If you love bold Mediterranean flavors and cozy pasta dishes, this Turkish pasta with creamy yogurt and spiced beef will quickly become a new favorite. Inspired by Turkish manti dumplings, this pasta version delivers the same comforting layers of savory meat sauce, garlic yogurt, and spiced butter drizzle — all in under 45 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Turkish Pasta
There’s something truly special about this dish. It’s hearty, creamy, and layered with the perfect mix of textures and flavors — soft pasta, rich beef sauce, tangy yogurt, and silky melted butter. Here’s why people can’t get enough of it:
- Quick & easy: Ready in about 45 minutes, with simple pantry ingredients.
- Balanced flavors: Tangy yogurt sauce offsets the warm spices perfectly.
- Comfort food classic: Feels indulgent but made with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
- Customizable: Works with beef, turkey, or plant-based meat — and any pasta you have on hand.
- Inspired by manti: All the taste of traditional Turkish dumplings without the extra work.
Ingredients for Turkish Pasta
This dish is made up of three parts: a rich meat sauce, a garlicky yogurt sauce, and a fragrant spiced butter drizzle.
For the Spiced Beef Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 shallot, finely chopped (or ½ small onion)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ cup tomato purée or crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika (or Aleppo pepper, if available)
- ½ teaspoon fennel seeds (optional, for aroma)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
For the Spiced Butter Drizzle
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon Aleppo pepper or mild paprika
For Assembly
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or orecchiette work beautifully)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
- Optional: diced tomatoes or extra yogurt for serving
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Beef alternatives: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian twist.
- Dairy-free version: Swap yogurt for a plant-based version and use vegan butter.
- Spice level: Turkish Aleppo pepper has mild heat and fruity flavor — substitute with paprika if you prefer it mild.
- Pasta options: Any short pasta shape works; gluten-free versions hold up great with this sauce.
- Extra freshness: Add chopped cucumbers or a side salad to balance the richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2 – Make the Spiced Beef Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallot and sauté until soft and translucent. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned.
Stir in tomato paste, tomato purée, cumin, coriander, paprika, and fennel. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, adding a splash of pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
Step 3 – Mix the Yogurt Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Set aside at room temperature (you want it slightly cool, not cold, when layering).
Step 4 – Prepare the Butter Drizzle
In a small pan, melt butter and olive oil together over low heat. Add Aleppo pepper or paprika and gently stir until fragrant — about 1 minute. Remove from heat.
Step 5 – Assemble the Dish
In a large serving bowl or platter, layer your components:
- Add cooked pasta.
- Spoon over the creamy yogurt sauce.
- Top with generous portions of the beef sauce.
- Drizzle the warm spiced butter over the top.
- Sprinkle with parsley or extra herbs.
Serve immediately while warm, and enjoy the harmony of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors!
Pro Tips for Success
- Use full-fat yogurt for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
- Don’t skip the butter drizzle — it’s key to the Turkish flavor.
- Warm the yogurt slightly before adding it to hot pasta to avoid curdling.
- Make ahead: Both the sauces can be made 1 day in advance and reheated.
- Garnish smart: A touch of sumac or chili oil adds color and zest.
- Balance salt: The yogurt and pasta absorb flavor — taste as you go.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Lover’s Version: Add chili flakes to the meat sauce.
- Extra Garlic: Double the garlic in both sauces for bold flavor.
- Lemon Burst: Add lemon zest for a lighter, citrusy note.
- Vegetable Boost: Toss in spinach, zucchini, or roasted eggplant.
- Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle feta or grated Parmesan before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Turkish pasta as a main course with:
- Fresh cucumber and tomato salad
- Pita or Turkish flatbread on the side
- A sprinkle of sumac or herbs for color
It also pairs wonderfully with grilled veggies or a light yogurt drink (ayran).
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze: You can freeze the beef sauce separately for up to 2 months (do not freeze the yogurt sauce).
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 530 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 610 mg |
FAQ About Turkish Pasta
What makes Turkish pasta different from Italian pasta?
Turkish pasta combines Mediterranean spice and yogurt-based sauces rather than tomato or cream-heavy versions. It’s inspired by the flavors of Turkish manti dumplings.
Can I make Turkish pasta vegetarian?
Yes! Use plant-based meat or cooked lentils for a hearty meat-free version. Replace yogurt with a dairy-free option and use vegan butter.
Is this dish spicy?
Not usually — Aleppo pepper adds warmth, not intense heat. For more spice, add chili flakes or cayenne to taste.
What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, shells, or fusilli hold the yogurt and sauce well. Even spaghetti can work if that’s what you have.
Can I meal prep this?
Definitely. Prepare the beef sauce and yogurt sauce ahead of time and assemble when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Turkish Pasta with Creamy Yogurt and Spiced Beef brings together everything you love about comfort food — savory meat, creamy sauce, and rich flavor — with an exotic twist from the Mediterranean. It’s easy enough for weeknights but elegant enough for guests. Every bite is tangy, satisfying, and wonderfully aromatic.
Print
Easy Turkish Pasta with Creamy Yogurt and Spiced Beef
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A comforting Turkish pasta recipe with layers of creamy garlic yogurt, spiced beef sauce, and a buttery paprika drizzle.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 shallot, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 cup tomato puree
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp coriander
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp butter
12 oz pasta
Salt and pepper to taste
Parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Boil pasta until al dente, reserve 1/2 cup water.
2. Sauté shallot and beef, add tomato paste and spices.
3. Simmer with tomato puree for 7 minutes.
4. Mix yogurt with garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
5. Melt butter with paprika.
6. Layer pasta, yogurt sauce, beef sauce, and butter drizzle.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
Use turkey or lentils instead of beef for a lighter version.
Paprika can replace Aleppo pepper.
Best served warm, not cold.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
