Meat Sauce For Texas Hot Dogs
A savory meat sauce with rich tomato flavors and a hint of spice, perfect for hot dogs or as a hearty topping for casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mash the hamburger and chopped onion in water in a pan until finely combined.
- Keep stirring until the mixture boils; then add tomato juice, ketchup, salt, and sugar.
- Add chili powder and red pepper to taste.
- Boil the mixture until it thickens.
- Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the hamburger before adding the onion. If you don't have tomato juice, you can substitute with crushed tomatoes or a mix of tomato paste and water. Adjust the chili powder and red pepper to your heat preference, and feel free to add spices like cumin for an extra kick. This meat sauce is versatile and can be used for other dishes as well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this meat sauce generously over hot dogs, and consider adding toppings like diced onions, shredded cheese, or jalapeños for extra flavor. It also pairs beautifully with Noodles Nestled or can be served alongside a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a fun twist, use the sauce as a base for a chili cheese dog.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meat sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover the container to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Sauce For Texas Hot Dogs contains roughly 177 calories, with 4g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1427mg per serving (62% 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 use ground turkey instead of hamburger?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to hamburger in this recipe. It will provide a slightly different flavor, but will still be delicious. Make sure to adjust cooking times as necessary since turkey may cook faster.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too watery?
If your sauce is too watery, you can simmer it longer to allow more liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the sauce, cooking it for a few more minutes to thicken it.
Is this sauce suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This meat sauce is perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch and portion it out for quick meals throughout the week. It freezes well too, so consider making extra to store for busy nights.
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).