Coney Island Chili Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Cuisine: American

A hearty, flavorful chili sauce with smoky paprika and cayenne, perfect for topping hot dogs or serving with classic American comfort foods.

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Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. salad oil
  • 1 c. chopped onion
  • 1 lb. ground chuck
  • 1 (1 lb. 4 oz.) can tomatoes
  • 2 Tbsp. paprika
  • 1/8 tsp. pepper
  • 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 1 Tbsp. chili pepper

Instructions

  1. Saute chopped onion in salad oil until tender.
  2. Add ground chuck and cook until browned.
  3. Add tomatoes, paprika, pepper, cayenne pepper, and chili pepper.
  4. Add 1/3 cup water and stir well.
  5. Simmer until the sauce thickens.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of ground beef and ground pork. If you're out of salad oil, vegetable or canola oil can work as substitutes. Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper, or substitute it with a milder chili powder. This chili sauce is versatile and can also be used as a topping for hot dogs or in a layered dip.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chili sauce over steamed hot dogs for a classic Coney Island experience. It pairs beautifully with Grandma York's Hot Rolls for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad, such as Black-Eyed Pea and Corn Salad, to balance the flavors. This dish is perfect for casual gatherings or game day.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Coney Island Chili Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, covered, in short intervals, stirring in between.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Coney Island Chili Sauce contains roughly 240 calories, with 4g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (149% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (35% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

240 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.9g 8% DV
Total Fat 20g 26% DV
Carbs 16.7g 6% DV
Fiber 7.8g 28% DV
Sugar 5.7g 11% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 220.1mg 10% DV
Potassium 674.8mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 0.1mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 318.9mcg 35% DV
Vitamin C 134.4mg 100% DV
Calcium 45.1mg 3% DV
Iron 2.3mg 13% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly High-fiber Under 400 cal

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 chili sauce ahead of time?

Yes, this chili sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In fact, the flavors will deepen and improve after sitting for a day. Just reheat it gently before serving.

Is there a vegetarian version of this chili sauce?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ground chuck with a meat alternative like lentils or textured vegetable protein. Use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor. This way, you can create a delicious vegan version of the chili sauce.

What can I use this chili sauce for besides hot dogs?

This Coney Island Chili Sauce is quite versatile! It can be served over nachos, used as a topping for baked potatoes, or incorporated into chili cheese fries. It also works well in layered dips or as a filling for burritos.

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).

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