Turkish Pasta, also known as makarna, is a comforting and flavorful dish that layers rich spiced beef, tangy garlic yogurt, and paprika-infused butter over tender pasta. Finished with fresh toppings like cherry tomatoes, feta, and parsley, this fusion of Turkish flavors creates a deeply satisfying, vibrant meal. It’s a perfect choice for a cozy dinner that feels both familiar and unique.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe brings together the best of bold, savory Turkish ingredients and classic pasta comfort. The spiced beef mixture adds depth and warmth, while the garlic yogurt topping provides a creamy, tangy contrast. The paprika butter ties everything together with a rich, aromatic finish. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this dish is a perfect weeknight meal that still feels special and nourishing.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Garlic Greek Yogurt:
• 2 cups Greek yogurt
• 4 garlic cloves, grated
• Juice from ½ lemon
• Salt, to taste
For the Spiced Beef:
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Paprika Butter:
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
Toppings and Base:
• 12 oz cooked pasta (fusilli or penne work well)
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Feta cheese, crumbled
Directions
Prepare the Garlic Yogurt
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In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
Cook the Spiced Beef
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent.
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Stir in paprika, garlic powder, and cumin. Cook for 1–2 minutes to toast the spices.
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Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 10 minutes, until browned.
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Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the tomato paste. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing it to thicken and develop flavor.
Make the Paprika Butter
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In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
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Stir in the sweet paprika and cook gently until it begins to bubble slightly. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Dish
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Place the cooked pasta into a large serving dish or individual plates.
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Spoon the garlic yogurt generously over the pasta.
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Add a layer of the spiced beef on top.
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Drizzle the warm paprika butter over the entire dish.
Add the Toppings
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Finish with halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, and chopped fresh parsley for brightness and texture.
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Serve immediately and enjoy while warm.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils seasoned the same way.
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Spicier Version: Add red pepper flakes or a bit of Turkish pul biber (Aleppo pepper) to the beef or paprika butter.
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Yogurt Sauce Add-ins: Mix chopped dill or mint into the yogurt for extra freshness.
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Protein Twist: Use ground lamb for a more traditional Turkish flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm the pasta and beef in a skillet or microwave. Add fresh yogurt, paprika butter, and toppings just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing: You can freeze the beef separately for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before assembling with fresh pasta and toppings.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or rotini will work well.
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek?
Yes, but Greek yogurt is preferred for its thickness and tang. If using regular yogurt, strain it to thicken.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
It is best served warm, but leftovers can be enjoyed cold like a pasta salad.
What does the paprika butter do?
It adds a rich, smoky aroma and a silky finish that ties all the flavors together.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare all components separately and assemble just before serving.
What kind of feta should I use?
Use block feta for best texture and crumble it yourself. Avoid pre-crumbled versions that may be drier.
Can I skip the garlic in the yogurt?
Yes, but it’s highly recommended as it adds depth and contrast.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely. Both are leaner alternatives and will still absorb the spices well.
How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?
Toss it with a bit of olive oil before assembling to keep it moist.
What’s a good side dish for this meal?
A simple cucumber salad, warm flatbread, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully.
Conclusion
This Turkish Pasta Recipe brings bold Mediterranean flavors to your table with creamy garlic yogurt, richly spiced beef, and a vibrant paprika butter. Layered over tender pasta and topped with fresh ingredients, it’s a dish that feels both traditional and refreshingly modern. With just the right balance of heat, creaminess, and texture, it’s sure to become a standout in your weekly recipe rotation.
Print
Turkish Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Turkish, Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Description
This flavorful Turkish Pasta Recipe features tender pasta topped with creamy garlic yogurt, savory spiced beef, and a rich paprika butter drizzle. Finished with fresh cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, and herbs, it’s a cozy, vibrant dish inspired by classic Turkish flavors.
Ingredients
Garlic Greek Yogurt Topping:
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2 cups Greek yogurt
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4 garlic cloves, grated
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Juice from 1/2 lemon
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Salt, to taste
Spiced Beef:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 yellow onion, diced
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1 teaspoon sweet paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon cumin
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3 tablespoons tomato paste
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Paprika Butter:
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1/4 cup butter
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1 teaspoon sweet paprika
Other Ingredients:
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12 oz cooked pasta (fusilli, penne, or preferred shape)
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Cherry tomatoes, halved
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Fresh parsley, chopped
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Feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
Prepare the Garlic Yogurt:
In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt with grated garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Stir well and set aside.
2. Cook the Spiced Beef:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add paprika, garlic powder, and cumin; toast spices for 2 minutes.
Add ground beef and cook until browned (about 10 minutes). Stir in tomato paste, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
3. Make the Paprika Butter:
In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add paprika and let it bubble gently, then remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Dish:
Add cooked pasta to serving plates or a large platter.
Top with the garlic yogurt, then spoon on the spiced beef.
Drizzle the paprika butter over the entire dish.
5. Add the Toppings:
Garnish with cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and fresh parsley.
Serve warm and enjoy this bold, comforting Turkish-inspired meal.
Notes
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You can use lamb instead of beef for an even more authentic flavor.
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For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
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Best served immediately while warm.
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