This simple hot dog sauce recipe will elevate your plain dogs! Whether you call them chili dogs, coney dogs, or just delicious, I guarantee this one is a winner.
This recipe is thicker than our chili recipe and it’s geared more towards a thick sauce, although having a side of chili with hot dogs is also a great idea! Or, this Frito chili pie of course!
I’ve covered hosting a hot dog party in the past, with so many fun varieties tucked into the bun. I never tackled meat hot dog sauce, and I’m thrilled to offer it to you today!
These chili dogs are great for parties when everyone can add their own custom toppings to round out their meal. I don’t think anyone would complain if you also offered these baked burgers under the sauce!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy and flavorful: You likely always have these ingredients on hand so you can make it whenever the mood strikes, and easy enough to make alongside these nostalgic wiener winks.
- Make-ahead recipe: This reheats beautifully. I even think it’s better leftover as the flavors really pull together.
- Ready in only 30 minutes: While the sauce simmers, you can cook your dogs on the stove or grill and have everything ready at once.
Ingredients Needed
I’ve highlighted a couple of ingredients below with some relevant notes. Aside from this, the ingredients needed are pretty basic.
- Beef – Use a lean ground beef and drain well to ensure your sauce isn’t greasy.
- Broth – Low sodium is perfect as we are adding other umami ingredients.
- Tomato paste – This will give us the perfect tomato flavor without excess liquid, rather than using tomato sauce.
- Ketchup – Adds sweetness when combined with a touch of brown sugar.
- Spice – Hot sauce and chili powder add just a light touch of heat to the sauce that isn’t overpowering.
Substitutions
Sometimes substitutions are necessary because of ingredients that are unavailable or needed for dietary restrictions. Here are some suggestions that can help:
- Broth – there is so much flavor here that any broth will work. If you’ve got chicken or vegetable open in the fridge, go for it!
- Meat – lighten things up by using turkey or chicken for half of the ground beef. This will reduce the fat but still allow the beef flavor to come through.
Variations
- Cook Method – this recipe can also be made in the slow cooker if needed. Simply brown the meat first and then add the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours. Easy and hands-off!
How to Make Old Fashioned Hot Dog Sauce
*Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list & instructions!*
STEP 1. Brown beef. Cook the beef over medium heat until no pink remains (Image 1).
Tip: Use lean ground beef or even add some chicken or turkey to cut down on any greasiness. If you see a lot of grease after browning the meat, be sure and drain it off before adding the remaining ingredients.
STEP 2. Sauce it up. Add liquid ingredients and stir in (Image 2).
STEP 3. Season well. Add remaining ingredients and stir well to combine (Image 3).
STEP 4. Develop flavor. Let simmer, covered, until thickened and the flavors have developed (Image 4). Add some water if it becomes too thick.
Recipe Pro Tips
- Use your favorite hot dogs. While the sauce is beef, you can feel free to use beef dogs, turkey dogs, or whatever you prefer. You may even find it fun to serve this with homemade mini corn dogs.
- Toast the buns. Toasted buns will hold up to the weight of the amazing sauce!
Recipe FAQs
Leftover hot dog sauce will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
No one likes a dry dog on a bun. That’s no fun! You can consider anything a sauce whether it’s ketchup, mustard, or cheese. This hot dog sauce recipe with ketchup and brown sugar combines heat and sweet with beef for a really meaty meal.
These both are a red, meaty sauce, but that’s where it ends. A chili dog or hot dog sauce can then have cheese, onions, and anything you want added on top. A Coney dog has the meat sauce plus raw onions and a line of mustard, that’s it!
What to Serve with Hot Dogs
Serve Coney dogs or chili dogs with all the best summer sides! Red Skin Potato Salad can be made the day ahead or cut the carbs with a cauliflower version. Don’t forget the chips or maybe some french fries!
You’ll also want your favorite hot dog toppings like ketchup, yellow mustard, relish, peppers, anything goes.
More Hot Dog Recipes You’ll Love
Did you make this? I’d be so grateful if you left a “star” rating below to let me know what you thought! Then, the next time you need a quick and easy recipe, come back to Fantabulosity to browse all of my easy recipes!
Recipe
Hot Dog Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- ¾ cup beef broth
- 12 oz tomato paste
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain if necessary.
- Add all remaining ingredients to cooked beef and stir to combine well.
- Cover the skillet and bring to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally so it doesn't stick to the pan.
- Ready to serve over your favorite hot dogs!
Notes
- Cook longer to bring out more flavors – taste as you go!
- If the sauce is too thick for your liking, stir in a bit of water to loosen things up.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Nancy Formikell says
Fantastic. Just what flavors I was looking for .
Jessica says
Yippee!!! I’m so glad that you liked this recipe too! Thank you!