Hot Dog Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cook: 60 min Cuisine: American

A hearty and flavorful hot dog sauce with savory ground beef, tangy crushed tomatoes, and a blend of spices. Perfect for topping hot dogs or burgers, this rich and spicy sauce offers a comforting taste that appeals to family and friends alike, adding a bold kick to casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. ground beef
  • 2 cups crushed tomatoes
  • 1 Tbsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. pepper
  • 5 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. prepared mustard

Instructions

  1. Saute the ground beef until the blood disappears and it is fully cooked.
  2. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, chili powder, and prepared mustard to the cooked beef.
  3. Simmer the mixture for 1 hour to develop flavors.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding diced onions and garlic when sautéing the beef. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. This sauce can also be made ahead and tastes even better the next day, similar to the flavors found in American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hot dog sauce over grilled hot dogs, and top with diced onions or shredded cheese for added flavor. It pairs perfectly with classic sides like potato chips or a fresh Cauliflower And Lettuce Salad. For a fun twist, try it on nachos or as a topping for baked potatoes.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover hot dog sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway through for even heating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Hot Dog Sauce contains roughly 93 calories, with 4g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (180% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 742mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).

93 kcal 5% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.9g 8% DV
Total Fat 1.3g 2% DV
Carbs 18.8g 7% DV
Fiber 7.2g 26% DV
Sugar 10.1g 20% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 742.3mg 32% DV
Potassium 820.2mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 259.5mcg 29% DV
Vitamin C 162.4mg 100% DV
Calcium 55.9mg 4% DV
Iron 2.2mg 12% DV
Diet fit Low-carb High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 use canned tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?

Yes, you can use canned diced tomatoes or even whole canned tomatoes that you crush yourself. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the sauce thickens adequately. The flavor will remain delicious regardless of the tomato form you choose.

How can I make this sauce vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute. You may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the lentils are tender. This way, you can enjoy all the flavor without the meat.

Can I freeze the hot dog sauce?

Absolutely! Allow the sauce to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, and enjoy the convenience of a quick meal!

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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