Filipino spaghetti is not Italian spaghetti. It’s something else entirely—and that’s exactly what makes it so beloved. Sweet, savory, and unapologetically unique, this dish is the star of every Filipino birthday party, holiday celebration, and Jollibee run.
It’s spaghetti with ground beef, sliced hot dogs, a sauce sweetened with banana ketchup, and a generous topping of melted cheese.
If you’ve never had it, prepare to be surprised. If you grew up with it, you’re already craving it. This recipe recreates that iconic Jollibee-style flavor at home—the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and cheesy. Make it for a crowd, because one batch is never enough.
Serves 6-8.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside. Toss with a little oil to prevent sticking if needed.
Sauté Aromatics and Meat
- Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and onion. Cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add ground beef. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add sliced hot dogs and cook for 2 minutes until lightly browned.
- Add optional vegetables (bell pepper, carrot) and cook for 2 minutes.
Build the Sauce
- Add banana ketchup, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, brown sugar, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Taste and adjust sweetness—add more sugar if desired. Filipino spaghetti is traditionally quite sweet.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add cooked spaghetti to the sauce. Toss until every strand is coated.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen.
Cheese Topping
- Transfer spaghetti to a serving platter or individual bowls.
- Sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese should melt slightly from the heat of the pasta.
- Add grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with extra sliced hot dogs, toasted garlic bits, or fresh parsley.
- Serve hot. Take a bite. Sweet, savory, cheesy—this is the taste of Filipino celebrations.
Summary
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Difficulty: Easy, nostalgic, crowd-pleasing
Storage Notes
Leftovers:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight.
Reheating:
Skillet (best): Reheat over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen sauce. Microwave: 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. Add fresh cheese on top after reheating.
Make Ahead:
Sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance. Cook pasta fresh when ready to serve, or combine and refrigerate for quick reheating.
Freezer-Friendly:
Freeze sauce (without pasta) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and cook fresh pasta. Fully assembled spaghetti can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
