Name: Turkish Pasta with Garlicky Yogurt, Spiced Ground Beef, and Chili Butter Drizzle Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 8 ounces pasta (farfalle recommended, any shape works); Kosher salt (for pasta water); 1 lb 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 or Urfa pepper); ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 4 tablespoons dried mint or fresh parsley; 2 tablespoons sumac (optional)

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If you’re looking for a dish that brings together bold flavors, comforting textures, and an irresistible warmth, the Turkish Pasta with Garlicky Yogurt, Spiced Ground Beef, and Chili Butter Drizzle Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This 30-minute wonder layers tender pasta with creamy, tangy garlicky yogurt, richly spiced ground beef, and a mesmerizing chili butter drizzle, creating a harmony of tastes that’s both satisfying and exciting. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s become a viral sensation and a beloved staple for busy nights craving something special yet approachable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pan with black handles contains raw and cooked ground meat pieces spread unevenly inside. The meat shows two colors: pinkish red for raw parts and brown for the cooked parts, with a slight texture difference. A wooden spoon rests inside the pan, angled diagonally from the upper middle left side toward the center. The pan is set on a white marbled surface with a dark blue cloth partially visible under its right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The highlight of this recipe is how simple yet carefully chosen the ingredients are—each one plays a key role in building the authentic taste, vibrant colors, and satisfying textures that make this dish unforgettable. From the hearty ground beef to the zesty spices and luscious yogurt, every element shines through beautifully.

8 ounces pasta (farfalle preferred): The perfect shape to hold the delicious layers of sauce and yogurt.
Kosher salt: Essential to season the pasta water and enhance all the flavors naturally.
1 lb ground beef (93% lean): The rich base packed with flavor and fat that keeps the dish hearty without being greasy.
1 medium onion, chopped: Provides sweetness and depth to the meat sauce.
1 tablespoon red pepper paste or tomato paste: Brings a subtle brightness and complexity to the beef.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds concentrated onion flavor to boost the savory notes.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: Offers warmth and an earthy nuance that’s classic in Turkish cooking.
2 teaspoons sweet paprika: Gives a gentle smokiness and beautiful red hue to the meat and butter sauce.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the dish and enhances flavors.
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Introduces a mild bite to complement the spices.
1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, unsweetened): Creamy, tangy, and garlicky, it cools and contrasts the spicy beef.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the yogurt with vibrant fragrance and bold flavor.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the yogurt sauce with fresh citric zing.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter: The base of the chili butter drizzle, giving richness and silkiness.
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more): Adds a smoky heat that makes every bite sing.
Optional garnishes (cherry tomatoes, dried mint or fresh parsley, sumac): These elevate the dish visually and add fresh, herbal, and tangy notes.

How to Make Turkish Pasta with Garlicky Yogurt, Spiced Ground Beef, and Chili Butter Drizzle Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Start strong by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil — it should taste like the sea to ensure your pasta is well-seasoned from the inside out. Add your farfalle or preferred pasta shape and cook until al dente, usually about 9 to 10 minutes. Keep a half cup of the cooking water aside before draining; this starchy liquid can rescue your sauce if it needs loosening later.

Step 2: Create the Spiced Ground Beef Sauce

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. As the meat browns and releases its natural oils, add chopped onions, red pepper paste, onion powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir frequently and cook until the onions soften and the beef is fully cooked, around 5 to 6 minutes. If the mixture seems dry, splash in some reserved pasta water to maintain moistness and meld flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlicky Yogurt Sauce

Mix Greek yogurt with minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl. This garlicky yogurt sauce is the cool, tangy counterpoint to the spiced beef, and it’s important to taste and adjust seasoning here to get it just right, balancing freshness and zest.

Step 4: Whip Up the Chili Butter Drizzle

Gently melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then stir in sweet paprika, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt. Let it bubble briefly — this chili butter drizzle adds a smoky, spicy kick and a luscious finish that transforms the dish into something truly mouthwatering.

Step 5: Assemble Your Turkish Pasta with Garlicky Yogurt, Spiced Ground Beef, and Chili Butter Drizzle Recipe

Layer the warm pasta in serving bowls, spoon on generous dollops of the yogurt sauce, followed by hearty portions of the spiced ground beef. Drizzle a tablespoon or more of the vibrant chili butter over the top. For extra flair, add halved cherry tomatoes, a sprinkle of dried mint or fresh parsley, and sumac if you’re feeling adventurous.

How to Serve Turkish Pasta with Garlicky Yogurt, Spiced Ground Beef, and Chili Butter Drizzle Recipe

A white bowl filled with layers of cooked bowtie pasta at the bottom, topped with a creamy white sauce spread unevenly, then a layer of cooked ground meat mixed with diced onions in the center, sprinkled with black pepper and dried herbs all over. On top, there are halved bright red cherry tomatoes arranged neatly across the meat, adding a pop of color. A silver fork with a white handle rests inside the bowl on the left side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a dark blue napkin partially visible beneath it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The optional garnishes truly bring the dish to life. Cherry tomatoes add juicy bursts of sweetness, dried mint or fresh parsley lend an herbal aroma and a pop of green, while sumac introduces a tangy, lemony brightness that cuts through richness. Don’t skip these small but mighty touches — they make every bite exciting.

Side Dishes

This Turkish pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil or a bowl of warm, crusty bread to scoop up any extra sauce. A light cucumber and tomato salad with mint also complements the dish’s flavors and adds refreshing crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a twist, serve this in shallow bowls or even on wide platters for a family-style feast. Layer the components for a deconstructed look or mix lightly to let the spicy butter and yogurt meld with the pasta. Adding a bright sprinkle of za’atar or fresh herbs right before serving amps up presentation and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep each component—the cooked pasta, spiced ground beef, garlicky yogurt, and chili butter—in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This approach preserves the textures and flavors best and gives you flexibility for reheating and assembling later. Stored properly, leftovers last up to 2 days.

Freezing

Freezing is best reserved for the spiced ground beef sauce alone since pasta and yogurt don’t freeze well. Freeze the beef sauce in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

Warm the pasta and spiced beef separately either on the stove or in the microwave. Reheat the chili butter sauce carefully in a small pan or microwave until melted and hot. Keep the garlicky yogurt cold and fresh, adding it as a final touch after reheating so it retains its creamy tang and vibrant flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While farfalle is ideal for catching the sauces, any pasta shape like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli will work just fine. Just make sure it holds sauces well to get that perfect bite.

Is there a vegetarian version of the Turkish Pasta with Garlicky Yogurt, Spiced Ground Beef, and Chili Butter Drizzle Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with spiced lentils or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option that still delivers great texture and flavor.

How spicy is the chili butter drizzle?

The chili butter drizzle is moderately spicy but can be adjusted to your taste by varying the amount of red pepper flakes. Start with less if you prefer mild heat, and increase gradually.

Can I prepare parts of this dish in advance for meal prep?

Definitely. You can cook the beef sauce and pasta ahead of time and store them separately. Make the yogurt sauce fresh before serving, and prepare the chili butter drizzle just before drizzling for the best taste and texture.

What can I use instead of red pepper paste?

If red pepper paste isn’t available, tomato paste mixed with a pinch of chili flakes or hot smoked paprika can be a suitable substitute to mimic the flavor and vibrant color.

Final Thoughts

This Turkish Pasta with Garlicky Yogurt, Spiced Ground Beef, and Chili Butter Drizzle Recipe is a show-stopper you’ll want to return to again and again. It’s quick, flavorful, and a beautiful example of simple ingredients done right. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, this dish effortlessly brings warmth, comfort, and a spark of exotic flair to your table. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become one of your favorite go-to meals!