Sweet, Savory, and Nostalgic: A Family Favorite
There's something truly special about Filipino sweet-style spaghetti. For us Pinoys, spaghetti is more than just a dish—it's a celebration on a plate. Whether it’s a birthday, a family gathering, a reunion, or even just an ordinary dinner when someone in the family craves pasta, sweet-style spaghetti is always the go-to choice. When we say "spaghetti," this is exactly what we mean—rich, sweet, and packed with memories.
I remember growing up, every birthday party had this dish as the star of the buffet. And why not? It's every Pinoy kid's favorite. There's something about the sweet, savory sauce paired with juicy hotdogs that brings out the child in all of us. Even now, it’s the dish my family enjoys the most, whether as an ultimate midday snack or as the main course for dinner. The moment the aroma fills the kitchen, everyone gathers around, eager to dig in.
There’s a certain magic in the simplicity of sweet-style spaghetti. Unlike other pasta dishes that might be loaded with complex flavors and exotic ingredients, this dish is straightforward yet deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that doesn’t require much thought or effort, but delivers comfort and nostalgia with every bite. My family loves to reminisce about the times we’d all sit together around the table, laughing and sharing stories while enjoying this dish. It’s not just the taste that makes it special, but the moments we create while eating it.
Recipe video:
One of the reasons sweet-style spaghetti holds such a dear place in our hearts is because of its versatility. It’s the perfect dish for any occasion. Need something quick for lunch? Sweet-style spaghetti. Hosting a potluck? Sweet-style spaghetti. Just want to make the kids happy on a random weekday? Sweet-style spaghetti. It’s a dish that never fails to bring smiles, no matter the time or place. My siblings and I grew up looking forward to this dish as a treat, and even now, it’s something we all request whenever we’re together.
Another thing I love about sweet-style spaghetti is how customizable it is. While the classic version with ground beef, tomato sauce, and hotdogs is always a hit, you can easily add your own twists to make it your own. Some people like to mix in a bit of grated cheese, others might add a splash of cream for a richer sauce. My family sometimes throws in extra vegetables or uses different kinds of sausages depending on what we have on hand. It’s a dish that welcomes creativity while still holding on to its beloved sweet and savory essence.
Today, I’m excited to share with you my own version of Filipino Sweet-Style Spaghetti—a recipe that’s been loved by my family and is sure to become a favorite in yours too.
Ingredients:
- 500g ground beef
- 600g tomato sauce (Italian style)
- 200ml water
- 2 pcs German Franks sausage, sliced
- 1/2 cup canned button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 piece carrot, diced
- 2 pieces onion, chopped
- 1 piece bell pepper, diced
- 1 1/2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp annatto seeds soaked in 1/8 cup water (optional)
- 250g spaghetti pasta
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Cook the pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add a generous amount of salt and cook the spaghetti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large pan, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent. Toss in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add the veggies: Once the beef is browned, add the diced carrots, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Mix in the sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and water, stirring well to combine. Add the sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. If using annatto water, pour it in now for that extra vibrant color.
- Sausage time: Add the sliced German Franks sausage to the sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and all the flavors meld together.
- Combine and serve: Once the sauce is ready, toss in the cooked spaghetti and mix until every strand is coated with that sweet, flavorful sauce.
- Enjoy with family: Serve hot and watch how quickly it disappears from the table! Whether it’s for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack, this sweet-style spaghetti is sure to be a hit with everyone in the family.
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