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.
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 1/4 cup of water.
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!
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
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
- The Best Chicken Healing Soup
- Easy Grilled Chicken Sub Sandwich
- Gigi Hadid’s Viral Pasta Recipe
- Stacked Beef Shawarma Salad
- Mediterranean Salad Pita Wraps
- The Best American Beef Goulash
- Tomato Parmesan Spaghetti
- Tuna Pasta Salad
Pasta and Beef in Yogurt Sauce
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
Lora says
This dish was so delish and the yogurt sauce was yummy. Will def add it to our dinner rotation