Name: Turkish Pasta with Ground Beef and Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 8 ounces pasta, I use farfalle but any shape would work; Kosher salt; 1 pound ground beef, 93%; 1 medium size onion, chopped (about 1 cup); 1 tablespoon red pepper paste, or tomato paste; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 2 teaspoons sweet paprika; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 cup Greek yogurt, unsweetened plain (full fat or skim); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon sweet paprika; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more to taste (such as Aleppo Pepper or Urfa Chili pepper); ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half; 4 tablespoons dried mint, or fresh parsley; 2 tablespoons sumac, optional

There’s something so comforting about a dish that combines rich, spiced meat with creamy yogurt and buttery warmth. This Turkish Pasta with Ground Beef and Yogurt Sauce Recipe is one of those gems—simple, flavorful, and totally satisfying. Trust me, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation for an easy weeknight dinner or a casual dinner party with friends.

A yellow bowl holds a dish with three layers: the bottom layer is pale yellow bowtie pasta spread evenly, the middle layer is white creamy sauce dolloped thickly, and the top layer has cooked brown ground meat mixed with onions and bright red halved cherry tomatoes, sprinkled with green dried herbs. A silver fork rests inside the bowl on the right side. In the background, there is part of another identical yellow bowl with the same dish, and two small round bowls, one with red spice powder and the other with white sauce. All bowls are set on a white marbled surface with a dark blue cloth partially visible on the lower left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Turkish Pasta with Ground Beef and Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Turkish Pasta with Ground Beef and Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Turkish Pasta with Ground Beef and Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first stumbled on this recipe on TikTok, and I’ve been hooked ever since. The balance of juicy ground beef with warm spices, silky pasta, and that tangy garlic yogurt sauce is pure magic. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to pull together, which makes it a total winner when you need delicious on the table fast.

Perfect Flavor Harmony: The smoky spices in the beef sauce contrast beautifully with the cool, garlicky yogurt topping.
Quick and Easy: You’ll get dinner done in about 30 minutes without sacrificing taste.
Flexible Pasta Choices: I use farfalle, but feel free to swap in any pasta shape you have—it all works wonderfully.
Bold yet Comforting: This dish hits the spot with warm spices and creamy textures that feel like a hug in a bowl.

Ingredients & Why They Work

One thing I love about this Turkish Pasta with Ground Beef and Yogurt Sauce Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. Using fresh spices and quality yogurt really makes a difference.

Flat lay of farfalle pasta uncooked, a whole medium yellow onion, a small pile of raw ground beef, two whole brown garlic bulbs, a whole fresh lemon, a small bowl of plain Greek yogurt, a small white bowl of red pepper paste, a small white bowl of sweet paprika powder, a small white bowl of ground cumin powder, a small white bowl of onion powder, a small white bowl of red pepper flakes, a small white bowl of kosher salt, a small white bowl of ground black pepper, a small white bowl of unsalted butter slabs, halved fresh cherry tomatoes, a small bunch of fresh parsley sprigs, a small white bowl of dried mint leaves, a small white bowl of sumac powder placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Pasta: Farfalle is my go-to for this dish because its shape holds onto the sauce well, but any medium pasta works.
Ground Beef: I recommend 93% lean for a good balance of flavor without too much grease.
Red Pepper Paste: This is key for authentic depth, but tomato paste works if you can’t find it.
Spices (Onion powder, cumin, paprika): They create the warm, earthy aroma that makes this dish so comforting.
Greek Yogurt: Use unsweetened plain yogurt; the tanginess offsets the richness of the beef perfectly.
Butter and Red Pepper Flakes: These add a beautiful, slightly smoky finish that ties everything together.
Garlic and Lemon Juice (in yogurt sauce): Fresh garlic kicks up the flavor while lemon brightens the creamy sauce.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This recipe is a fantastic canvas to make your own. I often tweak it depending on what I have on hand or how spicy I feel. You should totally play around with it, too—adding or swapping ingredients only makes it more your style.

Variation: One time, I swapped the ground beef for ground lamb for a richer flavor, and it was incredible—totally worth trying if you like heartier meats.
Spice Adjustments: I like to adjust the red pepper flakes based on who I’m serving; kids need less heat, adults might want a bit more.
Herb Twists: Fresh mint is classic, but I’ve also tried cilantro or dill, which add a fresh note without overpowering the dish.
Cheese Addition: Although not traditional, a sprinkle of feta or grated parmesan can be a lovely way to amp up richness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Turkish Pasta with Ground Beef and Yogurt Sauce Recipe

A close-up of a fork holding a bite of farfalle pasta with layers including light yellow pasta shapes at the bottom, topped with browned ground meat, melted shredded yellow cheese, half of a red cherry tomato, small bits of green parsley, and a light drizzle of white sauce. The background shows more pasta mixed with similar ingredients inside a white bowl, all set on a white marbled surface. The overall colors are warm with reds, yellows, browns, and greens. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Al Dente Perfection

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Don’t be shy with the salt—your pasta water should taste like the ocean to season the noodles well. Add the pasta (I usually use farfalle) and cook according to package instructions, usually around 9–10 minutes, until al dente. Save about half a cup of that pasta water before draining—sometimes it comes in handy to loosen the sauce or keep the beef mixture moist.

