Name: Filipino-Style Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Hotdogs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 1 lb spaghetti noodles; 1 lb ground beef; 4–6 Filipino-style hotdogs, sliced diagonally; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups tomato sauce; 1/2 cup banana ketchup (or regular ketchup with 1 tablespoon sugar); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste); 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons cooking oil; 1/2 cup grated processed cheese (Eden or cheddar), for topping

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Filipino-Style Spaghetti is a sweet, savory pasta dish made with ground beef, sliced hotdogs, and a rich tomato sauce often sweetened with banana ketchup. It’s a childhood favorite and party staple in the Philippines.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s nostalgic, comforting, and surprisingly addictive. The sweetness of the sauce paired with salty hotdogs and savory beef makes for a unique and satisfying dish the whole family will love.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

spaghetti noodles
ground beef
garlic and onion
banana ketchup or tomato sauce with sugar
Filipino-style hotdogs, sliced
grated cheddar or processed cheese
salt and pepper
oil for sautéing

Directions

Cook spaghetti according to package instructions and set aside.
Sauté garlic and onion in oil until fragrant.
Add ground beef and cook until browned.
Stir in banana ketchup or sweetened tomato sauce.
Add sliced hotdogs and simmer for 10 minutes.
Toss with cooked pasta and top with grated cheese.
Serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add bell peppers or carrots for extra veggies.
Use a mix of ground pork and beef.
Add evaporated milk for a creamier texture.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave until hot. Avoid freezing as texture may change.

FAQs

What is banana ketchup?

A sweet condiment made from mashed bananas, vinegar, and spices, common in Filipino cuisine.

Can I use regular hotdogs?

Yes, but Filipino-style red hotdogs give it the authentic flavor.

Is the sauce supposed to be sweet?

Yes, sweetness is a signature feature of this dish.

Can I use a different pasta?

Spaghetti is traditional, but linguine or fettuccine can work.

What kind of cheese should I use?

Grated processed cheese or mild cheddar is most authentic.

Is this dish spicy?

Not typically, but you can add chili flakes if desired.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Use plant-based ground meat and veggie hotdogs.

How do I avoid dry pasta?

Make sure to mix in some of the pasta water or add more sauce.

Can I make this ahead for parties?

Yes, and it reheats well for buffet-style servings.

Is this kid-friendly?

Extremely — it’s often served at children’s parties in the Philippines.

Conclusion

Filipino-Style Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Hotdogs is a fun and flavorful dish that blends cultural tradition with comfort food appeal. Its sweet-savory balance makes it uniquely beloved across generations.

Filipino-Style Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Hotdogs

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Filipino-Style Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Hotdogs is a sweet, savory, and comforting pasta dish that’s a staple at Filipino celebrations. It features tender spaghetti noodles coated in a rich, tomato-based sauce made with ground beef, sliced hotdogs, and a hint of sweetness from banana ketchup or sugar, topped with lots of grated cheese.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Filipino
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant and softened.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Stir in the sliced hotdogs and cook for 3–5 minutes until slightly browned.
Add tomato sauce, banana ketchup, tomato paste, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
Taste and adjust seasoning or sweetness as desired.
Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the sauce and toss until fully coated.
Transfer to a serving platter and top generously with grated cheese before serving.

Notes

Banana ketchup gives this dish its signature sweet flavor—regular ketchup can be used as a substitute with a bit of added sugar.
For a richer sauce, add a splash of evaporated milk near the end of cooking.
Commonly served at birthdays and family gatherings in the Philippines.