Filipino Spaghetti Recipe
This recipe for Filipino Spaghetti is as easy as it can get. I also added an ingredient that helps improve the overall taste of the dish. Whether you enjoy it during special occasions or regular days, you won’t get enough of it.
Personally, I prefer my pasta well done for Pinoy spaghetti. I’ve become so accustomed to it that way. I also enjoy the sweet sauce topped with lots of cheese. That is my idea of sweet and salty and it works for me.
- Prepare the Spaghetti. Start by cooking the spaghetti noodles according to the instructions on the package. Different brands may have slightly different preparation times, so it’s important to follow them closely to achieve the perfect texture. Once the noodles are done, drain them and set them aside in a bowl to keep them from sticking together.
- Saute the aromatics and ground pork. Heat the oil in a pan. Add the minced onions and garlic, and sauté them until the onions soften and become translucent. Once the onions and garlic are soft, add the ground pork to the pan. Brown the pork until it turns a light brown color. This browning process adds depth of flavor to the meat and helps develop a richer taste for our Filipino-style sauce later.
- Add Luncheon Meat and Hotdogs. Afterward, add the minced luncheon meat and sliced hotdogs (or beef franks). Stir everything together and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the sauce. Pour in the Filipino Style Spaghetti Sauce and beef broth. Stir well and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, making the sauce rich and delicious! Taste the sauce and adjust with salt and pepper to suit your preference. Once the sauce is ready, pour it over the cooked spaghetti noodles and top with shredded cheddar cheese. Serve your Filipino spaghetti hot and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- When preparing spaghetti pasta for this Filipino Spaghetti, it’s important to add salt to the water before boiling. The salt enhances the flavor of the pasta as it cooks. Use about 1-2 tablespoons of salt for every 4-6 quarts of water.
- Make sure the water is at a full boil before adding the spaghetti noodles. This guarantees that the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t become mushy.
- Avoid adding oil to the water as it can prevent the sauce from sticking to the noodles.
- Adding luncheon meat (or potted meat) plays a big role in making the sauce taste meatier. You can also use potted meat as an alternative to it.
- You can use any type of grated cheese. Cheddar is the most common, while quickmelt cheeses are also used by some people. Queso de bola or Edam cheese also works too.
Variations
Filipino Spaghetti is perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or any celebration where you want a sweet pasta dish. If you’re looking for variations, you can try:
Creamy Baked Spaghetti – This pasta with creamy mornay sauce is great for holiday dinners or potlucks.
Chicken Spaghetti – If you don’t want pork at this time of the day. It can be prepared for casual family lunches.
Spaghetti with Meatballs – A classic choice for a hearty dinner and special occasions.
Spaghetti Carbonara – If you want to try something unique, this recipe won’t let you down. Its creamy texture is ideal for a quick meal, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Why Filipinos Spaghetti is Sweet
Filipino spaghetti is a uniquely Filipino adaptation of traditional Italian spaghetti. Filipinos’ love for bold, sweet flavors, as seen in dishes like beef pares and tocino, led them to create a favorite pasta dish with a distinct sweetness. Banana ketchup and sugar, both staples in Filipino cooking, make up the base of the Filipino spaghetti sauce. It has now become an iconic dish that Filipinos love to enjoy.
Watch How to Make It
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Filipino Style Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. Spaghetti noodles
- 1 lb. ground pork
- 6 ounces luncheon meat minced
- 4 pieces hotdogs or beef franks
- 35 ounces Filipino Style Spaghetti Sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 medium onion minced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, transfer to a bowl. Set aside.2 lbs. Spaghetti noodles
- Heat the oil in a Pan.3 tablespoons cooking oil
- Saute the onion and garlic.1 medium onion, 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Once the onions becomes soft, add the ground pork. Cook until the color turns light brown.1 lb. ground pork
- Add the luncheon meat and hotdog. Stir and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.6 ounces luncheon meat, 4 pieces hotdogs or beef franks
- Pour-in the Spaghetti sauce and beef broth. Stir and let boil. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.35 ounces Filipino Style Spaghetti Sauce, 1 cup beef broth
- Try to taste the sauce and add salt and pepper if needed.Salt and pepper to taste
- Pour the Filipino Style Spaghetti sauce over the Spaghetti. Top with shredded cheese.1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Serve. Share and enjoy!
Mary Harwood says
I saved the recipe to make later, but I’d really like some feedback. With the amount of meat and sauce I thought 2 pounds of spaghetti was an awful lot. Personally I would take it down to 1 pound so I don’t know if that was a misprint or if that’s the amount you actually would use. Seems like the spaghetti and meat sauce ratio would be significantly off.
Vanjo Merano says
You are right to question the amount, Mary. Two pounds of spaghetti makes a very large batch and gives the noodles a lighter coating of sauce. I would use 1 1/2 pounds for a better balance, or 1 pound if you prefer plenty of sauce with every serving. Thank you for pointing this out.