If you haven’t eaten spaghetti, no matter what version, you’re really missing out. But let me tell you, Filipino-style spaghetti is something special. It’s sweet, savory, and has that perfect mix of flavors that will make you crave more. The sweetness of the sauce, the saltiness of the hotdogs, and the creaminess from the cheese—it’s a combination that will make you think of home, of birthdays, and simple family gatherings.
I am proud to say, our own version of spaghetti is one-of-a-kind. It’s not your typical spaghetti—it’s got that Pinoy twist that makes it stand out. The sauce is rich and flavorful, with a hint of sweetness that balances out the savory taste of ground meat and hotdogs. Plus, the cheese on top just melts into the sauce, making every bite so satisfying.
What Makes Filipino Spaghetti Special?
I grew up always looking forward to my birthday because I knew my mom, who cooks the best spaghetti, would make it for me. Filipino-style spaghetti isn’t like the usual Italian kind—it’s sweeter, more playful, and loaded with a mix of flavors that Pinoys just love. My mom would make the sauce thick and a little sweet, with slices of hotdogs mixed in. The cheese on top was the cherry on the cake!
In fact, I bet you’ve heard about one of the most successful fast food chains worldwide—Jollibee’s spaghetti. They made Filipino-style spaghetti famous! Just like what my mom used to make, their version has that perfect mix of sweet and savory, with slices of hotdog and a generous amount of cheese. It’s comfort food that hits the spot every time.
And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a plate of spaghetti? But here’s the best part—you can make it at home, and I’m here to show you how!
Filipino Style Spaghetti Ingredients
Spaghetti Noodles – These are the base of the dish, cooked until tender, perfect for soaking up that rich and flavorful sauce.
Garlic and Onion – These add depth to the sauce, with the garlic giving a nice aroma and the onion adding sweetness.
Ground Pork and Hotdogs – The ground pork makes the sauce meaty and satisfying, while the sliced hotdogs bring a fun and savory twist that’s a signature of Filipino-style spaghetti.
Filipino Style Spaghetti Sauce and Ketchup – The heart of the dish, these give the sauce its sweet and tangy flavor, making it distinctly Pinoy.
Salt, Ground Black Pepper, and Sugar – These seasonings balance the flavors, adding the right touch of saltiness, spice, and sweetness to the sauce.
How to Cook Filipino Spaghetti
Cook the Spaghetti Noodles
First, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and a drizzle of oil to the water. Then, cook the spaghetti noodles based on the package instructions until they’re tender but still firm. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside.
Sauté the Garlic and Onion
Heat some oil in a large pan over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and diced onions, and sauté them until they soften and turn golden. This will give your sauce a nice base of flavor.
Brown the Ground Pork
Next, add the ground pork to the pan. Cook it until it’s browned and no longer pink, making sure to stir and break up any clumps as you go. This will make the sauce meaty and satisfying.
Add the Hotdogs
Once the pork is browned, stir in the sliced hotdogs. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes, just enough to brown them a little and add more flavor to your sauce.
Mix in the Sauces
Now it’s time to add the Filipino-style spaghetti sauce and ketchup. Pour them both into the pan, then add a cup of water. Stir everything together until the sauce is well-combined.
Season and Simmer the Sauce
Season your sauce with some salt, ground black pepper, and sugar to balance the flavors. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to let it thicken and allow the flavors to come together.
Combine the Noodles and Sauce
Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked spaghetti noodles. Mix well so the noodles are fully coated with that rich, flavorful sauce.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Filipino spaghetti hot, and if you want to take it to the next level, top it with some grated cheese. Now, get ready to dig in and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks for the Best Filipino Spaghetti
Use Filipino-Style Spaghetti Sauce – This sauce is the key to getting that sweet, tangy flavor that makes Filipino spaghetti stand out. Don’t skip it!
Add Hotdogs for that Pinoy Twist – Sliced hotdogs bring that classic taste and fun texture. Fry them a bit to get them slightly browned for extra flavor.
Balance the Sweetness – If you want to adjust the sweetness, start with a little sugar, then taste and add more if needed. Everyone has their own sweet spot!
Simmer the Sauce – Let the sauce simmer for a good 10-15 minutes to thicken and blend all the flavors. This step makes a big difference!
Grate Cheese on Top – A little grated cheese on top goes a long way. It adds creaminess and that signature Pinoy touch.
Don’t Overcook the Noodles – Make sure to cook the noodles just right. You want them firm enough to hold up to the sauce but tender when you bite into them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can substitute ground pork with ground beef or chicken. Just make sure to adjust the seasonings to match your preferred flavor.
Processed cheese, like Eden or cheddar, works best as it melts nicely into the sauce. It adds a creamy and slightly salty flavor.
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before mixing it with the noodles.
If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar or skip it altogether. You can also choose a spaghetti sauce with a lower sugar content.
Leftover Filipino spaghetti can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stove before serving.
Filipino Style Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 500 grams Spaghetti Noodles (boil in water with cooking oil and salt)
- 2 tbsp Cooking Oil
- 8 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 pcs Onion (diced)
- 500 grams Ground Pork
- 6 pcs Hotdogs (sliced diagonally)
- Salt (to taste)
- 500 grams Filipino Style Spaghetti Sauce
- 250 grams Ketchup
- 1 cup Water
- 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Sugar
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and a drizzle of cooking oil. Cook 500 grams of spaghetti noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté 8 cloves of minced garlic and 2 diced onions until they soften and turn golden.
- Add 500 grams of ground pork to the pan. Cook until browned and no longer pink, stirring occasionally to break it up.
- Stir in the 6 sliced hotdogs and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to brown slightly.
- Add 500 grams of Filipino-style spaghetti sauce, 250 grams of ketchup, and 1 cup of water. Stir everything together to combine.
- Season the sauce with salt to taste, 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to thicken and allow the flavors to blend.
- Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked spaghetti noodles. Mix well to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve hot, optionally topped with grated cheese for a classic touch.
