Filipino Spaghetti with Sweet Meat Sauce

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Give the sweet and savory deliciousness of Filipino spaghetti a try. It has a unique blend of flavors that are hard to resist.

A bowl of spaghetti with meat sauce and cheese.

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This unique pasta recipe adds a sweet twist on the classic Italian dish. It is sure to satisfy with its bold flavors and intriguing combination of ingredients.

The sweet and savory profile is created by adding banana ketchup, which gives it a distinct tanginess. It's no wonder it's a favorite at Jollibee fast food restaurants.

Reasons to Love

Bursting with flavor. The dish is known for its distinct sweet and savory taste. Unlike traditional Italian spaghetti, a Filipino spaghetti recipe incorporates banana ketchup, adding delightful sweetness to the sauce.
Comfort food at its finest. It's a dish that warms your soul and makes you feel at home.
Easy to make in any quantity. Filipino culture places great importance on family gatherings and bonding over food. This easy spaghetti with meat sauce is a staple dish during celebrations in the the Philippines such as birthdays and holidays because it's delicious and easy to prepare in large quantities.

Ingredients

You need to have some essential ingredients to create the perfect Filipino spaghetti. Let's dive in and explore what makes this dish so delicious!

Here's what you'll need to make this Filipino recipe:

lean ground pork
dry spaghetti noodles
sweet-style spaghetti sauce
banana ketchup
yellow onion
garlic
red hot dogs
grated cheese
cooking oil
salt
coarse black pepper
optional white cheddar cheese

Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.

Instructions

To start, you'll start by boiling the dry noodles in salted water until al-dente. Then drain, reserving the pasta water.

Ground beef in a frying pan with a wooden spoon.

In a large skillet, brown ground pork. Drain excess fat and set aside.

In the same skillet, sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.

A frying pan with ground meat and sliced hot dogs.

Add browned ground pork. Lightly season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes while regularly stirring. Add sliced hot dogs.

Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

A frying pan filled with ground meat and tomato sauce.

Pour the sweet-style tomato sauce, banana ketchup, and pasta water. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste then transfer half of the sauce in a bowl.

Add al dente spaghetti into the skillet.

Spaghetti with meat and tomatoes in a frying pan.

Fully coat with the sweet-style sauce.

Spaghetti and meat sauce in a frying pan.

Top with the reserved sweet-style spaghetti sauce.

Filipino spaghetti and meat sauce topped with cheese in a frying pan.

Top with the grated cheese, if desired.

Hint: Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to enhance the savory elements of the dish. Tasting and adjusting the sweetness as you go will help you achieve the desired flavor profile for your Filipino spaghetti with sliced hotdogs and ground pork.

Variations

There are various ways to modify this Filipino-style dish to suit.

Homemade sauce - if you aren't able to find sweet Filipino spaghetti sauce, you can make your own. Just mix a can of tomato sauce with a little tomato paste and sugar until it reaches the desired consistency and sweetness.
Meat - add guacamole, crispy onions or
Cheese - cheddar is the most commonly used topping. But you can also experiment with other types, like mozzarella or a combination of cheeses.

See this spicy version of this recipe on my website! (placeholder for in-content link)

Tips

Top tip: Cooking your noodles "al dente" is key to achieving the perfect texture in your Filipino spaghetti dish. This Italian term means cooking the pasta until it is still slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked noodles can become mushy and lose their appeal. So make sure to follow the instructions on the package and test a strand before draining them.

The sauce is where all the flavor comes from, so don't be shy with your seasonings. To enhance the flavors, you can also include diced bell peppers and carrots for added sweetness and color.
Banana ketchup adds a unique flavor profile to the dish. It balances out the acidity of tomatoes while providing a hint of sweetness. If you can't find it in your local grocery store, regular ketchup can be a substitute.

A bowl of spaghetti with meat sauce and tomatoes.

Serving suggestions

Filipino-style spaghetti is a delicious dish that can be enjoyed on its own, but it also pairs well with a few side dishes. One popular choice is garlic bread. The warm, buttery slices of bread complement the sweet and savory flavors of the spaghetti sauce. You can dip the garlic bread into the sauce or have it alongside each bite for an extra burst of flavor.

Another great option to serve alongside this dish is a fresh salad. A crisp green salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and hearty pasta dish. You can toss together some lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing to create a light and healthy accompaniment.

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make sure to let it cool down to room temperature before transferring it to the container to prevent condensation. When reheating, you can do so in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little bit of water or sauce to prevent it from drying out.

For longer storage, Filipino spaghetti can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then heat it up on the stove or microwave until it's warmed through. It's important to note that the texture of the noodles may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the flavor should remain delicious.

FAQs

Why is Filipino spaghetti sweet?

The sweetness comes from the using banana ketchup, which is a popular condiment in the Philippines. Banana ketchup has a slightly sweet taste compared to regular tomato ketchup.

What are some common toppings?

Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sliced hotdogs or sausages, and chopped scallions.

Is this spaghetti served as a main dish or a side dish?

The dish is typically served as a main rather than a side dish. It is often enjoyed during special occasions or family gatherings. It can be accompanied by garlic bread or served alongside other Filipino dishes such as fried chicken or lumpia (spring rolls).

Spaghetti with meat sauce and cheese on a plate.

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