While it might sound unusual to North American ears, the McSpaghetti is a legendary staple in international McDonald’s locations, most notably in the Philippines. This isn’t your traditional Italian Bolognese; it is a quintessential example of Filipino-style Spaghetti. Characterized by its distinctively sweet sauce, sliced red hot dogs, and a generous topping of processed cheese, it is a nostalgic comfort food that travelers often seek out. This copycat recipe allows you to recreate that specific fast-food magic in your own kitchen.
Why This Recipe Works
- The Sweetness Profile: Traditional McSpaghetti relies on a base of banana ketchup or sweetened tomato sauce. Our recipe uses a blend of tomato sauce and brown sugar to achieve that specific balance without being cloying.
- The “Hot Dog” Factor: It wouldn’t be McSpaghetti without sliced red hot dogs. They add a salty, smoky contrast to the sweet sauce and provide that authentic “Pinoy” aesthetic.
- The Processed Cheese Finish: Instead of aged Parmesan, McSpaghetti uses a mild, melty processed cheese (like Eden or a mild cheddar). This adds a creamy saltiness that melds perfectly with the hot sauce.
- The “Al Dente” Fast Food Texture: We cook the spaghetti slightly past al dente to mimic the soft, easy-to-eat texture found in the golden arches’ version.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 25 Minutes
- Total Time: 40 Minutes
- Yield: 4–6 Servings
- Difficulty: Very Easy
Ingredients
- 1 lb Spaghetti Noodles
- 1 lb Ground Beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 4–5 Red Hot Dogs (or cocktail sausages), sliced diagonally
- 1 small Onion, finely minced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 cups Tomato Sauce
- ½ cup Banana Ketchup (or regular ketchup + 1 Tbsp sugar)
- ¼ cup Brown Sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
- ½ cup Water or Beef Broth
- For Topping: Grated mild cheddar or processed cheese food (like Velveeta or Eden)
Instructions
- The Pasta: Boil the spaghetti in salted water according to package directions, but cook for an extra minute until it is soft but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
- The Sauté: In a large pan, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- The Aromatics: Add the onions and garlic to the beef. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
- The Meat: Toss in the sliced hot dogs and cook for 2–3 minutes until they start to curl slightly.
- The Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, banana ketchup, and water. Stir in the brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
- The Simmer: Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 15–20 minutes. The sauce should thicken and the flavors should deepen into a rich, sweet red.
- The Assembly: You can either toss the noodles directly in the sauce or serve the sauce over a bed of noodles (the classic McDonald’s way).
- The Final Touch: Top generously with grated cheese while the sauce is still piping hot so it melts slightly.
Conclusion
The McSpaghetti Copycat is more than just a pasta dish; it’s a trip across the globe from the comfort of your dining room. It’s a fun, kid-friendly meal that challenges traditional pasta norms and delivers a unique, savory-sweet satisfaction that only a true cult classic can.
(FAQ)
Q: Can I make this less sweet?
A: Yes! Simply reduce the brown sugar by half. However, keep in mind that the sweetness is the defining characteristic of the McSpaghetti.
Q: What is Banana Ketchup?
A: It is a popular Filipino condiment made from mashed bananas, sugar, vinegar, and spices. It is sweeter and less acidic than tomato ketchup. If you can’t find it at an Asian grocer, use tomato ketchup with a little extra sugar.
Q: Why use hot dogs in pasta?
A: This is a traditional element of Filipino spaghetti. It provides a budget-friendly protein and a distinct flavor profile that separates it from Italian-American dishes.
