a main course or a family-style weekend dish, this recipe delivers rich textures and classic Anatolian flavors in every bite.
Think of it as a Turkish-style bread kebab, full of warmth, spice, and soul.
Ingredients:
⦁ 400 g ground beef
⦁ 1 onion, finely chopped
⦁ 2–3 tbsp oil
⦁ 1 tbsp tomato paste
⦁ 2 loaves of stale bread, cubed (or use store-bought croutons)
⦁ 1–1½ cups broth or hot water
⦁ Bone broth, for pouring over bread
⦁ Salt and black pepper, to taste
⦁ Ground red pepper (pul biber), to taste
⦁ 1 pinch fresh parsley, chopped
For the Garlic Yogurt:
⦁ 1 cup plain yogurt
⦁ 3–4 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
⦁ Salt to taste
1. Cook the Ground Beef
⦁ Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft.
⦁ Add the ground beef, break it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned.
⦁ Stir in tomato paste and continue to sauté for another 2–3 minutes.
⦁ Season with salt, black pepper, and ground red pepper. Add broth or hot water and simmer for 15–20 minutes until flavors meld.
2. Prepare the Bread Base
⦁ Cube stale bread and spread it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
⦁ Toast in a preheated oven at 180–190°C (355–375°F) until golden and crisp. (Or use croutons for convenience.)
3. Make the Garlic Yogurt
⦁ In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, salt, and minced garlic (if using) until smooth.
4. Assemble the Tirit
⦁ Spread toasted bread cubes on a serving platter.
⦁ Pour hot bone broth generously over the bread to soften.
⦁ Spoon the garlic yogurt over the softened bread.
⦁ Top with the warm ground beef mixture.
⦁ Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
🛒 Choosing Ingredients
✔ Ground Beef – Use 80/20 for flavor; sub with lamb for a richer twist
✔ Onion – Finely chopped; forms the base of the dish
✔ Tomato Paste – Adds depth and color
✔ Stale Bread – Best texture comes from day-old loaves or use croutons in a pinch
✔ Broth – Hot water or meat broth works, but bone broth adds authentic flavor
✔ Yogurt – Plain, full-fat for creaminess
✔ Garlic – Optional, but adds signature flavor to the yogurt
✔ Spices – Salt, black pepper, and pul biber for a warm kick
✔ Fresh Parsley – For a fresh finish
👩🍳 Preparation
✔ Brown Onions First – Brings out their natural sweetness
✔ Crumble Beef – Use a wooden spoon for fine texture
✔ Fry Tomato Paste – Sauté for 2–3 mins to deepen flavor
✔ Simmer with Broth – Allows the meat to absorb seasoning
✔ Toast Bread Cubes – Bake until golden for the perfect crunch
✔ Whisk Yogurt Smooth – Add garlic and salt for depth
🔥 Cooking Techniques
✔ Use Day-Old Bread – Soaks up broth without going mushy
✔ Pour Hot Broth Last – Softens bread just before serving
✔ Layer Warm to Cold – Bread → broth → yogurt → hot beef for balanced temperature and texture
✔ Serve Immediately – Best enjoyed warm, before the bread softens too much
🍳 Balancing Flavors
✔ Savory, Creamy, Tangy – Ground beef, yogurt, and tomato balance each other
✔ Pul Biber Heat – Add to taste for gentle warmth
✔ Bone Broth Depth – Enhances the rustic, traditional flavor
✔ Garlic Yogurt – Offers bold contrast to rich beef
📦 Storage
✔ Best Fresh – Bread loses texture over time
✔ Meat & Yogurt Can Be Stored – Keep separately in fridge for up to 3 days
✔ Reheat Meat Gently – Low heat to avoid drying
✔ Toast Fresh Bread for Leftovers – Rebuild with new base for best texture
🍽 Serving
✔ Family-Style – Assemble on a platter and serve immediately
✔ Garnish – Sprinkle parsley or extra pul biber on top
✔ Pair With – Ayran or a light salad to balance richness
✔ Ideal For – Cozy dinners, weekend gatherings, or traditional meals