Zingy Filipino Spaghetti Recipe: Sweet & Savory Joy in a Bowl

Filipino cuisine brings an unexpected twist to classic spaghetti with its uniquely sweet and savory profile.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this beloved comfort dish across the Philippines.

Vibrant tomato sauce blends with banana ketchup, creating a memorable flavor combination that surprises first-time tasters.

Tender hot dogs and ground meat add hearty richness to each delectable bite.

Kids and adults alike adore this playful pasta version that breaks traditional Italian rules.

Festive gatherings and birthday parties never feel complete without this iconic meal centerpiece.

You’ll want to experience this delightful culinary adventure that celebrates Filipino creativity on a single plate.

Filipino Spaghetti Recipe That’s Sweet, Fun, And Bold

• Crush Family Cravings: This Filipino spaghetti delivers a sweet and savory twist that kids and adults absolutely adore, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
• Master Comfort Cooking: Super simple recipe with straightforward steps ensures even beginner cooks can create a delicious meal without stress or complicated techniques.
• Customize Your Feast: Flexible ingredients like hotdogs and banana ketchup let you adjust flavors and add personal touches, making each preparation unique and exciting.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal prep and cooking time means you can transform basic ingredients into a delightful meal faster than ordering takeout, perfect for busy households.

What You’ll Need For Filipino Spaghetti Recipe

• Spaghetti Noodles: A classic pasta that serves as the foundation of this traditional Filipino dish.

• Ground Beef: The primary meat that provides a rich and hearty base for the sauce.
• Hotdogs: A signature Filipino ingredient that adds unique flavor and texture to the spaghetti.

• Tomato Sauce: Creates the foundational red sauce for the spaghetti.
• Banana Ketchup: A quintessential Filipino condiment that adds a sweet and tangy twist to the sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Helps balance the savory flavors with a subtle sweetness.
• Garlic, Onions: Aromatic vegetables that build a flavor base for the sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Cooking Oil: Used for sautéing and cooking the ingredients.

• Shredded Cheese: Provides a creamy and melty finish to the Filipino-style spaghetti.

How To Make Filipino Spaghetti Recipe Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare Noodle Base

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a rolling boil. Carefully drop spaghetti noodles into the water, cooking until they reach that perfect al dente texture. Drain the noodles and set them aside, letting them rest while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Sizzle Aromatic Base

Heat cooking oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame. Toss in minced garlic and diced onions, stirring until they become wonderfully fragrant and turn a soft, translucent golden color. The kitchen will start smelling incredible at this point.

Step 3: Brown The Protein

Add ground beef to the skillet, using your spatula to break it into small, bite-sized pieces. Cook the meat thoroughly, making sure it’s nicely browned and no longer shows any pink sections. This should take around 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Add Classic Filipino Protein

Introduce sliced hotdogs into the beef mixture. Stir and combine them, allowing the hotdogs to heat through and blend with the meat. This adds a unique Filipino twist to the traditional spaghetti.

Step 5: Create Signature Sauce

• Tomato sauce
• Banana ketchup

Stir everything together, letting the sauce blend seamlessly with the meat mixture. The combination will create a rich, vibrant base.

Step 6: Balance Flavor Profile

Sprinkle brown sugar into the sauce. Mix thoroughly to develop a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. This is the secret to authentic Filipino spaghetti.

Step 7: Season And Simmer

Add salt and black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to mingle and develop depth. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 8: Combine Noodles And Sauce

Gently fold the cooked spaghetti noodles into the sauce. Ensure each strand gets completely coated with the delicious meat sauce. The noodles should be completely embraced by the flavorful mixture.

Step 9: Cheese Finale

Transfer the spaghetti to a beautiful serving platter. Generously shower the top with shredded cheese, letting it slightly melt from the warmth of the pasta.

Step 10: Serve And Enjoy

Bring the spaghetti to the table immediately while it’s piping hot. Watch as the cheese creates a delightful, melty blanket over the colorful sauce. Prepare for a flavor explosion that celebrates Filipino culinary creativity.

