Name: Turkish Pasta with Ground Beef, Yogurt, and Butter Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 454 grams ground beef (or any ground meat); 1 teaspoon onion powder (to taste); 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt (to taste); 1 pinch pepper; 1 onion, finely diced; 1.5 cups plain yogurt; ½ teaspoon salt (to taste); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 tablespoons butter; ½ teaspoon sweet paprika (or less); 350 grams pasta (any type you prefer); Cherry tomatoes, halved; Chopped parsley (to taste)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 69 reviews

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, I can’t recommend the Turkish Pasta with Ground Beef, Yogurt, and Butter Sauce Recipe enough. This dish brings together the rich savoriness of spiced ground beef, the creamy tang of garlic yogurt, and the luscious warmth of buttery paprika sauce that just coats every strand of pasta perfectly. It’s a beautiful balance of flavors and textures, making it a fantastic choice for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive yet simple meal to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In a black pan, there is one layer of cooked, crumbled ground meat, brown in color with a slightly coarse texture, filling most of the pan's surface. On top, in the center, there is a pile of chopped onions, pale yellow and white, with a firm, fresh texture. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a vital role in bringing authentic flavor, mouthwatering texture, and inviting color to this Turkish pasta delight.

454 grams ground beef: The hearty base of the dish, bringing boldness and protein with a juicy texture.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the meat without overpowering it.
1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a warm, smoky undertone that’s classic in Turkish cuisine.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the dish perfectly.
Pinch of pepper: Just enough to add a hint of spice and complexity.
1 onion, finely diced: Provides a fresh aroma and slight crunch to complement the ground beef.
1.5 cups yogurt, plain: This creamy component adds tang and lightness that cuts through the richness.
½ teaspoon salt for yogurt sauce: Balances the yogurt’s natural tartness beautifully.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a punch of flavor to the yogurt sauce, giving it that memorable garlicky zing.
4 tablespoons butter: For the silky butter sauce, it melts everything together in pure indulgence.
½ teaspoon sweet paprika (or less): Infuses the butter sauce with a mild, smoky sweetness that’s irresistible.
350 grams pasta: Choose your favorite type, as this will be the delicious canvas for the sauces and toppings.
Cherry tomatoes, halved: Freshness and a pop of color to brighten the dish.
Chopped parsley: Adds a lively herbal note and vibrant green finishing touch.

How to Make Turkish Pasta with Ground Beef, Yogurt, and Butter Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking your finely diced onion until translucent and soft. Then add the ground beef along with onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Break up the meat with a spatula and cook until fully browned and cooked through. This seasoned beef mixture builds the savory foundation we’ll layer throughout the dish.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While your meat is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente. The slightly firm texture offers the perfect bite and helps the sauces cling beautifully to every piece.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

In a bowl, combine the plain yogurt, minced garlic, and salt. Stir them together until smooth. This sauce provides a cool, creamy contrast to the warm spices and rich meat — it’s where the magic really begins.

Step 4: Prepare the Butter Sauce

Melt butter in a small pan and stir in the sweet paprika. Allow it to infuse on low heat for a minute or two, releasing the vibrant color and mildly sweet flavor. This glossy sauce will be drizzled over the pasta for an irresistible finish.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large serving dish. Spoon the spiced ground beef evenly over the top. Then layer the garlic yogurt sauce generously across the dish. Finally, drizzle the warm buttery paprika sauce over everything for contrast in sauces and textures.

Step 6: Add Fresh Toppings

Scatter halved cherry tomatoes and chopped parsley over the top. These fresh touches brighten the flavors, add a cheerful pop of color, and bring a lively finish you’ll love every bite of.

How to Serve Turkish Pasta with Ground Beef, Yogurt, and Butter Sauce Recipe

In a close-up shot, there is a white bowl filled with three main layers: the bottom layer consists of light yellow pasta shells with smooth, curved edges; on top of the pasta is a dollop of thick, creamy white sauce sitting in the middle; above the sauce, a spoon is placing a generous heap of finely crumbled cooked ground meat mixed with small pieces of cooked onions, creating a textured layer with brown and golden hues. The background features a warm, softly lit room with blurred details, and the whole scene is set on a surface with white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling some extra chopped parsley or even a light dusting of sumac can elevate the flavors and add a lovely visual appeal. A few extra garlic cloves on the side or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes lets you customize heat and garlic intensity if you crave more zing.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some warm, crusty bread to mop up every drop of the buttery, yogurt, and beef sauces. Pickled vegetables or a simple cucumber salad can add a refreshing crunch to the meal, too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style feast, serve it in a large, shallow bowl so everyone can dig in and customize with extra yogurt or butter sauce. Alternatively, plate it individually with a drizzle of the buttery paprika sauce around the rim for a restaurant-worthy look. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can also make it special for a dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors meld wonderfully overnight, making the dish even tastier the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of the cooked ground beef and pasta separately for up to 2 months, but I recommend freezing them separately to preserve texture. Yogurt sauce is best made fresh, so prepare it just before serving.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy leftovers, gently warm the pasta and ground beef on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist. Add fresh garlic yogurt sauce on top once heated for that bright, creamy contrast.

FAQs

Can I use other types of ground meat in this recipe?

Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional and offers rich flavor, ground lamb, turkey, or chicken will also work well, each bringing its own unique twist to the dish.

What kind of pasta works best?

Any pasta you love can be used, but short shapes like penne, fusilli, or even orzo grab onto the sauces nicely. Traditional Turkish pasta often uses small shells or tube-shaped varieties.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms or spiced lentils for a satisfying vegetarian alternative that still captures the essence of the original flavors.

How spicy is the dish?

This Turkish Pasta with Ground Beef, Yogurt, and Butter Sauce Recipe is mild with a warm paprika flavor; you can easily adjust the heat by adding chili flakes or cayenne pepper if you prefer some spice.

Can this dish be served cold or at room temperature?

While it’s best enjoyed warm for full flavor, serving it at room temperature is also delicious, especially when the yogurt sauce chills and the butter sauce solidifies slightly, offering a different but tasty experience.

Final Thoughts

This Turkish Pasta with Ground Beef, Yogurt, and Butter Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a celebration of comfort food with an exotic twist. It’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, turning everyday ingredients into a spectacular meal. I encourage you to give this recipe a try soon — it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy pasta!