If you’re craving something uniquely comforting with a fun twist, you’ve got to try this Filipino Spaghetti with Sweet Sauce Recipe. It’s not your typical Italian spaghetti – it’s got this irresistible sweet-savory vibe that always surprises and delights. Trust me, once you make this, your family will be begging for seconds, and you’ll understand why it’s a favorite at Filipino celebrations and everyday dinners alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uniquely Sweet Flavor: The banana ketchup and sweet-style sauce give it that signature, delightful sweetness you won’t find in traditional spaghetti.
- Simple Ingredients: You can find everything in your local grocery store, and it comes together super easily, even if you’re new to Filipino cooking.
- Family Favorite: I’ve seen picky eaters and hungry kids alike devour this dish, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or parties.
- Customizable: You can tweak the meat or add extras like cheese and hot dogs to suit your taste and make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Filipino Spaghetti with Sweet Sauce Recipe lies in the harmonious mix of the sweet sauce, savory meat, and classic pasta. Most ingredients are pantry staples, but the key is picking the right sweet-style spaghetti sauce and banana ketchup for that authentic Filipino flavor.
- Lean ground pork: You can swap for ground beef if you prefer, but pork keeps it juicy and tender.
- Dry spaghetti: Regular spaghetti noodles work just fine; just be sure not to overcook them.
- Sweet-style spaghetti sauce: This is the heart of the recipe—choose one that’s pleasantly sweet but not overpowering.
- Banana ketchup: This might sound unusual at first, but it adds a fruity sweetness and depth that plain ketchup doesn’t.
- Yellow onion: Adds a little punch and sweetness when sautéed.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh is best here for a fragrant base.
- Red hot dogs: These sliced hot dogs give it that iconic Filipino party vibe and a bit of smoky flavor.
- Freshly grated cheese: I love a good sharp cheddar to sprinkle on top for a melty, creamy finish.
- Cooking oil: For sautéing—vegetable or canola oil works well.
- Salt and coarse black pepper: To season and balance the sweetness.
- Water or reserved pasta water: Helps to loosen up the sauce for the perfect coating consistency.
Variations
I like to switch things up depending on the occasion or what the family’s in the mood for. Feel free to get creative—you’ll find this recipe is a great base to make it your own.
- Meat Choice: I’ve replaced the ground pork with ground chicken or turkey when I want a leaner option, and it works beautifully.
- Vegetarian Twist: If you want to skip meat, sauté mushrooms and bell peppers instead—they add umami and texture without losing flavor.
- Extra Sweetness Level: You can adjust the amount of banana ketchup or sweet sauce depending on how sweet you like it—just go easy at first and taste as you go.
- Cheesy Variations: Sometimes I mix in some processed cheese or add mozzarella for that gooey stretch that kids absolutely love.
How to Make Filipino Spaghetti with Sweet Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Spaghetti Perfectly
This might seem basic, but getting your spaghetti cooked al dente is crucial. Boil your pasta in salted water just until tender but still firm to the bite, usually about 8 to 9 minutes. When draining, save about a quarter cup of pasta water to add into the sauce later—which helps loosen it up and binds the sauce to the noodles beautifully.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Pork
Heat your skillet with a tablespoon or two of cooking oil, then add the ground pork. Brown it well until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up with your spoon so it cooks evenly. I like to drain off any excess fat afterward to keep the sauce from getting greasy.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic to Build Aroma
In the same skillet, sauté the finely chopped yellow onions until they turn translucent, then add your minced garlic cloves. Cooking garlic gently until fragrant (but not burnt!) brings out that wonderful aromatic base that will make your sauce sing.
Step 4: Combine Pork, Hot Dogs, and Seasonings
Return the browned ground pork to the skillet, and season with salt and coarse black pepper. Stir and cook for 3 to 5 minutes more, letting the seasoning marry with the meat. Then add the diagonally sliced red hot dogs, letting them cook in the mix for another 4 to 5 minutes so they get a little caramelized and release their smoky flavor.
Step 5: Add the Sweet Sauce and Simmer
This is where the magic happens—pour in the sweet-style spaghetti sauce and banana ketchup, along with the reserved pasta water. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away on low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally—it thickens up and blends all those flavors together perfectly.
Step 6: Coat the Spaghetti and Finish with Cheese
Season your sauce to taste, then transfer about half into a bowl to set aside. Toss the al dente spaghetti into the skillet and stir until every strand is coated in that luscious sweet sauce. Finally, plate it up, spoon the reserved sauce over the top, and shower it with plenty of freshly grated cheese. It melts slightly on the warm spaghetti and adds that creamy, salty contrast that ties the whole dish together.
Pro Tips for Making Filipino Spaghetti with Sweet Sauce Recipe
- Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t toss that starchy water! It’s perfect for adjusting your sauce consistency without watering it down.
- Use Quality Banana Ketchup: The right brand really makes a difference in sweetness and flavor balance—I recommend trying a Filipino brand if you can.
