Coney Island Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Coney Island Sauce is a rich and flavorful blend of ground beef, spices, and wieners that creates a hearty topping for hot dogs or a delicious chili-style dish. The combination of chili powder and mustard gives it a distinctive kick, making it perfect for casual gatherings or family meals.

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Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp. butter
  • 1 Tbsp. margarine
  • 1 1/2 lb. ground beef
  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 Tbsp. prepared mustard
  • 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
  • 1 (6 oz.) can water
  • 4 to 5 wieners

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients except wieners in a pot.
  2. Simmer over low heat until thick.
  3. Grind up the wieners and add to the sauce; cook for 15 minutes longer.
  4. Do not brown the beef before using.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, sauté the onions until translucent before adding the ground beef. If you're looking for a healthier option, consider using ground turkey instead of beef. Adjust the chili powder to your preferred spiciness level, or try adding a dash of hot sauce for extra heat. This sauce can also serve as a topping for baked potatoes or as a filling for burritos.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Coney Island sauce over hot dogs for a classic taste, or use it as a topping for burgers. It pairs beautifully with a side of coleslaw or potato salad, making for a perfect summer meal. For a hearty dinner, consider serving it alongside cornbread or over rice, reminiscent of a comforting dish like No-Peek Casserole.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Coney Island sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If it thickens too much, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Coney Island Sauce contains roughly 328 calories, with 3g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1574mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).

328 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.1g 6% DV
Total Fat 32.6g 42% DV
Carbs 8.7g 3% DV
Fiber 4.3g 15% DV
Sugar 1.7g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1574.3mg 68% DV
Potassium 284.8mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 88.2mg 29% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 299.7mcg 33% DV
Vitamin C 8mg 9% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 74.6mg 6% DV
Iron 2.2mg 12% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
Contains Milk

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 sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! This sauce actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it up to 2 days in advance, cool it completely, and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stovetop when you're ready to serve.

What can I use instead of wieners?

If you prefer a different protein, you can substitute wieners with diced cooked sausage or even shredded chicken for a unique twist. For a vegetarian option, consider adding diced mushrooms or a plant-based sausage.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too watery?

If your sauce turns out too watery, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a longer period to evaporate some of the liquid. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and stir that in until the desired thickness is achieved.

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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