Pasta, known as makarna in Turkey, was introduced during the Ottoman era through trade with Italy and later became a staple comfort food, especially in the Central Anatolia region where simple meat‑and‑yogurt sauces are traditional.

In the Black Sea region, makarna is often served with a walnut‑based sauce, while in the southeast you’ll find it with spicy tomato‑pepper sauces. The viral version adds a yogurt‑garlic‑lemon twist that reflects the broader Turkish love of tangy dairy sauces.

It is typically plated hot, topped with a drizzle of melted butter or olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill, and sometimes a dollop of thick yogurt. It is eaten with a fork and often accompanied by a simple salad or pickles.

Makarna is a everyday family meal but is also served at casual gatherings, picnics, and during Ramadan evenings when a quick, hearty dish is needed after fasting.

A fresh shepherd’s salad (çoban salatası), grilled eggplant (patlıcan kebabı), or a side of pickled vegetables complement the richness of the pasta and balance the tangy yogurt sauce.

The combination of a spiced ground‑beef base, a bright yogurt‑garlic‑lemon sauce, and a butter‑paprika drizzle creates a layered flavor profile that is both creamy and smoky, which is not typical in classic Turkish makarna dishes.

Over‑cooking the beef, burning the butter‑paprika sauce, and heating the yogurt sauce too quickly are the biggest pitfalls. Keep the butter on low heat and add the yogurt at the end, off the direct flame.

The butter‑paprika sauce adds a silky richness and a subtle smoky note that balances the tang of the yogurt, whereas a tomato sauce would compete with the yogurt’s acidity and change the dish’s signature flavor profile.

Yes. Cook the beef and pasta, and prepare the yogurt sauce up to a day ahead. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the beef and pasta gently, then stir in the cold yogurt sauce just before serving.

The YouTube channel Marquis focuses on quick, viral‑style recipes from around the world, often adding practical tweaks for home cooks while keeping the videos concise and visually engaging.

Marquis emphasizes simplified, ingredient‑light versions of popular Turkish street and home dishes, prioritizing speed and accessibility over elaborate traditional techniques, which sets it apart from channels that stick strictly to classic methods.