Step 2: Make the Flavorful Ground Beef Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. No need to add oil here—the beef will release its own fat as it cooks. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s mostly browned, about 4–5 minutes. Toss in the chopped onion, red pepper paste, and all the spices—onion powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir frequently and let the onions soften while the meat finishes cooking, about 5–6 more minutes. If the mixture starts to look dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to keep things juicy.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Cool Garlic Yogurt Sauce

While the beef cooks, mix the Greek yogurt with freshly minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl. Give it a taste—if it needs a bit more tang, add a splash more lemon juice. This sauce is the cool, creamy contrast your dish needs.

Step 4: Finish with the Warm, Spiced Butter Sauce

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then stir in paprika, red pepper flakes (adjust heat to your preference), and salt. Let it bubble gently to marry the flavors—this punch of spicy butter is what makes this dish unforgettable.

Step 5: Assemble & Serve Your Masterpiece

In serving bowls, place the cooked pasta first, then spoon over a generous portion of the yogurt sauce followed by some of the beef mixture. Drizzle the warm butter sauce on top. Repeat for each bowl. I like to garnish with halved cherry tomatoes, dried mint, and a sprinkle of sumac for that zing and color pop. Serve immediately, and enjoy every bite!

Top Tip

I’ve made this Turkish pasta countless times, and I’ve learned a few tricks that really help it shine every time you make it. Here are the top tips from my kitchen to yours:

Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: Keep some reserved pasta water—it’s a lifesaver to keep the meat sauce moist without diluting flavor.
Butter Sauce Last: Make the butter sauce just before serving so it’s warm and fragrant, enhancing every bite.
Season the Yogurt Sauce: Always taste and adjust the lemon and salt levels in your yogurt sauce; it balances the richness perfectly.
Use Fresh Garlic: Mince garlic freshly for the yogurt sauce to avoid that harsh, overpowering canned garlic taste.

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

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness, plus dried mint for its cooling herbal notes. If sumac is in your pantry, sprinkle a little on top—the tart, lemony flavor is irresistible and authentic. Sometimes I swap in fresh parsley if I don’t have mint on hand. These simple garnishes brighten the whole bowl.

Side Dishes

Late summer nights call for this pasta with a crisp cucumber and tomato salad dressed in lemon and olive oil. For colder months, I love pairing it with a simple roasted vegetable medley or warm flatbread to scoop up the delicious sauces. A side of pickled vegetables or a nice green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also balances the richness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to serve this in individual shallow bowls layered like a plated entrée—pasta on the bottom, dollops of yogurt sauce artfully placed, then ground beef, and a drizzle of butter sauce finishing. Adding a sprig of fresh herbs or edible flowers makes it feel special and festive. For casual meals, it goes straight in a big serving bowl with garnishes scattered on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store the cooked pasta, meat sauce, and yogurt sauce separately in airtight containers. This way, nothing gets soggy and you maintain the freshest flavors for up to two days. Keep the butter sauce in a small container or reheat fresh butter with the spices when serving leftovers.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked meat sauce alone (without pasta or yogurt) for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove. I recommend making the pasta fresh each time and mixing with sauces upon reheating.

Reheating

For leftovers, gently reheat the pasta in a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Warm the meat sauce in a skillet, then assemble with fresh yogurt sauce and warm butter sauce just before eating. This method keeps textures distinct and flavors vibrant, just like fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground lamb or turkey can work well too. I’ve even tried a mix of beef and lamb for extra richness. Just adjust cooking times if needed.

What if I can’t find red pepper paste?

No worries—tomato paste is a great substitute and will still give you that deep, rich flavor. If you want a bit more heat, try adding a pinch of chili flakes or paprika.

How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust the heat?

The heat level is mild to moderate thanks to the controlled use of red pepper flakes. You can easily dial it up or down by adding more or less according to your preference.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a gathering?

Yes! Cook the meat sauce and pasta a day ahead and store them separately. Assemble right before serving. Make the yogurt and butter sauces fresh to keep their bright flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Turkish Pasta with Ground Beef and Yogurt Sauce Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight meal ideas—not just because it’s quick and tasty, but because it’s a wonderful reminder that simple pantry staples can come together for something unexpectedly delicious. Once you try it, I’m sure you’ll want to make it again and again, sharing it with friends and family who appreciate wholesome, bold flavors. Go ahead and give it a whirl—I’ve got a feeling it’ll become one of your favorites, too.