Description
Turkish pasta, or Yoğurtlu Makarna, is a delightful fusion of tender pasta, creamy garlic-infused yogurt sauce, and savory spiced ground beef, all topped with a rich paprika-infused butter drizzle. This dish harmoniously blends tangy, savory, and mildly spicy flavors, offering a comforting and satisfying meal that’s both unique and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (farfalle, penne, or fusilli)
- Kosher salt (for boiling water)
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef (93% lean)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 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
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or skim)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
For the Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (Aleppo or Urfa chili recommended)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Garnish (Optional)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 tablespoons dried mint or fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons sumac
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The water should taste salty, like the ocean.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (about 9-10 minutes).
- Before draining, save ½ cup of pasta water in case the dish needs moisture later.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until browned and fully cooked.
- Stir in the chopped onion, red pepper paste, and spices (onion powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper).
- Continue to cook for another 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion softens and the meat is fully incorporated with the spices.
- If the meat mixture appears dry, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to keep it moist.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Set aside at room temperature.
Step 4: Prepare the Butter Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the sweet paprika, red pepper flakes, and salt.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse while the butter turns a deep golden color.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
- Divide the cooked pasta into serving bowls.
- Spoon 4 tablespoons of the garlic yogurt sauce over each portion.
- Top with about ⅔ cup of the cooked beef mixture.
- Drizzle with 1 tablespoon (or more) of the melted butter sauce.
- Garnish with cherry tomatoes, dried mint or fresh parsley, and sumac if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Yogurt: Full-fat Greek yogurt provides a creamier texture, but low-fat versions can be used for a lighter dish.
- Pasta: Short pasta shapes like fusilli or penne are ideal as they hold the sauces well.
- Spices: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Storage: Store leftovers in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the meat sauce and pasta gently; the yogurt sauce is best served fresh.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 20min
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 ½ cups
- Calories: Approximately 526
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 651mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 113mg