Hot Dog Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Elevate your summer cookouts with this flavorful West Virginia-style hot dog sauce! Whether you call it hot dog chili or hot dog sauce, this thick and savory beef topping will be a hit at all your gatherings. Perfectly seasoned and loaded with tender beef, peppers, and spices, this sauce will turn any hot dog into an irresistible treat.

Why Make This Recipe

Flavor-Packed Topping
This hot dog sauce is the ultimate combination of bold spices, tangy tomato flavors, and hearty beef, creating the perfect topping for your favorite dogs.

Perfect for Gatherings
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, a family get-together, or simply upgrading a weeknight dinner, this sauce is guaranteed to please everyone.

Customizable and Easy
This recipe allows you to tweak the spice levels and ingredients to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead and store for later.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• 1½ pounds ground beef (85/15) – Lean ground beef works best for a balance of flavor and texture.
• 14.5-ounce can beef broth – Adds richness and depth to the sauce. Substitute with chicken or vegetable broth if needed.
• 1 yellow onion (finely diced) – Sweet or white onions are great alternatives.
• 1 hot pepper (e.g., jalapeño or cherry pepper) – Use a mild pepper or skip if you prefer less heat.
• 1 small red bell pepper (finely diced) – Adds sweetness and color.
• 7-ounce can tomato paste – Helps create a thick, flavorful base.
• 1–2 tablespoons chili powder – Adjust to your spice preference.
• 2 teaspoons cumin – Adds warmth and earthiness.
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder – Substitute with minced fresh garlic for more flavor.
• 2 teaspoons paprika – Smoked paprika works well for a bolder taste.
• ½ teaspoon cayenne powder – Adjust to your spice tolerance.
• ½ teaspoon turmeric – Optional, but adds a hint of warmth and color.
• 12-ounce jar Heinz chili sauce (or ½ cup ketchup) – Adds sweetness and tanginess to the sauce.
• Salt, pepper, and sugar – To balance the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, for 15–20 minutes until browned and cooked through.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Transfer the cooked beef to a paper towel-lined plate, discarding all but 2 teaspoons of fat from the skillet.

2. Cook the Onion and Peppers

• Return the skillet to medium heat.
• Add the diced onion, hot pepper, and red bell pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
• Season lightly with salt and pepper.
• Stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne powder, paprika, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add the tomato paste and mash it into the mixture. Cook for 1–3 minutes until it deepens in color.

3. Simmer the Hot Dog Sauce

• Return the browned beef to the skillet and toss to combine with the vegetables and spices.
• Pour in the beef broth and stir in the chili sauce (or ketchup). Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if needed.
• Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water. If it’s too thin, increase the heat and simmer until it reaches the desired consistency.

4. Serve

• Spoon the hot dog sauce over your favorite hot dogs, and warm the buns beforehand.
• Serve with ketchup, mustard, and finely minced yellow onions on top for the ultimate hot dog experience.

How to Serve Hot Dog Sauce

This sauce is the ultimate hot dog topping, but its uses don’t end there! Try serving it:

• Over grilled sausages or burgers for extra flavor.
• As a chili topping for nachos or fries.
• With baked potatoes or as a dip for crusty bread.

How to Store Hot Dog Sauce

• Refrigerator: Let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to restore its consistency.

Tips to Make Hot Dog Sauce

1. Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the cayenne powder and chili powder to suit your preferred heat level.
2. Add a Smoky Twist: Use smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
3. Consistency Control: For a thicker sauce, simmer longer. To thin it out, add a splash of broth or water.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms.
• Tex-Mex Style: Add black beans, corn, or diced tomatoes for a Tex-Mex twist.
• Sweet and Spicy: Stir in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for a sweet contrast to the spices.

FAQs

1. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes! This sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

2. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato paste?
You can, but the sauce may take longer to thicken. Add a bit more time to simmer.

3. What’s the best way to reheat this sauce?
Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.