N.Y. Coney Island Topping

Cook: 5 min Cuisine: American

A hearty, flavorful topping featuring seasoned ground beef and onions in a tangy barbecue sauce, perfect for hot dogs, burgers, or as a versatile meat sauce. Appeals to casual, comfort food lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb. lean ground beef
  • 1/2 c. chopped onion
  • 2/3 c. prepared barbecue sauce

Instructions

  1. In a large nonstick skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion until no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
  2. Pour off the excess fat.
  3. Stir in the prepared barbecue sauce.
  4. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until slightly thickened.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or spices like paprika and cayenne pepper to the beef while cooking. If you're out of barbecue sauce, a mix of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce can work as a substitute. This topping can be made ahead and is versatile enough to be used in various American recipes, like on hot dogs or burgers.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Coney Island topping over hot dogs or burgers for a classic twist. It pairs beautifully with Donna Watson's Pizza Burgers for a fun meal. Consider adding a side of coleslaw or baked beans to complete the meal, making it a hearty and satisfying option for gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of N.Y. Coney Island Topping contains roughly 280 calories, with 16g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 515mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).

280 kcal 14% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 15.6g 31% DV
Total Fat 14.8g 19% DV
Carbs 20.8g 8% DV
Fiber 1.3g 5% DV
Sugar 10.2g 20% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 515mg 22% DV
Potassium 317.8mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 48.3mg 16% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 9mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.6mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 41.5mg 3% DV
Iron 1.9mg 10% DV
Diet fit 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 use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the lean ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat used. Ground pork or plant-based meat alternatives can also work well in this recipe, allowing for diverse flavors.

How can I make this topping spicier?

To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the barbecue sauce. You could also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes while cooking. Adjust the amount to your taste preference to create the perfect balance of flavor and spice.

Is it possible to make this topping ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this topping a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving. Making it ahead allows the flavors to meld nicely, making it even tastier when served. Perfect for busy weeknights or parties!

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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