This Turkish pasta dish, also known as “Makarna,” is a delightful fusion of tender pasta, spiced ground beef, creamy garlic yogurt, and a rich, seasoned butter sauce. Topped with fresh parsley and cherry tomatoes, it’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Flavor: The combination of seasoned beef, garlic yogurt, and spiced butter sauce makes every bite irresistible.
Simple and Quick: With minimal prep and cooking time, this dish comes together in under 45 minutes.
Customizable: Easily adjust spices and ingredients to suit your preferences.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pasta

8 ounces pasta of choice

For the Beef Mixture

1 pound lean ground beef
2 medium yellow onions, diced
2 tablespoons onion powder
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 teaspoons sweet paprika powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Butter Sauce

1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon mild pepper paste
1 teaspoon dried mint (or fresh)
1 tablespoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon Turkish chili flakes (or regular chili flakes)

For the Yogurt Sauce

1 cup Greek yogurt (or plain yogurt)
2-3 small garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

To Garnish

1/4 cup minced parsley
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, diced

Directions

Cook the Pasta
- Boil the pasta of your choice according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Beef Mixture
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sear the ground beef for 2-3 minutes until almost cooked through.
- Add diced onions, onion powder, tomato paste, sweet paprika powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3 minutes until the onions are translucent and the beef is fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the Butter Sauce
- Melt butter over low heat in a small saucepan. Add olive oil, mild pepper paste, dried mint, sweet paprika, and Turkish chili flakes. Stir for about 1 minute until combined. Set aside.
Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water if the yogurt is too thick. Mix well.
Assemble the Dish
- On a deep plate or dish, layer the cooked pasta. Add a generous spoonful of yogurt sauce on top.
- Spoon the seasoned beef mixture over the yogurt sauce.
- Drizzle with the prepared butter sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and diced cherry tomatoes. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
Spicier Version: Increase the Turkish chili flakes or use spicy pepper paste.
Dairy-Free: Replace yogurt with a plant-based alternative and use olive oil instead of butter.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-intolerant guests.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: The beef mixture and butter sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing yogurt sauce as it may separate.
Reheating: Reheat the beef mixture and butter sauce on the stovetop over low heat. Add the yogurt sauce and garnishes fresh when serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape works well, but short varieties like penne or fusilli are particularly good for holding the sauce.

2. What is Turkish chili flakes?

Turkish chili flakes, also known as pul biber, are mildly spicy with a sweet, smoky flavor. Substitute with regular chili flakes if unavailable.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and butter sauce in advance. Store them separately and reheat before assembling.

4. What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?

Plain yogurt works well as a substitute. For a tangier flavor, try labneh.

5. Can I add vegetables to the beef mixture?

Absolutely! Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant for extra nutrients and flavor.

6. What is pepper paste?

Pepper paste is a thick, savory condiment made from sweet or spicy red peppers. It’s commonly used in Turkish cuisine and can be substituted with tomato paste if necessary.

7. How do I make it less spicy?

Reduce or omit the chili flakes and use mild paprika instead of hot varieties.

8. Can I serve this without the yogurt sauce?

The yogurt sauce adds a creamy tanginess, but the dish can still be delicious without it. Consider adding a dollop of sour cream as an alternative.

9. What can I serve alongside this dish?

Serve with a fresh side salad or crusty bread to round out the meal.

10. Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, just adjust the spice level by reducing the chili flakes.

Conclusion

This Turkish Pasta with Seasoned Beef and Garlic Yogurt is an irresistible medley of flavors and textures. From the creamy garlic yogurt to the savory spiced beef and buttery sauce, each element complements the others beautifully. Simple to prepare yet elegant enough for entertaining, this dish is a must-try for fans of international cuisine.