This Filipino-style spaghetti sauce combines ground beef, sliced hot dogs, and banana ketchup for a distinctly sweet and savory one-pot pasta dish. A traditional birthday party favorite that simmers for one hour to develop rich, thickened sauce topped with quick-melt cheese.
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In a pot over medium heat, cook spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package directions for about 7 to 9 minutes or until firm to bite. Drain well.
In a large saucepan, heat oil. Add sliced hot dogs and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 1 to 2 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from pan and set aside.
Add onions, garlic, and bell peppers to pan. Cook until softened.
Add ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally and breaking into small pieces until lightly browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, and beef broth. Stir in sugar.
Bring to a boil and then lower heat to simmer, covered, for about one hour or until meat is fully cooked and sauce is thickened. If the sauce is getting too thick, add water in ½ cup increments as needed.
During the last 10 minutes of cooking, add browned hot dogs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
To serve, spoon spaghetti sauce over noodles and top with shredded cheese.
Store cooled sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, adding water as needed. Freeze for up to 1 month. Cook pasta fresh before serving.
Regular ketchup will work but won't give the same sweet flavor profile. Banana ketchup is key to authentic Filipino-style spaghetti; if unavailable, add an extra 0.25 cup tomato sauce plus 1 tablespoon brown sugar for closer results.
The sauce simmers covered for about one hour until the meat is fully cooked and the sauce thickens. If it becomes too thick during cooking, add water in 0.5 cup increments.
Yes. Prepare the sauce through step 7, cool completely, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding water if needed to reach desired consistency. Cook the spaghetti fresh just before serving.
Filipino-style hot dogs (often called 'sweet hot dogs' or Vienna sausages brands like CDO or Magnolia) are traditional, but any sliced hot dog works if those are unavailable.
Yes. Proportionally adjust all ingredients, but keep the one-hour simmer time the same to ensure proper sauce thickening and meat cooking.
