How to Make It

Filipino-Style Spaghetti Sauce

1. Chop the onion, finely mince the garlic, grate the carrots, and cut the cheesedogs into small bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat a large pot over medium heat, then add the ground pork. Break it apart and cook until lightly browned and some of the fat has rendered.
3. Using the rendered pork fat, sauté the garlic until fragrant and lightly golden.
4. Add the onions and cook until softened and translucent.
5. Stir in the pork broth cube, if using, and cook until dissolved.
6. Add the oyster sauce, salt, and black pepper, then mix well.
7. Add the grated carrots and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
8. Add the button mushrooms along with a small amount of their liquid, then sauté for a few minutes.
9. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to deepen its flavor.
10. Add the Italian seasoning, if using, and stir until fragrant.
11. Pour in the Filipino-style and Italian-style spaghetti sauces, then mix until well combined.
12. Add the chopped cheesedogs and half of the grated cheese.
13. Simmer the sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the cheese melts and the flavors blend together.
14. Taste and add sugar as needed to balance the acidity and sweetness.

Cooking the Spaghetti

15. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
16. Add the spaghetti and cook for 1 to 2 minutes less than the package instructions.
17. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.

Combining the Pasta and Sauce

18. Transfer the drained pasta to a large pan over low heat.
19. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water, then pour in enough sauce to coat the spaghetti.
20. Toss everything together and cook for about 1 minute, adding more pasta water if needed.
21. Transfer to a serving dish, spoon more sauce over the top, and finish with the remaining grated cheese.
22. Serve and enjoy!