Original Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce

Cook: 30 min Cuisine: American

A classic hot dog sauce with rich beef and smoky spices, perfect for topping hot dogs at casual gatherings or summer barbecues, offering bold and savory flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef
  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 1 Tbsp. butter
  • 2 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 clove garlic, mashed
  • 1 Tbsp. regular mustard
  • 6 oz. tomato sauce
  • 6 oz. water
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Simmer everything except hot dogs until thick.
  2. Grind hot dogs, add to the sauce, and cook for an additional 15 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor of your Coney Island hot dog sauce, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. If you're short on chili powder, you can make a substitute with paprika and cumin. This sauce can also be made ahead and frozen for future meals, saving you time on busy days.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hot dog sauce generously over steamed hot dogs in buns, topped with diced onions and shredded cheese for a classic Coney Island experience. It pairs beautifully with coleslaw or potato chips on the side, making it a perfect meal for backyard barbecues or game day gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, ensuring it doesn't overcook.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Original Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce contains roughly 644 calories, with 3g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2409mg per serving (105% of the Daily Value).

644 kcal 32% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.3g 7% DV
Total Fat 63.3g 81% DV
Carbs 19g 7% DV
Fiber 5.5g 20% DV
Sugar 8.1g 16% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2408.7mg 100% DV
Potassium 322.8mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 142.6mg 48% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 228mcg 25% DV
Vitamin C 0.6mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 59.8mg 5% DV
Iron 2.9mg 16% DV
Diet fit Low-carb High-fiber
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 use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute lean ground turkey for the beef to make a lighter version of this hot dog sauce. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious and pair well with hot dogs.

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

If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it longer to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the sauce, cooking it for a few more minutes until thickened to your liking.

What types of hot dogs work best with this sauce?

This sauce complements various types of hot dogs, but classic beef or pork hot dogs are traditional choices. For a twist, try using turkey or veggie hot dogs for a healthier option. Experiment with different styles to find your favorite pairing!

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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