- Don’t Overcook the Hot Dogs: Cook them just until slightly caramelized so they keep their bite and smoky note.
- Cheese as a Game Changer: Freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes way better than pre-shredded, so don’t skip this step!
How to Serve Filipino Spaghetti with Sweet Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top mine with a big handful of freshly grated sharp cheddar, but you can also add crushed toasted garlic or even some chopped green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor. A sprinkle of black pepper finishes it off beautifully.
Side Dishes
Filipino spaghetti is such a crowd-pleaser that I like to serve it with classic sides like fried chicken, lumpia (Filipino spring rolls), or a simple fresh green salad to balance out the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I’ve arranged the spaghetti in individual mini casserole dishes or even served it on lettuce cups for a fresh twist. You can also layer the spaghetti and sauce like a lasagna in a baking dish topped with cheese, then broil until bubbly for a fun variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and the spaghetti holds up well for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the sauce evenly.
Freezing
Freezing Filipino spaghetti is totally doable! I freeze portions without cheese (add fresh cheese after reheating) in freezer bags or containers. It thaws well but reheat gently to prevent the noodles from getting mushy.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce and keep the noodles moist. Avoid microwaving too long, or the texture will suffer. Adding fresh grated cheese on top after reheating makes it taste just as good!
FAQs
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What makes Filipino spaghetti different from regular spaghetti?
Filipino spaghetti is known for its uniquely sweet sauce made with banana ketchup and sweet-style spaghetti sauce, unlike the tangier tomato-based Italian spaghetti. It typically includes sliced hot dogs and a generous topping of cheese, giving it a distinctive sweet, savory, and cheesy flavor loved in Filipino households.
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Can I use regular ketchup instead of banana ketchup?
You can substitute regular ketchup in a pinch, but banana ketchup has a fruity sweetness and mild tang that regular ketchup lacks, which is key to nailing the authentic Filipino taste. If possible, give banana ketchup a try to experience the true flavor of this dish.
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How do I prevent the spaghetti from getting mushy?
Cook your spaghetti just until al dente, then rinse briefly with warm water and toss with a little oil if not mixing immediately. When reheating, warm gently and add some liquid to loosen the sauce instead of cooking at high heat or too long to prevent mushiness.
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Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat gently, toss it with freshly cooked spaghetti, add toppings, and serve warm. This makes hosting easier without sacrificing taste.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Filipino Spaghetti with Sweet Sauce Recipe brings a burst of happiness to our dinner table. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how the sweet sauce completely transformed spaghetti into something totally new and addictive. It’s comfort food, party starter, and family favorite all rolled into one. If you haven’t tried this sweet-savory twist yet, I promise you’re in for a real treat—give it a go and watch it become one of your go-to recipes too!
Print
Filipino Spaghetti with Sweet Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Filipino
Description
A delicious and uniquely Filipino twist on classic spaghetti featuring a sweet-style sauce blended with banana ketchup, savory ground pork, and sliced hot dogs. This comforting dish is topped with freshly grated cheese for a rich finish, perfect for family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ pound lean ground pork
- 6 ounces dry spaghetti
- 1 cup sweet-style spaghetti sauce
- ⅓ cup banana ketchup
- 1 small finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 pieces diagonally sliced red hot dogs
- ½ cup freshly grated cheese
- 1 to 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper
- ¼ cup water (pasta water reserved)
Instructions
- Boil Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the dry spaghetti until al dente, following package instructions. Drain the pasta and reserve about ¼ cup of pasta water for later use.
- Brown the Pork: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the cooking oil. Add the lean ground pork and brown it thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spatula. Once browned, drain off any excess fat and set the pork aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped yellow onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Combine Pork and Season: Return the browned ground pork back to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Season lightly with salt and coarse black pepper. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes while stirring regularly to incorporate flavors.
- Add Hot Dogs: Add the diagonally sliced red hot dogs into the skillet. Cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the hot dogs to slightly brown and meld with the pork mixture.
- Add Sauces and Simmer: Pour in the sweet-style spaghetti sauce, banana ketchup, and reserved pasta water. Stir everything to combine thoroughly. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to deepen the flavors.
- Season and Reserve Sauce: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Then transfer half of the sauce into a separate bowl to be used as topping later.
- Coat Spaghetti: Add the cooked al dente spaghetti into the remaining sauce in the skillet. Toss and stir well to fully coat the pasta with the flavorful sweet-style sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the coated spaghetti and on top add the reserved sweet-style sauce. Finish by sprinkling the freshly grated cheese generously over the dish before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated cheese for a creamy texture and authentic Filipino flavor.
- You can substitute the red hot dogs with any preferred sausage or omit for a leaner dish.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the banana ketchup quantity to suit your taste.
- Reserve pasta water is added to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the spaghetti.
- To enhance flavor, lightly brown the hot dogs and pork separately before combining.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup cooked spaghetti with sauce)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
