Filipino Spaghetti is a delicious take on the classic spaghetti Bolognese, with its distinct sweet and savory sauce that sets it apart. No birthday is complete without it in the Philippines, but it's easy enough to whip up any day!
Jump to:
Ingredients you'll need
Notes and substitutions
- Crushed tomatoes: I like using crushed tomatoes than regular tomato sauce because they have this slightly chunky texture.
- Banana ketchup: This is a sweet and tangy condiment widely used in Filipino cuisine, made primarily from bananas. Ufc and Jufran are popular brands. You can also use tomato ketchup, which is slightly more acidic.
- Tomato paste: This is like the flavor powerhouse of tomatoes, really concentrated and packed with that rich, deep tomato taste.
- Hotdogs: These brightly-colored red hotdogs are typically used in Filipino spaghetti sauce. You can always use regular hotdogs, ham, or sausages.
- Cheese: Quick melting cheese, like Eden cheese or Quickmelt, is typically used for its creamy, melty texture. You can always use American cheese, cheddar cheese, or Parmesan cheese.
How to make this recipe
Step 1: Sauté aromatics
In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until they soften and begin to caramelize.
Step 2: Add tomato paste
Add the tomato paste and cook it for a few minutes until it starts to brown and caramelize.
Step 3: Brown the meat
Add the ground beef, then increase to medium-high heat. As it cooks, break it apart into separate, smaller pieces until they become lightly browned. Then, season them with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Add hot dogs
Throw in the sliced hot dogs and cook for about 2 minutes, or until they start to brown.
Step 5: Add crushed tomatoes and ketchup
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and banana ketchup. Stir well to combine everything together. Let it come to a boil, then reduce to medium heat.
Cover and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the bottom from burning.
Step 6: Cook spaghetti
While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot. Unlike typical Italian dishes where pasta is often al dente, Filipino spaghetti is usually cooked until it's well done. Once it reaches this stage, drain the pasta but set aside some of the pasta water.
Step 7: Add milk and season
Pour the evaporated milk and mix it into the sauce. Season with sugar, fish sauce, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.
Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes, then turn off the heat. If the sauce seems too dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Serve
Ladle the meat sauce generously over the cooked pasta. Toss them together, then top with grated cheese.
Enjoy your delicious Filipino-style Spaghetti!
Recipe FAQs
Filipino Spaghetti is known to be on the sweet side. It typically includes ingredients you won't find in other traditional Italian sauces, like hotdogs, banana ketchup, and milk.
Banana ketchup adds sweetness and color to the dish. It's a key ingredient in achieving that authentic Filipino flavor.
What to serve with Filipino Spaghetti
- Garlic Bread: Toasted slices of bread topped with garlic butter.
- Pandesal: Soft and fluffy bread rolls coated with breadcrumbs.
- Lumpiang Shanghai: Crispy spring rolls filled with seasoned pork and vegetables.
- Inihaw na Liempo: Marinated pork belly slices, typically grilled over charcoal.
- Pork Barbecue Skewers: Grilled pork skewers, marinated and glazed with a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce.
- Fried Chicken: Crispy, juicy fried chicken pieces.
Other noodles and pasta recipes you may like
Did you make this recipe? I would love to know! Your feedback helps me make better recipes. Please rate, review, or comment below. Questions about this recipe are welcome, too!
Let's connect on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, Twitter, and Youtube. Be sure to tag me when you try any of my recipes @recipesbynora!
📖 Recipe
Filipino Spaghetti
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed pot or large saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste see note
- 1½ pounds ground pork or beef
- 4 hotdogs sliced; see note
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes see note
- 1 cup banana ketchup see note
- ¼ cup evaporated milk sub: milk or cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar more to taste
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce more to taste
- Grated cheese see note
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Neutral oil for sautéing
Instructions
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until they soften and begin to caramelize.
- Add the tomato paste and cook it for a few minutes until it starts to brown and caramelize.
- Add the meat, then increase to medium-high heat. As it cooks, break it apart into separate, smaller pieces until they lightly brown. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the hot dogs and cook for about 2 minutes, or until they start to brown.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and banana ketchup. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Let it come to a boil, then lower to medium heat.
- Cover and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the bottom from burning.
- While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Unlike typical Italian dishes where pasta is often al dente, Filipino spaghetti is usually cooked until it's well done. Once it reaches this stage, drain the pasta but set aside some pasta water.
- Pour the evaporated milk into the sauce. Season with sugar, fish sauce, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.
- Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes, then turn off the heat.
- Ladle the meat sauce generously over the spaghetti, then top with grated cheese. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Crushed tomatoes: These are coarsely ground tomatoes with a slightly chunky texture. You can use tomato sauce as a substitute.
- Banana ketchup: This is a sweet and tangy condiment widely used in Filipino cuisine, made primarily from bananas. You can also use tomato ketchup, which is slightly more acidic.
- Tomato paste: A concentrated form of tomatoes that adds a rich, deep tomato flavor.
- Hotdogs: Red hotdogs, which are brightly colored and slightly sweetened, are typically used. You can always use regular hotdogs, ham, or sausages.
- Cheese: Processed cheese, like Eden cheese or Quick melt, is typically used for its creamy, melty texture. You can always use American cheese, cheddar cheese, or Parmesan cheese.
Elaine says
Yum!!!
Nora Reyes says
Thank you, Elaine.