Mediterranean Spiced Beef Penne in Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Mediterranean Spiced Beef Penne in Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Mediterranean cuisine is known for its bold spices, creamy sauces, and wholesome ingredients. This Mediterranean Spiced Beef Penne in Garlic Yogurt Sauce combines all those elements into a single skillet meal that’s rich, tangy, comforting, and easy to prepare. The spiced ground beef brings warmth with hints of cumin and paprika, while the garlic yogurt sauce cools and balances the dish with a creamy finish. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests with minimal fuss.

Prep Time10 minutes

Cook Time25 minutes

Total Time35 minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

For the Mediterranean Spiced Beef:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2–3 garlic cloves, minced

1 pound (450g) ground beef (80-85% lean)

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but recommended)

½ teaspoon ground coriander

Salt and pepper to taste

¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:

1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)

1 garlic clove, minced or grated

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt to taste

1–2 tablespoons water (to thin, as needed)

Pasta:

8 ounces (225g) penne pasta (or substitute with rigatoni/fusilli)

Salted water (for boiling)

Garnish:

Chopped parsley or mint

Diced cucumbers or tomatoes (optional)

Crumbled feta cheese

Lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.

Add 1–2 tablespoons of water to loosen the sauce to a creamy consistency.

Chill until ready to use.

Step 3: Cook the Spiced Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Sauté chopped onions until translucent (about 4 minutes).

Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes).

Stir in cumin, paprika, cinnamon, coriander, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.

Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse the beef.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Add the drained penne to the skillet with the beef. Mix well. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.

Remove from heat and stir in half of the garlic yogurt sauce.

Plate the pasta and drizzle with more garlic yogurt sauce on top.

Garnish with parsley, diced vegetables, feta cheese, and lemon zest.

Tips for Success

Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a creamier, richer sauce.

Don’t skip the cinnamon—it adds a subtle warmth that enhances the beef.

Thin the sauce carefully—you want it pourable but not runny.

Rest the sauce in the fridge for a few minutes to let flavors meld.

Toast your spices with the beef to release their aromas.

Variations

Make it vegetarian: Use lentils, chickpeas, or mushrooms instead of beef.

Try lamb: Ground lamb offers a more traditional Mediterranean flavor.

Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Spicy twist: Add harissa paste or a dash of cayenne for more heat.

Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta or rice noodles.

FAQs

Q: Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek?
A: You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Strain it or reduce the added water.

Q: How long does it keep?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: The beef and pasta freeze well, but the yogurt sauce may separate when thawed. Freeze components separately for best results.

Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: Not inherently, but chili flakes or harissa can add heat if desired.

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

Note: Nutrition may vary based on exact ingredients used.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Spiced Beef Penne in Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a comforting, flavorful, and nourishing meal that blends spice and creaminess with every bite. It’s fast enough for weeknights yet elegant enough to serve guests. With simple pantry ingredients and bold Mediterranean flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.