Tips To Rock Your Filipino Spaghetti Recipe

• Noodle Prep Pro: Ensure spaghetti is perfectly al dente by salting water generously and setting a timer to avoid overcooking.
• Meat Browning Magic: Break ground beef into tiny pieces while cooking to create a more even texture and richer flavor in the sauce.
• Sweet-Savory Balance: Adjust banana ketchup and brown sugar ratio to achieve the classic Filipino spaghetti's signature sweet-tangy taste.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Let hot spaghetti sit for a minute after adding cheese to help it melt smoothly and create a creamy topping.
• Quick Sauce Hack: Simmer sauce longer for deeper flavor development and to allow ingredients to blend completely.

Flavorful Twists On Filipino Spaghetti Recipe

• Spicy Fiesta Edition: Add diced jalapeños and chili flakes to the sauce for a kick of heat, perfect for those who love bold flavors.
• Veggie Power Boost: Replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and mix in bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini for extra nutrition.
• Seafood Fusion: Swap beef for shrimp or crab meat, enhancing the sauce with a dash of seafood seasoning for a coastal-inspired version.
• Cheesy Overload: Incorporate multiple cheese types like mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan for a richer, more complex cheese experience.

Best Bites To Serve With Filipino Spaghetti Recipe

• Savor Sweet Carbonated Contrast: Pair Filipino spaghetti with an ice-cold cola to complement its sweet and savory sauce, creating a classic Filipino dining experience that balances the rich meaty flavors.
• Crunch with Creamy Comfort: Serve crispy garlic bread or toasted dinner rolls alongside the spaghetti, allowing diners to soak up the delicious sauce and add a textural contrast to the soft noodles.
• Refresh with Citrus Brightness: Add a side of fresh green salad with a zesty citrus vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheesy, sweet spaghetti, providing a light and tangy counterpoint to the hearty main dish.

Keep Filipino Spaghetti Recipe Fresh The Easy Way

• Transfer leftover Filipino spaghetti to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish's flavor.
• Pack cooled spaghetti in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining best quality and taste.
• Thaw refrigerated or frozen spaghetti in the microwave, adding a splash of water to prevent drying. Stir occasionally and heat until thoroughly warm, ensuring even temperature throughout the dish.
• Sprinkle additional cheese or reheat with a quick pan-fry to restore the original texture and revive the flavors when serving leftovers.

Quick Filipino Spaghetti Recipe FAQs

• Why is banana ketchup used in this recipe?

Banana ketchup is a unique Filipino condiment that adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the spaghetti sauce, creating a distinctive taste different from traditional Italian spaghetti.

• What makes Filipino spaghetti different from other spaghetti recipes?

Filipino spaghetti is known for its sweet and savory sauce, using ingredients like banana ketchup and hotdogs, which are not typically found in traditional spaghetti recipes.

• Can I substitute banana ketchup if I can't find it?

You can use regular tomato ketchup mixed with a bit of sugar as an alternative, though the flavor will be slightly different from the authentic Filipino version.

Filipino Spaghetti Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sweet meets savory in this classic Filipino Spaghetti, where a unique blend of tangy-sweet sauce and hot dogs creates a comfort classic beloved across generations. Hearty noodles swimming in rich, slightly sugary tomato sauce invite you to savor a delightful cultural culinary experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

pasta and meat:

• 1 lb spaghetti noodles
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb hotdog, sliced

sauce ingredients:

• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup banana ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

seasonings and additional ingredients:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese

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Instructions

1. Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook spaghetti noodles until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and diced onions until fragrant and translucent.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until browned and no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes.
4. Incorporate sliced hotdogs into the beef mixture, stirring to combine and heat through.
5. Pour tomato sauce and banana ketchup into the skillet, stirring to blend with the meat.
6. Sprinkle brown sugar into the sauce, mixing thoroughly to create a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
7. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste. Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
8. Gently fold the cooked spaghetti noodles into the sauce, ensuring each strand is evenly coated.
9. Transfer the spaghetti to a serving platter and generously top with shredded cheese.
10. Serve hot, allowing the cheese to slightly melt over the warm spaghetti.

Notes

• Enhance the sweetness by adjusting the banana ketchup and brown sugar ratio to suit personal taste preferences.
• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce fat content while maintaining the classic Filipino spaghetti flavor profile.
• Choose mild cheddar or quick-melting cheese for an authentic Filipino-style cheesy topping that adds creamy richness.
• Prepare the sauce in advance and let it simmer longer for deeper, more developed flavors that elevate the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Filipino

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 525
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg