Hot Dog Sauce (Coney-Style)

This hot dog sauce (Coney-style) uses the no-brown, liquid-mash method for an ultra fine, meaty texture. Ready in just 15 minutes, with a slow-simmer option for even deeper flavor!

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An easy recipe to spice up your average hot dog, this Coney Island Style Hot Dog Sauce (Homemade Chili Sauce) makes for a great chili dog when piled high on your favorite bun with a grilled hot dog and some shredded cheddar or cheese sauce!

This classic Coney Island Hotdog Chili is perfect for football games, parties, and more! The fine texture of the chili makes it perfect for hotdogs.

I have tested multiple beef fat levels, as well as quick and long simmer times to match the classic Coney Island hot dog stand texture and flavor. This recipe can be made both quickly, or with a longer simmer time for even more flavor, and with lean or fattier ground beef!

Table of Contents

• Why you'll love this Hot Dog Sauce
• Ingredient Notes
• What readers are saying
• Make Ahead
• Serving Suggestions
• Storing and reheating the Hot Dog Sauce
• FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
• More Great Easy Ground Beef Recipes

Why you'll love this Hot Dog Sauce

Quick and easy! This flavorful and simple Hot Dog Sauce is ready in just about 15 minutes, all in one pot!

Superfine texture. Unlike traditional chili, this hot dog sauce has an ultra-fine texture, thanks to the cooking method of breaking down the ground beef in the liquid, rather than browning. 

Ultra flavorful. It's loaded with spicy and sweet chili flavor, with warm spices like cayenne pepper, chili powder, and smoked paprika.

Versatility. Try this easy hot dog sauce on boiled or grilled hot dogs, hot sausages, or on a pile of fries with nacho cheese for some tasty chili cheese fries!

Ingredient Notes

One small yellow onion, grated. Grating the onion helps it to cook quickly, and blend seamlessly into the Hot Dog Sauce.

Tomato paste. Unlike a traditional sauce or chili, this recipe uses tomato paste for a big boost of tomato flavor, which lends richness to the sauce, even with a shorter cook time.

Ground Beef. You can use lean ground beef, or a higher fat content like 80/20 ground beef for a richer texture. If you use a higher fat content beef, you can skim any excess fat off the top with a spoon before serving. Lean ground beef will be less greasy, while 80/20 ground beef with have a slightly richer flavor.

Chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. This spice blend give the hot dog sauce a well balanced, chili-like flavor.

Ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and light brown sugar. This combo works with the beef and tomato paste to build a well balanced, simmered sauce, with just the right amount of sweetness and umami. I prefer Crystal Hot Sauce and Lea and Perrins Worcestershire Sauce for this recipe.

What readers are saying

"I made this exactly as written and my whole family loved it. My 17 year old grandson said it was the best and put it on his hotdog and hamburger. I’m making more right now for a church dinner. Thank you for the recipe." -Susan ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"I did make this for our neighborhood party as written & it turned out great. Our committee chairperson told me she didn't read my label correctly & was surprised by the little kick it had. Said she only read the sweet part. Thanks for the recipe." -Vickie ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Turned out delicious, but I had to add Cumin to the recipe, two-three teaspoons. That’s just me… chili isn’t chili to me without it. Also all I had was tomato (sauce) and it was still delicious." -Shawn ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"I searched for years for a coney sauce we liked. This one is it! There is just my husband and I so we eat half and freeze half for another day. Works perfectly! -Teri ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Make Ahead

If you want to make this Hot Dog Sauce recipe ahead of time for a party or bbq, you can keep it warm in a slow cooker and allow guests to build their own Coney dogs!

I recommend reheating it on low, then turning it to warm so it stays hot, but doesn't scorch. You could also briefly reheat it on the stovetop, until just warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

Make a Chili Dog. This hot dog sauce recipe is great for a Coney Dog (with chopped white onion and yellow mustard), and for chili cheese dogs with some grated sharp cheddar or cheese sauce. 

Chili Cheese Fries. Another great way to serve this wonderful sauce it is pile high on crispy french fries with plenty of cheese sauce and pickled jalapeños for a quick and easy Chili Cheese Fries! 

Burgers and Tacos. This versatile meat sauce is a great addition where you'd like a little chili flavor! It could also be a great addition to a chili burger, or as the meat component to a walking taco! 

Storing and reheating the Hot Dog Sauce

Refrigerator and Freezer. To store the sauce, cool to room temperature, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers! 

Reheating. To reheat, warm through on the stove in a saucepan, or reheat in a microwave safe bowl.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce?

Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce is a chili-like, beanless sauce, with a savory, ever so slightly sweet flavor profile, and ultra-fine meat texture.

Why is my sauce greasy?

If you used a higher fat ground beef to make the hot dog sauce, you may end up with some fat that comes to the surface after cooking. To make the sauce less greasy, use a spoon to gently skim off the layer of fat from the top, and discard before serving.

What kind of meat is best for this hot dog sauce?

I prefer ground beef for this recipe, either 80/20 for optimal flavor, or lean ground beef for a less fatty and rich option. You could also try ground bison, venison, or ground turkey.

How do I get that super-fine texture?

It's actually really easy! Allowing the beef to cook in liquid, rather than browning it first helps ot to break down into a super fine texture.

Can I add additional spices?

Yes! A lot of my readers like to add some cumin to the spice blend for a more traditional "chili" flavor, but you could also swap in regular paprika for the smoked paprika, or try ancho chili powder!

Do I need cinnamon/allspice?

This is a regional preference, so you can add if you like the flavor profile, but I prefer to leave it out. I have tested with both, and find the flavors a bit overpowering.

Can I make the hot dog sauce less sweet?

This sauce only calls for ½ tablespoon of light brown sugar to balance the flavor and richness, but you can adjust the sweetness by adding a little at a time until desired flavor is reached.

Why is my sauce spicy?

This recipe calls for ¼ teaspoon of cayenne, and some hot sauce which pack a little heat. If you prefer a less spicy sauce, you can omit the cayenne, or add just a pinch for a subtle warmth. You can also reduce or omit the hot sauce, but a little splash is recommended for a balanced flavor.

More Great Easy Ground Beef Recipes

Try my easy and nostalgic homemade One Pot Cheeseburger Helper!

Whip up a batch of my easy Crockpot American Beef Goulash!

Make my family style Chili Frito Pie, like a walking taco, in casserole form!

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