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Classic Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 64 reviews
  • Author: Beverly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Classic Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce is a flavorful, savory meat sauce made with ground beef and a blend of spices, simmered to perfection. It’s the perfect topping for hot dogs, bringing a nostalgic taste of American street food into your kitchen. This recipe features a balance of tangy mustard, aromatic chili powder, and a subtle hint of sweetness from brown sugar, creating a rich and hearty sauce that pairs excellently with your favorite hot dogs.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound ground beef, 85% lean
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Sauces

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Liquid

  • 1 cup beef broth


Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain excess fat to reduce greasiness.
  2. Sauté Onion: Add the finely chopped onion to the cooked beef and cook for 3–4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, enhancing the sauce’s flavor base.
  3. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute to meld the flavors and develop a rich aroma.
  4. Mix Spices and Sauces: Add yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, allspice, cinnamon, paprika, and brown sugar. Stir well to evenly combine all the spices with the meat mixture.
  5. Simmer Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
  6. Season to Taste: Season the sauce with salt and black pepper according to your preference. Serve warm over hot dogs for a classic American taste experience.

Notes

  • For a smoother texture, pulse the cooked sauce briefly in a food processor until slightly pureed.
  • This sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze leftover sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months for convenient future use.