Hasan Pasha Meatballs Recipe – A Traditional Delight Perfect for Ramadan Tables

There are certain dishes in Turkish cuisine that do more than simply fill you up — they bring character to the table. The aroma that escapes when you lift the lid of the pot instantly takes you back to childhood, crowded family dinners, and those long-awaited moments just before iftar.

Hasan Pasha Meatballs is exactly that kind of dish.

For anyone searching for a satisfying Ramadan dinner recipe, this one stands out as both hearty and impressive. Tender meatballs topped with creamy mashed potatoes, finished with a rich tomato sauce and slow-cooked to perfection… honestly, once you try it, it will quickly become your go-to choice for a Day 3 iftar menu.

In this article, I’m not only sharing the Hasan Pasha Meatballs recipe, but also its story, helpful tips, and why slow cooking it in a cast-iron pot elevates the flavour to another level.

Hasan Pasha Meatballs Recipe and Its Place in Turkish Cuisine

A flavour journey from the Ottoman kitchens to today

The name sparks curiosity, doesn’t it? Who exactly was Hasan Pasha, and what does he have to do with meatballs?

Although there’s no definite historical record, it’s widely believed that this dish dates back to the Ottoman palace kitchens. Court chefs supposedly prepared it for distinguished guests. With meat, mash, and sauce all combined in one elegant serving, it was considered a dish worthy of pashas — hence the name.

Over time, it became a staple for:

• Special guests

• Festive gatherings

• Large family meals

• And of course, Ramadan iftar tables

Today, it remains one of the most beloved classics of Turkish home cooking.

Why is it perfect for iftar?

After a long day of fasting, everyone wants the same thing:
something nourishing but not heavy.

Hasan Pasha Meatballs strikes that balance beautifully:

Protein-rich meatballs
Filling mashed potatoes
Gentle baking or slow cooking
Works perfectly with just soup and salad on the side

That’s why it frequently appears on every Ramadan dinner recipe list. In many homes, when planning a Day 3 iftar menu, someone inevitably says, “Let’s make Hasan Pasha Meatballs.”

It feels special, yet it’s surprisingly easy to prepare.

Hasan Pasha Meatballs Recipe

Right then — apron on, let’s head into the kitchen.

Ingredients

For the meatballs

• 500 g minced beef (medium fat)

• 1 onion, grated

• 1 garlic clove, crushed

• 1 small teacup breadcrumbs or stale bread crumbs

• 1 egg

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Cumin

• Paprika or red pepper flakes

• Finely chopped parsley (optional)

For the mashed potatoes

• 4–5 medium potatoes

• 1 tbsp butter

• A splash of milk

• Salt

• A pinch of nutmeg (optional but lovely)

For the sauce

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp red pepper paste

• 1½ cups hot water

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Dried oregano

Topping

• Grated cheddar or mozzarella

Preparing the meatballs

The secret to a proper Hasan Pasha Meatballs recipe lies in the texture of the meatballs. If they’re dry, the whole dish loses its charm.

1. Combine all the meatball ingredients in a large bowl.

2. Knead thoroughly for at least 5–6 minutes. (Yes, really — this step matters.)

3. Cover and chill for 20 minutes.

This resting time helps the mixture firm up and stay juicy.

Shape into balls slightly larger than walnuts and press the centres to form small nests.

Making the mash

The mash is what takes this dish from simple to special.

1. Boil the potatoes until tender.

2. Mash while still hot.

3. Add butter, milk, and salt.

4. Mix until silky smooth.

Tip: The smoother the mash, the more elegant your Hasan Pasha Meatballs will look.

Assembling

Now comes the fun part.

1. Lightly sear the meatballs in a pan.

2. Spoon mashed potato into each hollow.

3. Arrange in a baking tray or cast-iron pot.

4. Pour over the sauce.

5. Sprinkle cheese on top.

Bake at 190°C for 20–25 minutes.

When it comes out of the oven, golden on top and rich with sauce underneath, you’ll have the perfect Ramadan dinner recipe ready to serve.

Slow Cooking: The Cast-Iron Method for Iftar

Here’s the chef’s little secret.

You can absolutely bake it in a regular tray — but if you have a cast-iron pot, everything changes.

Why cast iron?

Cast iron:

• Distributes heat evenly

• Retains warmth longer

• Locks in moisture

• Deepens flavour

It creates a gentle, almost stone-oven effect that makes the dish taste richer and more comforting.

Especially when planning a Day 3 iftar menu, you can prepare everything ahead of time and let it slowly cook on low heat. Effortless and delicious.

Slow cooking technique

My favourite method:

1. Lightly sear the meatballs in the cast-iron pot

2. Add the mash

3. Pour over the sauce

4. Cover with the lid

5. Cook on low heat for 25–30 minutes

The result? Meatballs so tender they fall apart at the touch of a fork.

When you lift the lid at iftar time, the aroma alone is enough to make everyone gather around the table.

Pure comfort food.

Serving Suggestions

To complete your Hasan Pasha Meatballs recipe, try serving it with:

• Lentil soup

• Cacık (yoghurt with cucumber)

• A fresh seasonal salad

• Pickles

• Güllaç or a light milk pudding for dessert

This creates a perfectly balanced Ramadan dinner menu.

Handy Tips

To prevent the meatballs falling apart

Let the mixture rest.

For extra juiciness

Add a splash of stock to the sauce.

To save time

Prepare everything earlier in the day and simply bake before iftar.

For larger gatherings

The recipe doubles easily.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Make Hasan Pasha Meatballs

Sometimes you want a dish that looks impressive but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen.

That’s Hasan Pasha Meatballs.

• Filling

• Budget-friendly

• Beautifully presented

• Perfect for Ramadan

• Loved by adults and children alike

Especially when planning a Day 3 iftar menu, it’s a lifesaver.

If you haven’t tried it yet, give it a go. Because some recipes aren’t just food — they bring warmth, memories, and that lovely feeling of everyone happily gathered around the table.

And honestly, that’s what cooking is all about.