Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce (Homemade Chili Sauce)

Lora Lopez

Posted on September 9, 2025

Welcome to the delightful world of homemade Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce (Homemade Chili Sauce). This iconic topping is a beloved staple in American cuisine, especially adored for its rich flavors and versatility. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, enjoying a casual weeknight dinner, or simply indulging in a classic late-night snack, this sauce will elevate your hot dog experience to a whole new level. Made from simple ingredients and packed with robust flavors, this homemade chili sauce is not only easy to prepare but also a fantastic way to bring a taste of Coney Island to your own kitchen.

In this article, you’ll discover why this Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce is a must-try recipe, the ingredients and utensils you’ll need, detailed step-by-step instructions, and some frequently asked questions to help you perfect your dish. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a homemade chili sauce that’s bursting with flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce (Homemade Chili Sauce). First and foremost, it’s the flavor! This sauce combines ground beef, spices, and tomatoes to create a savory blend that complements hot dogs perfectly. The balance of spices, including chili powder, paprika, and cumin, brings warmth and depth to the sauce, making it truly irresistible.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. While it’s fantastic atop a grilled hot dog, it can also be used in a variety of other dishes. Consider spooning it over baked potatoes, mixing it into chili, or even using it as a savory filling for tacos or burritos. This sauce is a great way to jazz up many meals, making it a valuable addition to your recipe collection.

Moreover, making your own Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring that it’s made from fresh, wholesome components without any preservatives or artificial flavors. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper, catering to your personal taste preferences. Plus, the satisfaction of creating a delicious homemade sauce is unmatched!

Finally, this recipe is straightforward and requires minimal cooking skills. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a pot of flavorful sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. You’ll find that this Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce (Homemade Chili Sauce) will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Not only is this Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce (Homemade Chili Sauce) delicious, but it also has several practical benefits that make it worth trying. One of the most compelling reasons to make this sauce is its cost-effectiveness. Store-bought chili sauces can be expensive and often contain preservatives that you may wish to avoid. By making your own, you can save money while enjoying a superior product.

Another significant advantage of this homemade sauce is the aroma it creates in your kitchen. As the ingredients simmer together, the savory scents of garlic, onion, and spices will fill your home, making it an inviting space for family and guests. Cooking is as much about the experience as it is about the end result, and this recipe delivers on both fronts.

Additionally, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping! You can make a large batch of the sauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for longer storage. This means you can have a quick and easy meal option ready whenever you need it, making it incredibly convenient for busy weeknights.

Finally, this Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a cookout or a game day gathering, this sauce will impress your guests. It’s a classic dish that everyone loves, and serving it will surely create a warm and joyful atmosphere. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to create a dish that will be cherished by all!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients and utensils. Below is a detailed list of what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce (Homemade Chili Sauce).

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
1 tablespoon yellow mustard

Necessary Utensils

Large skillet or saucepan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board and knife
Can opener
Serving spoon

Having these items ready will ensure a smooth cooking experience. Make sure to prep your ingredients before starting to cook, as this will save you time and allow you to focus on creating that delicious sauce!

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that we have all our ingredients and utensils ready, it’s time to start making this delectable Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce (Homemade Chili Sauce). Follow these detailed steps to create a sauce that’s bursting with flavor.

Browning the Beef: In a large skillet or saucepan, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break the beef into small pieces as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
Sautéing the Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors of the onion and garlic to infuse the meat.
Incorporating the Tomatoes: Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. The tomato sauce and paste will provide a rich, tangy base for the chili sauce.
Adding the Flavor: Now it’s time to add the apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you prefer some heat). Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated. The combination of these flavors will create a complex and savory sauce.
Simmering the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Tasting and Adjusting: After 30 minutes, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add a bit more salt, pepper, or cayenne to suit your taste.
Finishing Touch: Stir in the yellow mustard and cook for an additional 5 minutes. This adds a nice tangy flavor and gives the sauce a beautiful glossy finish.

Once done, your Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce (Homemade Chili Sauce) is ready to be served! Spoon it generously over grilled hot dogs in buns, and enjoy the savory goodness. Trust me; this sauce will be a hit!

FAQs

What is Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce?

Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce is a flavorful chili sauce typically made with ground beef, tomatoes, and spices. It is used as a topping for hot dogs and is known for its savory and slightly tangy flavor profile.

Can I make Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for longer storage. Just reheat it before serving.

How can I make this sauce vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce, you can substitute the ground beef with lentils, beans, or a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein (TVP). Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What can I serve with Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce?

Apart from hot dogs, you can serve this sauce over baked potatoes, nachos, or use it as a filling for burritos and tacos. It’s also great on top of rice or pasta!

Conclusion

In conclusion, making your own Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce (Homemade Chili Sauce) is a rewarding experience that brings bold flavors to your meals. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delicious sauce that will impress your family and friends. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the recipe to make it your own!

If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment below, share it with your friends, and try it out for your next gathering. For more delicious recipes, feel free to check out this spicy honey garlic shrimp recipe for a unique twist in your kitchen adventures!