Hot Dog Sauce
Hot Dog Sauce is a simple, classic hot dog chili recipe that turns everyday hot dogs into something way more flavorful. This easy recipe gives you that smooth, slightly sweet meat sauce you’d expect on chili dogs or a classic coney dog.
This hot dog sauce is made by cooking ground beef in water first, then simmering it with the remaining ingredients over low heat until thick. Breaking the meat down into very small pieces is what gives it that finer texture that makes it perfect as a hot dog topping.
If you’re making hot dogs for dinner, you might also like Baked Beans with Ground Beef, Crockpot Velveeta Mac and Cheese, or my Potato Salad for an easy side.
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Depending on where you are in the United States, hot dog sauce can vary quite a bit, from the sweeter versions you’ll find in Kentucky and West Virginia to the more savory styles in New York.
Some recipes add a little hot sauce for heat, while others top it with cheese sauce or serve it alongside bbq sauces. This homemade chili sauce is a delicious way to take your hot dog game to the next level with that classic fine texture.
What you’ll love about this Hot Dog Sauce Recipe:
Recipe Ingredients:
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Chili Hot Dog Recipe:
- Ground beef
- water
- ketchup
- chili powder
- white sugar
- apple cider vinegar
- yellow mustard
- tomato paste
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- paprika
- salt
Ingredient Notes:
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef or ground sirloin if you prefer. Cooking it in water helps create that smoother meat sauce texture.
- Ketchup: Adds a slightly sweet sauce base. Some regions use tomato sauce, but ketchup gives that classic flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings balance to the sweetness and adds a slight tang.
- Tomato Paste: Thickens the sauce and deepens the flavor.
- Chili Powder: Adds that mild chili flavor. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper for heat if you like.
- Yellow Mustard: Adds that signature hot dog flavor and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
How to Make Hot Dog Sauce Step-by-Step:
Check out the quick visual guides below. For full instructions and ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the end.
The key to this homemade hot dog chili sauce is breaking the meat into very small pieces while it cooks so you get a finer texture instead of chunky chili.
STEP 1: Add ground beef and water to a large skillet (or large saucepan) over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon, meat chopper, or potato masher to break the meat into very small pieces as it cooks.
STEP 2: Continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked through and evenly broken down. Drain off excess grease if needed, leaving a small amount for flavor.
STEP 3: Stir in ketchup, chili powder, sugar, vinegar, mustard, tomato paste, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
STEP 4: Reduce heat to low heat and simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened into a flavorful sauce.
STEP 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm over hot dog buns with your favorite toppings like mustard, ketchup, white onion, cheddar cheese or pickle relish.
PRO TIP:
Use a potato masher while cooking the beef to break it down into the smallest pieces possible. This is the best way to get that classic coney sauce texture.
Storage and Reheating:
Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Place the sauce in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it until hot. I like to add a little splash of water to loosen the meat, or beef broth.
Freezing: This sauce freezes well. Let it cool to room temperature, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
Additions and Substitutions:
ADDITIONS:
- Cheese: Add shredded cheddar cheese or drizzle cheese sauce on top for chili cheese dogs or chili cheese fries.
- Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for extra spice.
- Onions: Top with diced onion or white onion for extra texture and flavor.
- Flavor Boost: A splash of Worcestershire sauce can add a deeper, savory flavor. I love this!
SUBSTITUTIONS:
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef or ground sirloin if you prefer. Ground turkey can also be used.
- Ketchup: You can swap part of the ketchup with tomato sauce if you want a less sweet flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Use white vinegar if that’s what you have on hand.
- Mustard: Yellow mustard works best, but you can use ground mustard if needed.
FAQs about this Hot Dog Chili:
Why is hot dog sauce cooked in water first?
Cooking the beef in water helps break it down into very small pieces, giving it that smoother texture that makes it different from regular chili.
What is the difference between hot dog sauce and chili?
Hot dog chili sauce is thinner, smoother, and slightly sweeter than traditional chili. It’s designed as a hot dog topping rather than a bowl-style chili.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown ground beef first, then add everything to a slow cooker and cook on low heat for a few hours until thickened.
Is this the same as Coney Sauce?
Yes, depending on where you are in the United States, it may be called coney sauce, Michigan sauce, or hot dog chili.
Can I use this for other foods?
Yes, this hot dog recipe is a great idea for sloppy joes, chili burgers, tater tots, or served with a side of french fries.
What can I serve with this Chili Hot Dog Recipe?
Serve this hot dog chili over hot dog buns with a side of french fries, potato chips, or tater tots for a classic meal that works great for game day or weeknight dinners.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
I’m excited for you to try this Hot Dog Sauce Recipe! After you make it, please leave a rating to let me know your thoughts on it – I’m eager to hear if you loved it as much as we do! Find us on IG + TikTok: @littlechefwithin
If this is your first time making a homemade hot dog chili sauce recipe, you’ll love how simple it is and how much flavor it adds. Save it for next time you want to make your favorite hot dogs even better!
Hot Dog Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add ground beef and water to a large skillet over medium heat. Break the meat up very finely as it cooks.1 pound ground beef,1 cup water.
- Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, continuing to break the meat into very small pieces, until the beef is fully cooked and most of the water has cooked off.
- Drain off excess grease if needed, leaving a small amount for flavor.
- Stir in the ketchup, then add chili powder, sugar, vinegar, mustard, tomato paste, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and salt.1/2 cup ketchup,1 tablespoon chili powder,1 tablespoon sugar,2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar,1 teaspoon yellow mustard,1 tablespoon tomato paste,1 teaspoon onion powder,1/2 teaspoon garlic powder,1/2 teaspoon paprika,1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. The flavor will continue to develop as it cooks.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve over hot dogs.
Notes
Nutrition
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About Vicky Hadley
Vicky Hadley is a professional food photographer and creator behind Little Chef Within. As a mom of 6 boys, there’s always plenty of noise and plenty of food! She relies on filling meals to keep her crew happy and loves creating recipes that real families can count on.