A sweet-savory take on spaghetti rooted in Filipino home cooking. This dish brings together tomatoes, banana ketchup, and a mix of beef and hot dogs – an unexpected combination that’s nostalgic, comforting, and deeply familiar to many Filipino households. It’s a reminder that comfort food doesn’t follow one rulebook. 

Ingredients

The Sauce

• 1–2 teaspoons cooking oil
• ½ medium white onion, finely chopped
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups crushed San Marzano or canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 small bay leaf
• 1½ teaspoons sugar
• ¼ cup banana ketchup (the secret ingredient) 
• Salt & pepper, to taste

The Proteins 

• ½ lb ground beef
• 3 hot dogs, sliced 
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 

For Serving

• 1 lb (450 g) spaghetti, cooked
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese 

 

Instructions

1. Start With the Sizzle

1. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add a little oil.
2. Add the sliced hot dogs and cook until lightly browned and crisped at the edges; remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the ground beef. Season lightly with salt and pepper and cook until brown, breaking it up as it cooks. 
4. Stir in the 1tsp soy sauce and 1tbsp tomato paste until glossy, rich, and well combined.
5. Return hot dogs to the pan. 

2. Build the Sauce

1. In a separate saucepan, heat 1–2 teaspoons of oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the chopped onion for 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, sugar, salt, and pepper.
5. Let the sauce simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Remove the bay leaf, then stir in the banana ketchup.
7. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Taste & enjoy.

3. Bring it Together

1. Pour the sauce into the meat mixture.
2. Simmer together for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.

4. Serve with Pride

1. Toss the sauce with cooked spaghetti or spoon generously over the top.
2. Finish with grated cheddar – no restraint necessary.

 

Why We Love It

Because food tells migration stories better than textbooks.

Because sweetness belongs in spaghetti. 

Because cultures evolve – and so should your plate.