Filipino Spaghetti
This recipe creates a classic Filipino spaghetti, a beloved comfort food known for its distinctly sweet tomato-based meat sauce. Combining ground beef and pork with spaghetti, banana ketchup, and hot dogs, it's a unique and flavorful dish, traditionally topped with shredded Cheddar cheese for a creamy finish.
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot For boiling spaghetti
- 1 Large Skillet or Dutch Oven For preparing the meat sauce
- 1 Chef's knife For chopping aromatics and hot dogs
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Wooden Spoon or Spatula For stirring and breaking up meat
Ingredients
Main
- 2 pounds spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 head garlic minced
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 26.5 ounce can spaghetti sauce
- 1 14 ounce jar banana ketchup
- 0.25 cup white sugar
- 0.5 cup water
- 1 pound hot dogs sliced diagonally
- 0.5 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente; drain well and set aside.
- In a large pot or deep skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add ground beef and ground pork to the pot. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until thoroughly browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the browned meat with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the spaghetti sauce, banana ketchup, white sugar, and water. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add the diagonally sliced hot dogs to the simmering sauce and continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the hot dogs are heated through.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning, adding more sugar if a sweeter profile is desired, or more salt/pepper.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce, ensuring all strands are evenly coated.
- Serve hot, garnished generously with shredded Cheddar cheese on top.
Notes
Filipino spaghetti stands out with its signature sweet and savory profile. To achieve optimal flavor, ensure the garlic and onion are fragrant and slightly caramelized before adding the ground meats. Brown the beef and pork thoroughly to develop deep, rich flavors, draining any excess fat to prevent a greasy sauce. The banana ketchup is key; its unique sweetness and tang are what define this dish. Adjust the amount of sugar to your preference, as sweetness can vary widely. For a richer sauce, consider a longer simmer time. Serve immediately with plenty of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, which provides a nice counterpoint to the sweetness.