Name: Turkish Pasta with Beef and Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 8 ounces pasta (farfalle recommended); Kosher salt; 1 pound ground beef (93% lean); 1 medium 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, e.g., Aleppo pepper or Urfa chili); ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 4 tablespoons dried mint or fresh parsley; 2 tablespoons sumac (optional)

The moment you try this Turkish Pasta with Beef and Yogurt Sauce Recipe, you'll be hooked on its cozy mix of rich, spiced beef and the cooling tang of garlic yogurt. It’s comfort food with a fun twist that’s surprisingly easy to make!

A white bowl filled with three clear layers: the bottom layer is light yellow bowtie pasta spread evenly, the middle layer is thick white sauce dolloped over the pasta, and the top layer is dark brown cooked ground meat mixed with spices and some small onion pieces, topped with halved bright red cherry tomatoes sprinkled with dried herbs. A fork is resting inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a small beige bowl of ground spice and a gray bowl of white sauce nearby, along with another similar bowl of the same dish partially visible in the background. 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 Beef and Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Turkish Pasta with Beef and Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Turkish Pasta with Beef and Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've been making this Turkish Pasta with Beef and Yogurt Sauce Recipe ever since it popped up all over TikTok, and honestly, it just hits every right note — both in flavor and ease. You get a lovely balance of creamy, spicy, and meaty in one bowl.

Simplicity: Minimal ingredients come together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor-packed: The combination of paprika butter and spiced beef is irresistible and unique.
Cool and creamy: The yogurt sauce brings a refreshing contrast that keeps every bite vibrant.
Versatile: You can easily tweak spices or pasta shapes based on what you have at home.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Turkish Pasta with Beef and Yogurt Sauce Recipe lies in its simple ingredients that work in harmony. The beef brings savory richness, the spices add warmth and depth, and the yogurt sauce cools it all off just right.

Flat lay of farfalle pasta with a few grains of kosher salt scattered beside it, one pound of fresh ground beef formed into a neat mound, a medium-sized whole onion with shiny golden-brown skin, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant red tomato paste, a small white bowl holding bright orange sweet paprika powder, a small white bowl with light brown ground cumin, a small white bowl of fine ground black pepper, two whole brown garlic cloves, a small white bowl of creamy plain Greek yogurt, a small white bowl containing fresh pale yellow lemon juice, four whole brown eggs with smooth clean shells, a small white bowl with unsalted yellow butter cubes, a small white bowl holding fiery red pepper flakes, a handful of glossy red cherry tomatoes cut in half neatly arranged, a small white bowl with dried mint leaves, a small white bowl containing deep maroon sumac powder—all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged symmetrically 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 or any shape): Farfalle’s shape grabs the sauce nicely, but really, any pasta works — penne, rigatoni, or even elbows.
Ground beef (93%): Lean but not too lean, it cooks up juicy while releasing natural fat that flavors the dish.
Onion: Adds sweetness and a soft texture once cooked, blending perfectly with spices.
Red pepper paste (or tomato paste): Gives a depth of flavor and that distinctive Turkish flair with subtle heat.
Onion powder, cumin, sweet paprika: Classic warming spices that build layers without overpowering.
Garlic, lemon juice & Greek yogurt: The trio that makes the yogurt sauce tangy, garlicky, and creamy.
Butter, paprika, red pepper flakes: This finishing butter sauce adds richness and a hint of smoky heat that'll have you drizzling it on everything.
Optional garnishes (cherry tomatoes, dried mint, sumac): They bring a fresh, zesty pop and beautiful color contrast at the end.

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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

I love how flexible the Turkish Pasta with Beef and Yogurt Sauce Recipe is. Sometimes I add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth or swap ground beef for lamb when I want to feel extra fancy. Don’t hesitate to play with what you like.

Variation: Once, I tossed in sautéed mushrooms along with the beef, and it added such an earthy twist that my family devoured it. You can also swap out the red pepper paste for harissa or a smoky chipotle for a different heat profile.

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

The image shows a close-up of a fork holding a bite of pasta layers. The bottom layer is light yellow farfalle pasta with a smooth texture, followed by a layer of cooked ground meat with a crumbly texture and rich brown color, then a few bright red cherry tomato halves that are glossy and smooth, topped with melted yellow cheese and scattered fresh green parsley leaves for a fresh touch. The background has a white bowl filled with the same layered pasta, meat, tomato, cheese, and parsley on a white marbled surface. The focus on the fork shows the details clearly while the bowl behind is softly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook the pasta perfectly

I always start by boiling a big pot of salted water — it should taste like the ocean, which really seasons the pasta inside out. The pasta cooks until al dente, usually about 9 or 10 minutes with farfalle, but check the package just to be sure. Before draining, save about half a cup of the pasta water—it's a handy rescue if the beef mixture gets too thick while cooking.

