Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! There’s a special kind of magic that happens when you take a simple hot dog and top it with a rich, savory, and perfectly spiced meat sauce. It’s the taste of summer cookouts, bustling boardwalks, and pure Americana. This Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce isn’t just any old chili; it’s a finely textured, deeply flavorful sauce that blankets a hot dog in the most delicious way possible. And today, I’m sharing my favorite recipe for it—a recipe that’s been perfected over many years of backyard barbecues.
Why I Love This Recipe
What I love about this recipe is how it takes humble ingredients and transforms them into something truly special. The sauce is the star of the show, and its texture is key—it’s a loose, savory mix that clings to the hot dog without overpowering it. The combination of seasoned ground beef, a touch of sweetness, and a hint of spice creates a complex flavor that is both comforting and completely addictive. It’s perfect for a game day snack, a family dinner, or a large gathering. The best part is that it can be made ahead of time, and like any good chili, it only gets better as the flavors meld together.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Swaps and Notes
- Ground Beef: I prefer 85% lean ground beef because it has enough fat for flavor but isn’t overly greasy. You can use ground turkey or a leaner beef, but you may need to add a touch more oil to the pan when browning.
- Spices: The combination of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and celery seed is what gives this sauce its classic Coney flavor. Don’t skip the celery seed! It’s the secret ingredient.
- Tomato Sauce: A simple can of tomato sauce is all you need. Don’t use a chunky spaghetti sauce or crushed tomatoes. The goal is a smooth, saucy texture.
- Sweetness: Some Coney sauces have a hint of sweetness. If you like this, you can add 1 teaspoon of brown sugar to the mix.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Onion: In a medium saucepan or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and finely chopped onion over medium-high heat. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks.
- Drain the Grease: Once the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft and translucent, carefully drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Add the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Create the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, water, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, celery seed, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the sauce simmer for at least 20-30 minutes, or even longer if you have the time. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder to your liking. The sauce should be the consistency of a loose chili—not too thick, but not watery.
- Final Prep: Serve the sauce hot over your favorite grilled or boiled hot dogs in buns. Top with classic Coney toppings like diced onion and a stripe of yellow mustard.
Tips for Success
- Use a Food Processor for the Onion: For a smoother sauce, you can pulse the onion in a food processor until it’s very finely diced. This helps it almost disappear into the sauce as it cooks.
- Drain the Grease Well: Coney sauce should not be greasy. Taking the time to drain the fat from the ground beef after browning is essential for a clean, savory flavor.
- Go Low and Slow: The key to developing a deep, complex flavor is to let the sauce simmer on low heat. Don’t rush this step!
- The Celery Seed is Key: Don’t skip the celery seed. While a small amount, it adds a distinct, subtle flavor that is a hallmark of classic Coney sauce.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce is the star of the show. Serve it on your favorite grilled hot dogs with classic toppings like finely diced white onions and a stripe of yellow mustard. Pair it with sides like potato salad, coleslaw, or a bag of potato chips. For a fun, interactive meal, you can set up a hot dog bar with a variety of toppings. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a party, right alongside dishes like Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter or These Totchos (tater tot nachos).
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This sauce is great for making ahead. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes exceptionally well. Simply portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy recipes that are perfect for feeding a crowd or just bringing some fun to the dinner table, you might also enjoy these:
- This Walking Taco Bar is my favorite no-fuss way to feed a crowd
- This Dorito Casserole is my favorite weeknight dinner shortcut
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas are my favorite way to feed a crowd fast
Final Thoughts
This Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce is more than just a topping; it’s a taste of nostalgia and pure comfort. It’s an easy recipe that delivers a big, satisfying flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Give it a try for your next cookout, and watch it become an instant hit.
What are your go-to toppings for a perfect hot dog? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! Be sure to follow me for more classic, crowd-pleasing recipes.
Classic Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce: My Secret Family Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 2 cup finely chopped onion
- 4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoon celery seed
- 2 teaspoon paprika
- 4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add the finely chopped onions to the skillet and sauté until they are soft and translucent.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, celery seed, paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar.
- Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Serve the hot dog sauce over hot dogs in buns and enjoy.
Nutrition Information
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