Nellie'S Hot Dog Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cook: 45 min Cuisine: American

Nellie's Hot Dog Sauce offers a rich, tangy flavor with a hint of sweetness, perfect for enhancing hot dogs and casual gatherings, appealing to fans of bold, comforting tastes.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1/2 c. ketchup
  • 1 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 2 tsp. prepared mustard
  • 1 tsp. garlic salt
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Mix well all ingredients together.
  2. Simmer for 45 minutes or cook in a slow cooker for 3 hours.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground beef with the chopped onion before mixing in the other ingredients. If you're out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a decent substitute. Adjust the brown sugar to taste if you prefer a sweeter sauce. To enhance the taste, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give it a nice kick, similar to the flavor profiles found in *Beef With Beans Barbecue*.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hot dog sauce generously over grilled or steamed hot dogs. It also pairs beautifully with classic sides like coleslaw or potato salad. For a heartier meal, try it over baked potatoes or as a topping for nachos. This dish complements the flavors of other American recipes, making it a versatile choice for gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover hot dog sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, for about 2-3 minutes until hot.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Nellie'S Hot Dog Sauce contains roughly 292 calories, with 4g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

292 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.6g 7% DV
Total Fat 1.6g 2% DV
Carbs 66.5g 24% DV
Fiber 6.5g 23% DV
Sugar 46.7g 93% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 82.4mg 4% DV
Potassium 523mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 0.9mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 20.2mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 0.9mg 1% DV
Calcium 172mg 13% DV
Iron 3.6mg 20% DV
Diet fit 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 ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef. It will change the flavor slightly, but the sauce will still be delicious. Make sure to cook it thoroughly, as turkey can be leaner and may require a bit more moisture.

Is this sauce spicy?

The sauce is not inherently spicy, but you can adjust the heat level by adding hot sauce or cayenne pepper to taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, omit any additional spicy ingredients and stick with the basic recipe.

Can I freeze the hot dog sauce?

Absolutely! To freeze, let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, and enjoy it just like fresh!

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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