Meaty Filipino Style Spaghetti

Spaghetti is one of the dishes we adopted from foreign cultures and our version of spaghetti is somehow different from the original Italian style spaghetti which only consists of tomato sauce plus herbs and spices. What makes our spaghetti really Pinoy is the addition of banana ketchup, ground meat and hotdog.

Indulge in the Delightful Dish

Spaghetti is a universally loved dish, and the Philippines is no exception. Filipinos have put their own unique twist on this classic Italian favorite, creating a mouthwatering delicacy known as Filipino style spaghetti. What sets it apart from its Italian counterpart? It’s all about the blend of flavors, featuring banana ketchup, ground meat, and hotdogs. In this recipe blog post, we’ll take you through the process of creating this delectable dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

The Perfect Pasta Base

To kickstart your spaghetti journey, you’ll need a sturdy foundation. That foundation is, of course, the pasta. You can choose to use Italian-style spaghetti sauce, but tomato sauce with a hint of tomato paste is also an excellent alternative.

Boil the Water and Prepare the Pasta

• In a spacious pot, bring water to a rolling boil.
• Add a pinch of salt and a dash of cooking oil to the boiling water. The salt enhances the pasta’s flavor, while the oil prevents sticking.
• Gradually introduce the spaghetti pasta into the pot, following the instructions on the packaging.
• Keep a close eye on the pasta’s texture; you want it tender but not overcooked. Think “al dente” – firm yet not hard.
• When ready, drain the water over the sink, and immediately fill the pot with tap water to halt the cooking process.
• Once drained again, transfer the pasta to a colander or strainer to eliminate any excess water.
• Let it sit and drain for a few minutes, then transfer it to a suitable container, such as a Tupperware, and set it aside.

The Savory Sauce

Now that your pasta is prepared, it’s time to move on to the star of the show: the rich and savory sauce.

Create the Flavorful Sauce

• In a medium-sized saucepan, melt a knob of butter over low heat.
• Sautee minced garlic and finely chopped onion until the onions turn translucent and tender.
• Introduce the ground beef and stir-cook it for a minimum of 5 minutes.
• Add sliced hotdogs to the mix and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
• It’s now time to infuse the distinctive Filipino flavors. Pour in the Italian-style spaghetti sauce or the tomato sauce and tomato paste combination.
• Enhance the sauce with bouillon cubes, banana ketchup, and 1 cup of water.
• Allow the sauce to simmer for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent any burning at the bottom of the pan.

The Grand Finale

Now that both your pasta and sauce are ready, it’s time to bring them together for the grand finale.

Assemble and Serve

• Set the stage for your spaghetti masterpiece by arranging your chosen serving dish or platter.
• Begin by placing the prepared pasta on the dish.
• Now, pour the delectable, meaty sauce generously over the pasta.
• For that extra layer of flavor and a touch of creaminess, garnish your creation with a liberal amount of grated cheese.
• With the finishing touches complete, it’s time to serve and relish your flavorful creation.

A Taste of Home

Filipino style spaghetti is more than just a dish; it’s a nostalgic journey through the unique flavors of Filipino cuisine. The combination of the Italian-style sauce, banana ketchup, and the delightful meatiness of ground beef and hotdogs creates a harmony of tastes that has captured the hearts and palates of Filipinos for generations. This dish is often a centerpiece at gatherings, birthdays, and family celebrations, and it’s no wonder why.

Why Choose Italian-Style Spaghetti Sauce?

You might wonder why we use Italian-style spaghetti sauce in this recipe, especially when we already have the sweet-style sauce and tomato paste readily available. The answer lies in the harmony of flavors that Italian-style sauce brings to Filipino style spaghetti. It offers a unique tanginess and depth that perfectly complements the other elements, creating a balanced and mouthwatering experience. However, if you prefer to use tomato sauce and tomato paste, you can certainly do so, adding approximately 1/4 cup of tomato paste to the mix.

Final Thoughts

Filipino style spaghetti is a culinary masterpiece that perfectly encapsulates the fusion of Filipino and Italian influences. With its distinct flavors, it has become a beloved comfort food for many. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just craving a hearty meal, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more. So why not embark on your own spaghetti adventure? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and experience the joy of savoring this delicious Filipino classic. It’s not just a dish; it’s a taste of home.

Print Recipe

5 from 2 votes

How To Cook Meaty Filipino Style Spaghetti

Spaghetti is one of the dishes we adopted from foreign cultures and our version of spaghetti is somehow different from the original Italian style spaghetti.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time1 hour hr

Total Time1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course: Pasta

Cuisine: Filipino

Keyword: Filipino spaghetti, meaty spaghetti, pinoy spaghetti

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 158kcal

Author: Manny

Ingredients

• 1 kilo Spaghetti pasta
• 1 big bottle banana ketchup
• 560 grams Italian style Spaghetti sauce
• 1 tsp. garlic minced
• 3/4 kilo ground beef
• 6 pcs hotdogs sliced
• 2 boullion beef cubes dissolved in 1 cup hot water
• 1 medium sized onion chopped
• 1 cup grated Cheddar Cheese
• 100 grams butter or margarine
• 2 Tbsp salt
• 1 liter water for boiling the pasta
• 4 Tbsp cooking oil

Instructions

How To Cook Meaty Filipino Style Spaghetti

• In a large pot with water, bring it to a boil then add salt and cooking oil.
• Salt adds flavor to the pasta and the cooking oil prevents the pasta from sticking together.
• Then add the spaghetti pasta and cook according to the instruction on the package.
• Check if the pasta is already cooked and tender, firm but not hard (al dente).
• Don't overcook the pasta so it will not become too soggy.
• Drain the water in the sink and fill the pot with tap water to prevent the pasta from overcooking.
• Drain the water again and pour the pasta in a colander or strainer to remove the excess water.
• Let it drain for a few minutes then transfer to a Tupperware or any container that can hold the pasta. Set aside.
• In a medium size saucepan, melt the butter and saute the garlic and onion until the onions are cooked and transparent.
• Then add the ground beef and stir cook for at least 5 minutes.
• Then add the hotdog and cook for 2 minutes again.
• Add in the spaghetti sauce, bouillon cubes, banana ketchup and 1 cup of water then simmer again for 20 minutes.
• Stir the sauce while cooking from time to time to prevent the bottom of the sauce from burning.
• Prepare a serving dish or platter and put the pasta then pour the sauce on top of it.
• Garnish with grated cheese on top and serve.

Video

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Notes

Cooking Tips:

1. Balancing Sweetness: Filipino style spaghetti is known for its slightly sweet taste, primarily due to the inclusion of banana ketchup. To achieve the perfect balance of sweetness, start with a moderate amount of ketchup and adjust to your preference as the sauce simmers; you can always add more if needed.
2. Texture Matters: When cooking the pasta, aim for the ideal "al dente" texture firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and won't hold the sauce well, so keep a close eye on it during the boiling process.
3. Stirring and Simmering: To infuse all the flavors in the sauce, remember to stir it occasionally while simmering. This helps prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensures that all the ingredients meld together perfectly for that signature spaghetti taste.