Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce – A Homemade Chili Sauce Recipe!

No hot dog is complete without a flavorful, hearty topping, and this Homemade Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce delivers everything you could want! Bursting with savory spices, a touch of sweetness, and that classic chili flavor, this hot dog chili sauce elevates your favorite frankfurters into something truly special. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or whipping up a quick weeknight dinner, this easy chili dog sauce will take your hot dogs to the next level.

This recipe is simple to prepare and can even be used for canning hot dog sauce, so you always have it on hand. It’s the ultimate blend of bold flavors that works beautifully on everything from classic hot dogs to loaded chili cheese fries!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Flavor: A sweet and savory balance reminiscent of classic Coney Island hot dog stands.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level or sweetness to match your preferences.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep and even better the next day.
• Versatile: Use it as a topping for hot dogs, burgers, nachos, or baked potatoes.

Ingredients

For the Hot Dog Chili Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (for a sweet hot dog sauce recipe)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup water (or beef broth for richer flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef

1. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.

2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

1. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.

3. Combine Ingredients

1. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar.
2. Add the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.

4. Simmer the Sauce

1. Pour in the water (or beef broth) and stir.
2. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.

5. Serve or Store

1. Spoon the hot dog chili sauce over freshly grilled or steamed hot dogs.
2. For leftovers, let the sauce cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Canning Hot Dog Sauce

This sauce is perfect for canning, so you can enjoy it anytime:

1. Sterilize your jars and lids.
2. Pour the hot sauce into the jars, leaving 1-inch headspace.
3. Seal the jars and process in a water bath canner for 35 minutes.
4. Let the jars cool completely before storing in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

Tips for the Best Hot Dog Chili Sauce

1. Use Lean Ground Beef: This prevents the sauce from becoming too greasy.
2. Simmer for Flavor: The longer the sauce simmers, the deeper the flavor becomes.
3. Adjust Sweetness and Spice: Add more brown sugar for a sweeter sauce or extra chili powder for a spicier kick.
4. Consistency is Key: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Chili Dog Sauce: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
• Smoky BBQ Sauce: Mix in 1–2 tbsp of barbecue sauce for a smoky twist.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or finely diced mushrooms.
• Cony Sauce for Hot Dogs: Add a splash of vinegar or pickle juice for that tangy, Coney Island-style flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This hot dog coney sauce recipe is incredibly versatile:

• Classic Chili Dogs: Top grilled hot dogs with chili sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced onions.
• Loaded Fries: Spoon the sauce over crispy French fries and sprinkle with jalapeños and melted cheese.
• Chili Burgers: Use the sauce as a topping for burgers or sliders.
• Stuffed Baked Potatoes: Fill baked potatoes with chili sauce, sour cream, and green onions.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigerate: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in a saucepan or microwave before serving.
2. Freeze: Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Why This Recipe Works

• Rich Flavor: A blend of spices, tomato sauce, and just the right touch of sweetness creates a perfect balance.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients come together quickly for a crowd-pleasing sauce.
• Customizable: Adapt the flavors to suit your personal taste or dietary needs.