Pastas are one of the best and most important food creations of all time. LOL! Or am I the only one who feels this way? Seriously though, what can’t you create with pasta? Salads, main dishes, side dishes, and everything in between.

This Pasta and Beef in Yogurt Sauce recipe is a testament to the versatility of pasta. It’s a Middle Eastern favorite also called macarona bi laban (ma3karona bi laban). It is easy to make and perfect for when you’re craving a cool hearty meal.

greek yogurt alfredo - Lebanese style — Layered pasta dish with garlic yogurt is not only easy but so delicious!

I say cool because this dish is popularly served cold. Although, some prefer it warm or hot which is fine too. It’s all about what your preference is and that’s another great thing about this dish.

Another great thing is that you can serve it as I do using this recipe or you can adapt it in terms of ingredients!

Adapting Pasta with Beef and Yogurt Sauce Recipe

As I mentioned above, pasta in general is so flexible to work with and create amazing dishes. There are quite a few ways to adapt this dish specifically so read on and see!

Keep in mind as well that you can always switch out and add things based on what you and your family or loved ones prefer.

Pasta

In my Pasta and Beef with Yogurt Sauce recipe, I opt for spaghetti. It’s always on-hand in my kitchen cabinet and we all know how kids enjoy slurping in those long spaghetti strings lol.

Though I feel spaghetti is a great choice for this dish, so many other pastas work perfectly. Shell pasta or elbow macaroni are great choices when your feeding younger kids.

You can also use rotini, fusilli, penne, or farfalle (bow-tie). Many have also made it using fettuccine which I think is also a perfect choice with the ground beef.

Meat-Free

Simply make the recipe as is, just omit the beef. It tastes just as yummy and becomes a little lighter. Traditionally, this dish is made in Lebanon as a money-saver, so meat is usually left out. This also makes it popular with younger kids who generally enjoy pasta without too many added ingredients!

Yogurt Sauce

In my recipe I use Greek yogurt for the yogurt sauce. Using natural yogurt is also very popular in the traditional sense. I’m talking yogurt straight from the cow lol! Whether you use plain yogurt or Greek, you’ll be getting all the nutrients you need and you’ll end up with the great flavor you’re craving. If you decide to use plain yogurt, mix with about ¼ cup of water.

Yogurt pasta recipe with seasoned ground meat - macarona bil laban — Creamy pasta recipe is so comforting and takes less than 20 minutes to prepare

The great thing about this yogurt sauce is you can prepare it as a hot yogurt sauce and eat it right away. Or you can prepare the it as cold yogurt sauce and still enjoy its wonderful flavors. It’s all about what you prefer and what time may allot for!

Greek Yogurt Pasta — Rich yogurt spaghetti

Ingredients for Pasta with Beef and Yogurt Sauce

spaghetti pack
Greek Yogurt Or Plain Yogurt
water
garlic cloves; minced
salt to taste

Meat Topping

olive oil
ground meat
seven spices

Garnish

toasted pine nuts
minced parsley
fresh or dried mint

pasta with yogurt — Greek yogurt pasta with minced beef also known as macarona bel laban is a must try!

Preparing Pasta with Beef and Yogurt Sauce

Boil pasta of your choice (I used spaghetti).
Sauté the ground beef in olive oil in a skillet on medium heat until brown and add the seven spices.
In a small pot (if you want your yogurt sauce hot), sauté minced garlic and add Greek yogurt, water, and salt. Mix occasionally , until it comes to a light boil and add the spaghetti to it.If you prefer it cold, smash the garlic cloves in a bowl and add the salt, Greek yogurt, and water and mix together. Then add your spaghetti.
Plate it and layer the ground beef over the pasta in yogurt sauce.
Add garnishes of your choice. It’s extra delicious if you sauté some pine nuts and put them on top! Enjoy!

Other Great Recipes to Check Out

Pasta and Beef in Yogurt Sauce

Lama

A delicious and light pasta dish that's easy to prepare and a kid-approved favorite!

5 from 2 votes

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

Ingredients

1 12 ounce spaghetti pack
1 12 ounce Greek Yogurt
1 cup water
5 cloves garlic minced
salt to taste

Meat Topping

3 tablespoons olive oil
½ pound ground meat
½ tablespoon seven spices

Garnish

toasted pine nuts
minced parsley
fresh or dried mint

Instructions

Boil pasta of your choice (I used spaghetti).
Sauté the ground beef in olive oil in a skillet on medium heat until brown and add the seven spices.
In a small pot (if you want your yogurt sauce hot), sauté minced garlic and add Greek yogurt, water, and salt. Mix occasionally , until it comes to a light boil and add the spaghetti to it.
If you prefer it cold, smash the garlic cloves in a bowl and add the salt, Greek yogurt, and water and mix together. Then add your spaghetti.
Plate it and layer the ground beef over the pasta in yogurt sauce.
Add garnishes of your choice. It's extra delicious if you sauté some pine nuts and put them on top! Enjoy!

Notes

*If you decide to use plain yogurt, mix with about ¼ cup of water.

Keyword macarona bi laban, Pasta, pasta in yogurt sauce

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Pasta and Beef in Yogurt Sauce