Buy Now → Classic Coney Island Hot Dog Chili Sauce Recipe
A finely textured beef chili made specifically for topping hot dogs. This savory sauce simmers until thick and flavorful, making it perfect for backyard cookouts, game days, or an easy family dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hr 10 min
- Yield: 3 cups 1x
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
1 small onion, finely diced
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
2 cups water
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste
1 pound lean ground chuck (90/10 or leaner)
Instructions
Prep
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Measure the remaining ingredients so everything is ready before cooking.
Cook
- Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook until softened and lightly golden, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring often, until it darkens slightly and begins to caramelize, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Pour in the water while scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Add the raw ground beef directly to the sauce. Break it into very small pieces using a whisk, potato masher, or sturdy fork until evenly dispersed.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the lid and continue simmering for another 30 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the sauce reaches a thick, spoonable consistency.
- Taste and adjust the cayenne or seasoning if desired.
Assemble
- Spoon the warm chili sauce over grilled or steamed hot dogs in toasted buns.
- Finish with your favorite toppings such as yellow mustard, diced onions, or shredded cheddar cheese.
Slow Cooker Instructions (Drew Barrymore Beautiful 10-in-1 Electric Multi-Cooker)
- Select the Sauté setting and heat the olive oil.
- Cook the onion for about 5 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the water, seasonings, and ground beef, breaking the meat into fine crumbles with a whisk or potato masher.
- Switch to the Slow Cook setting on Low.
- Cook for 3 to 4 hours, stirring once or twice during cooking.
- If a thicker sauce is desired, switch back to Sauté during the final 10 to 15 minutes and simmer uncovered until reduced to your preferred consistency.
- Use the Keep Warm setting until ready to serve.
Notes
- Ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted for the beef for a lighter version, though the flavor will be milder.
- For a richer chili sauce, use 85/15 ground beef and skim off any excess fat before serving.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or extra cayenne if you prefer more heat.
- Serve over classic hot dogs, chili cheese dogs, fries, baked potatoes, hamburgers, or nachos.
- Pair with potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, macaroni salad, kettle chips, or corn on the cob.
- Refrigerate cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.