Step 2: Make the flavorful beef sauce

While the pasta cooks, I heat a skillet over medium and toss in the ground beef without adding oil — it naturally releases its own fat if you keep stirring. After about 4-5 minutes, once the beef loses its pink, I add the chopped onions and all the spices: red pepper paste, onion powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stirring often, I let it all soften and come together, roughly 5-6 minutes. If you find it drying out, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. It keeps everything juicy and delicious.

Step 3: Whisk the garlicky yogurt sauce

In a small bowl, I mix Greek yogurt with minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. This sauce is simple but essential — it adds a fresh, creamy bite that balances the spiced beef perfectly. Give it a taste and adjust the salt or lemon if you feel it needs a little balance.

Step 4: Prepare the paprika butter sauce

Right before serving, melt butter in a small pan and add sweet paprika, red pepper flakes, and salt. Stir it until bubbly and fragrant — this finishing sauce is what gives the dish that final burst of richness and subtle smoky heat. I always let it cook just long enough to bring out the flavors, no more than a minute or two.

Step 5: Assemble and garnish

I layer the cooked pasta in bowls, dollop on the yogurt sauce, pile on the savory beef, then drizzle that gorgeous paprika butter over everything. The layers of color and flavor look inviting, and to make it even prettier, I scatter halved cherry tomatoes, dried mint, and a sprinkle of sumac when I have it on hand.

Top Tip

After making this Turkish Pasta with Beef and Yogurt Sauce Recipe several times, a few things really helped me nail it every single time.

Don’t skip saving pasta water: It’s a secret weapon to prevent the meat sauce from drying out while cooking and helps the sauce cling to pasta beautifully.
Cook beef without oil: The meat releases enough fat on its own, so stirring frequently is key to avoid sticking and get a nice browned texture.
Season the yogurt sauce well: Lemon juice and garlic elevate it, so don’t be shy with those — it’s what balances the richness of the butter and beef.
Butter sauce last minute: Prepare it just before serving to keep the flavors fresh and the butter perfectly melty and glossy.

How to Serve Turkish Pasta with Beef and Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Turkish pasta with beef - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m partial to cherry tomatoes for their sweetness and burst of juiciness, plus a sprinkle of dried mint for that pleasantly herbal coolness. Fresh parsley works well too, especially if you want a little extra green. Sumac adds a lovely tangy note that brightens up each bite, so I don’t skip it when it’s around.

Side Dishes

Serve this with a crisp cucumber salad or some roasted veggies to bring in freshness and texture contrast. Sometimes, I like a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up any leftover yogurt or butter sauce — it feels indulgent and is always a crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered the pasta in glass bowls or clear ramekins so you can see each colorful component. Garnishing with edible flowers or a dusting of extra sumac elevates the look. I’ve even turned this dish into a casual buffet item by letting guests add their own yogurt and butter sauce to taste—always a fun, interactive approach!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I recommend storing pasta, beef sauce, and yogurt sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps each component fresh and prevents the pasta from soaking up too much sauce and turning mushy. They generally last well for up to 2 days.

Freezing

The beef sauce freezes beautifully in portioned containers. Just defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. I don’t freeze the pasta or yogurt sauce because their texture can change, but if you must, keep in mind the yogurt might separate a bit.

Reheating

Warm the pasta and meat sauce separately on the stove or microwave. If the beef sauce feels thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Add the yogurt sauce just before serving to keep its fresh taste and creamy texture intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other pasta types for this recipe?

Absolutely! While farfalle is traditional here because its shape catches the sauce well, penne, rigatoni, or even rotini work wonderfully too. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

What if I don't have red pepper paste?

You can substitute red pepper paste with tomato paste for a milder flavor, or try harissa paste for a spicier kick. Adjust the amount to taste since heat levels vary.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Turkish pasta?

Yes! You can swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms or lentils to keep that hearty texture. Make sure to use vegetable broth or omit the meat fat when cooking, and enhance the spices to keep the flavor bold.

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

Definitely! Keep the pasta, beef sauce, and yogurt sauce stored separately in the refrigerator. Reheat the pasta and beef sauce before serving, and add the yogurt sauce fresh. Assemble just before guests dig in to retain the best flavors and textures.

Final Thoughts

This Turkish Pasta with Beef and Yogurt Sauce Recipe has become one of those dishes I make when I want something familiar but with a little twist. It’s easy, flavorful, and comforting, with that cool yogurt sauce that makes it stand out. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a regular go-to in your kitchen too — like a friend who always shows up with a cozy hug in a bowl.