Aunt Thelma'S Hot Dog Sauce
A flavorful hot dog sauce with rich tomato, onion, and chili spices, perfect for topping hot dogs or using as a versatile meat sauce. Suitable for casual gatherings and family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the chopped onions until tender and mash them.
- Cook the ground chuck just until it turns gray, do not brown.
- Combine all ingredients—onions, ground chuck, chili powder, paprika, V-8 juice, and ketchup—in a crock-pot.
- Cook until the mixture thickens, stirring constantly if using a larger cooker.
- Cool the sauce, then transfer to containers and freeze for later use.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a hint of hot sauce to the mixture. If you're short on chili powder, a mix of cumin and cayenne can work in a pinch. For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground chuck with cooked lentils or a meat alternative, ensuring to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty hot dog sauce over grilled hot dogs or use it as a topping for baked potatoes. It pairs beautifully with No Guilt Potato Salad and can also complement simple sides like coleslaw or cornbread. For a fun twist, try it as a topping for nachos or served alongside chips.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the hot dog sauce to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or V-8 juice if it appears too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Thelma'S Hot Dog Sauce contains roughly 879 calories, with 40g protein, 172g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (319% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this hot dog sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce actually tastes better after sitting for a day, as the flavors meld together. Prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for easy meal prep. Just remember to reheat it gently before serving.
What kind of hot dogs should I use with this sauce?
Any type of hot dog works well with this sauce, but for a classic taste, use beef or pork hot dogs. For a healthier option, turkey or chicken dogs are great too. If you're looking for something unique, try using veggie dogs or sausage for a different flavor profile.
How can I adjust the spice level of the sauce?
To adjust the spice level, simply add more chili powder or paprika for heat. For milder flavors, reduce the chili powder and omit any additional hot sauce. Taste as you go to ensure it suits your preference, and feel free to experiment with spices to customize it.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).