Filipino Macaroni Spaghetti

Ingredients

• Large Elbow Macaroni: Boil the large elbow macaroni until al dente.
• Aromatics: Onion and garlic are key aromatics to add depth and flavor to this comforting macaroni dish.
• Bell Pepper: Adding some dice bell pepper or carrots adds texture and nutrition to this recipe. Chop them into the smallest pieces possible.
• Ground Meat: I use ground beef but you can use any of your favorite ground meat such as ground pork or sausage as a protein source.
• Tomato Sauce and Banana Ketchup: We use tomato sauce and ketchup to make our sweet-style macaroni spaghetti sauce. It is a balance of sweet and a bit of tangy sauce - a perfect combination. If you can't find banana ketchup, feel free to use tomato ketchup.
• Brown Sugar: Filipino tomato sauces are known to be sweet and slightly tangy. Adding brown sugar gives additional sweetness. Start with a small amount and add more sugar if you want a sweeter sauce.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Cheese is a must for all macaroni and cheese recipes. Extra sharp cheddar will likely make the sauce a bit gritty. And mild cheddar won't have enough flavor. Stick with freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Try not to use pre-shredded cheese! It's coated in starch (cellulose) which prevents it from clumping and prevents it from melting well.
• Spices and Seasonings: Soy sauce, salt, and pepper are the simple spices that flavor this Filipino Macaroni Spaghetti. Feel free to add your favorite spices as well.

Instructions

Step 1. Cook the elbow macaroni pasta: Boil enough water for one pound of uncooked elbow macaroni. Sprinkle some salt to season the macaroni. Cook the macaroni until al dente and take them out. Rinse with cold water to reduce starch and avoid sticking together. Set them aside.

Step 2. Prepare the Sauce:

1. Preheat your skillet and pour 2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Saute your chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent. Add your minced bell pepper if using any. Cook for a minute.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until light to golden brown. Break the meat into small pieces using a spatula.
3. Add the ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, and half a cup of water.
4. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the sauce is thickened.

Step 3. Combine cooked elbow macaroni and sauce: Add your cooked elbow macaroni to your sauce. Stir everything until the macaroni is fully coated with the sauce. Taste and adjust your seasoning according to your taste.

Sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Serve on a plate and sprinkle more cheese generously. Enjoy!

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week. Keep in mind that the sauce will thicken as it sits, so you'll need to add a splash or two of water before reheating.
• This Filipino mac and cheese really tastes best straight from the skillet, but if you want to reheat leftovers you totally can! Add a splash of half and half or milk to loosen it up and then reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until warmed thoroughly. Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.

About Filipino Macaroni Spaghetti

Filipino macaroni spaghetti is a combination of Italian and Filipino culinary traditions, resulting in a unique and mouthwatering dish that has become a staple in the Philippines. With its combination of al dente macaroni noodles, tangy and sweet tomato sauce, and an array of savory ingredients such as ground meat, hotdogs, and grated cheese, this dish offers a burst of flavors that will surely satisfy any pasta lover's cravings.

What sets Filipino macaroni spaghetti apart from its traditional Italian counterpart is its distinct sweet and savory flavor profile. The sauce used in this dish combines elements of tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, ground meat (usually beef), hotdogs or ham, onions, garlic, and various spices to make this dish the most flavorful macaroni spaghetti. This medley of ingredients creates a rich and flavorful sauce that perfectly coats the al dente macaroni noodles.

One key ingredient that adds sweetness to Filipino macaroni spaghetti is banana ketchup. Banana ketchup is a condiment made from mashed bananas mixed with vinegar, sugar, and spices. It provides a tangy-sweet taste that complements the savory components of the dish.

Another component that adds depth to the flavor profile is the addition of hotdogs or ham. These meats are typically sliced into small pieces and cooked together with ground meat in the sauce. They add texture and an extra layer of umami flavor to every bite.

The use of grated cheese as a topping further enhances both the taste and presentation of this delightful pasta dish. Cheddar cheese or quick melt cheese are commonly used options for sprinkling over each plate before serving.

Filipino macaroni spaghetti holds significant cultural value as well. It symbolizes warmth, generosity, and celebration within Filipino families. With its vibrant colors - red from tomatoes/tomato sauce combined with yellowish-orange hues from banana ketchup - it represents joyous occasions filled with laughter.

While some might find it unusual at first due to its fusion of flavors, Filipino macaroni spaghetti has gained popularity both locally and internationally. It is often praised for its unique taste that balances sweetness and savoriness in perfect combination.

So, the next time you want to explore the vast world of Filipino cuisine or simply satisfy your craving for a truly delightful pasta dish, give Filipino macaroni spaghetti a try.