Easy Creamy Turkish Pasta with Yogurt and Ground Beef

This Turkish Pasta is a rich, comforting dish made with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, a cool garlic yogurt sauce, and a buttery paprika drizzle. It’s a viral-inspired recipe that balances bold, savory flavors with creamy, tangy contrast — and it comes together surprisingly fast.

If you love cozy pasta dinners with big flavor, this Turkish-style pasta is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Inspired by a viral Turkish pasta dish
• Creamy, savory, and incredibly satisfying
• Made with simple pantry ingredients
• Ready in under 40 minutes
• Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining

Recipe Summary

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 ounces pasta (fusilli, penne, or rigatoni)
• Salt, for boiling water

For the Seasoned Beef

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

• 1½ cups plain full-fat Greek yogurt
• 2 garlic cloves, grated or very finely minced
• Salt, to taste

For the Paprika Butter

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley or dill, chopped

How to Make Turkish Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Seasoned Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon.

Season with paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.

Cook for 6–8 minutes, until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Remove from heat.

3. Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated garlic, and salt.

Stir until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

4. Make the Paprika Butter

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.

Add paprika and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir for 30–60 seconds, then remove from heat.

5. Assemble the Dish

Add the cooked pasta to a serving dish or individual bowls.

Top with seasoned ground beef, then spoon the garlic yogurt sauce over the pasta.

Drizzle with the warm paprika butter and garnish with fresh herbs.

Tips for Best Flavor

• Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture
• Keep the butter on low heat to avoid burning the paprika
• Grate the garlic for the yogurt sauce so it blends smoothly
• Serve immediately for the best contrast of warm and cool layers

Variations & Substitutions

• Protein swap: Use ground lamb or ground turkey
• Spicier version: Add extra red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper
• Extra richness: Stir a little pasta water into the yogurt sauce
• Herb swap: Use dill instead of parsley for a traditional touch

How to Store & Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently and add fresh yogurt sauce if needed before serving.

What to Serve With Turkish Pasta

• Simple cucumber salad
• Warm pita or flatbread
• Roasted vegetables
• Lemon-dressed greens

If you enjoy comforting pasta dinners, browse more easy dinner recipes here.

Ground beef is a versatile protein used in many traditional dishes.