Ketchup in pasta sauce might sound blasphemous for some, but growing up, this was one of my favorite meals that my mom made. I suggest not comparing this sauce to a classic Italian meat sauce, as it’s entirely different. This dish has always been a hit with family and friends, with many describing the flavor as “deliciously Asian”. Hopefully, you’ll love this recipe that’s close and dear to my heart!
Southeast Asian Heat: Fresh Thai Chili
This spicy sauce recipe is meant to pack some heat. Fresh Thai chili peppers have always been a personal favorite of mine to spice up any dish. Unlike some peppers that only hit the tip of your tongue, Thai chili peppers don’t hit your tastebuds immediately. It dissipates into your mouth slowly, giving a nice well-rounded flavor!
If you have low spice tolerance or cooking for young kids, feel free to omit or reduce the chili. I assure you that it’s still delicious!
Soy Sauce VS Worcestershire Sauce
Most western meat sauce recipes call for Worcestershire sauce. However, growing up in Southeast Asia, where soy sauce was more affordable, I’ve always used them interchangeably. Despite being made from very different ingredients, both go through a fermentation process and produce similar umami flavors!
Feel free to use whatever you have available on hand. Do note that Worcestershire sauce is less salty, so you might need to add more salt than the amount indicated in the recipe.
Why Add Tomatoes to Tomato Ketchup?
The lone fresh tomato in this recipe is optional! However, acidity from the tomato does a great job of counter-balancing the sweetness of the ketchup.
If you choose not to add tomato, replace it with an extra cup of water and white 1/2 tsp vinegar.
Any Type of Pasta Works!
Spaghetti, Ravioli, Penne, Fusilli.. Any type of pasta would work for this recipe! I’ve also tried making lasagna with this meat sauce, which worked beautifully! Pick your favorite pasta, and don’t look back!
Butter? Yes, Butter!
Butter adds creaminess and richness to the sauce and enriches the flavor profile. You don’t need much, so stick to the 1 tbsp amount in the recipe.
Mince onion, garlic, and fresh Thai chili, and set aside.
Dice tomatoes, slice mushrooms, and set aside.
Place your pan on the stove over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
Allow the pan to heat up for 1-2 minutes before adding minced beef.
Stir fry until beef is fully cooked, then add minced onion, garlic, and chili.
Saute until onions are soft and translucent (2-3 min), then stir in oregano and thyme
Add diced tomato and sliced mushrooms, and saute until tomato is fully cooked down.
Stir in ketchup, sugar, soy sauce, and black pepper and mix over medium heat until smooth.
Turn off the heat and let sauce sit in the pan.
Bring a pot of water to a boil over high heat and add salt.
Place pasta in boiling water and stir.
Follow cooking time as directed on the pasta box.
Drain cooked pasta, but set aside ¼ cup of pasta water.
Transfer cooked pasta and pasta water into the pan with pasta sauce.
Stir in butter and mix well over medium-low heat.
Serve with grated parmesan (optional), and enjoy!
Ingredients
Directions
Mince onion, garlic, and fresh Thai chili, and set aside.
Dice tomatoes, slice mushrooms, and set aside.
Place your pan on the stove over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
Allow the pan to heat up for 1-2 minutes before adding minced beef.
Stir fry until beef is fully cooked, then add minced onion, garlic, and chili.
Saute until onions are soft and translucent (2-3 min), then stir in oregano and thyme
Add diced tomato and sliced mushrooms, and saute until tomato is fully cooked down.
Stir in ketchup, sugar, soy sauce, and black pepper and mix over medium heat until smooth.
Turn off the heat and let sauce sit in the pan.
Bring a pot of water to a boil over high heat and add salt.
Place pasta in boiling water and stir.
Follow cooking time as directed on the pasta box.
Drain cooked pasta, but set aside ¼ cup of pasta water.
Transfer cooked pasta and pasta water into the pan with pasta sauce.
Stir in butter and mix well over medium-low heat.
Serve with grated parmesan (optional), and enjoy!
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