Name: Hot Dog Chili Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 95 min
Total time: 100 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon Oil (Any neutral oil will work here.); 1 lb Ground Beef (Go for ground/minced beef with some fat content; it will help the sauce have that rich mouthfeel.); 2 tablespoons Onion Flakes; 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder; 2.5 teaspoons Cumin; 2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika; 1.5 teaspoons Paprika; 0.5 teaspoon Salt; 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper; 0.5 teaspoon Dried Thyme; 0.5 teaspoon Dried Oregano; 0.25 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (The cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes add a little kick to the chili.); 0 pinch Red Pepper Flakes (Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your family's taste.); 2.5 cups Water; 1 cup Ketchup (I use Heinz Ketchup, but you can use your favorite brand here.); 0.25 cup Brown Sugar (You can use regular white sugar instead, but the brown has a more complex flavor.); 0.25 cup Worcestershire Sauce

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The first time I made Hot Dog Chili Sauce, it was a chilly Saturday afternoon, and I was craving something comforting. I had a pack of hot dogs in the fridge and a desire to elevate them beyond the usual mustard and ketchup. That’s when I decided to whip up this chili sauce. As the ingredients simmered together, the aroma filled the kitchen, reminding me of backyard barbecues and summer gatherings. This sauce transformed an ordinary meal into something special; it brought warmth not just to the hot dogs but to my heart as well. Every bite was a reminder of family, laughter, and the joy of sharing good food. Now, I can’t resist making it whenever I have hot dogs on hand, and it never fails to impress!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
1 hr 40 mins

Prep Time:
5 mins

Cook Time:
95 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
300 kcal

Protein:
18 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
15 g

Tools Used:
Skillet, Frying Pan, Saucepan, Wooden Spoon, Mixing Bowl

What Makes This Hot Dog Chili Sauce Special

What makes Hot Dog Chili Sauce so special? Here are a few reasons I adore this recipe:

1. Versatile Flavor

This sauce is incredibly versatile. It’s not just for hot dogs; it can be used on burgers, nachos, and even as a dip for fries. The robust blend of spices brings a depth of flavor that elevates any dish.

2. Easy to Prepare

Even if you’re not a seasoned cook, this Hot Dog Chili Sauce recipe is simple to follow. With just a few steps, you can create a delicious sauce that looks and tastes like you spent hours on it.

3. Comfort Food at Its Best

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of chili sauce. It’s reminiscent of childhood picnics and gatherings where food brought everyone together, making it perfect for creating new memories.

4. Customizable Heat

If you like a little kick, this sauce is for you! The recipe incorporates cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences. Whether you want it mild or fiery hot, the choice is yours!

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

This sauce stores well, making it perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch and store it in the fridge or freezer for those busy weeknights when you need a quick dinner solution.

6. Affordable Ingredients

Most of the ingredients are pantry staples. A quick trip to the grocery store is all you need to gather everything for the Hot Dog Chili Sauce. This makes it an economical choice for families or anyone looking to save money without sacrificing flavor.

What to Buy for Hot Dog Chili Sauce

When it comes to making Hot Dog Chili Sauce, choosing the right ingredients is key. Each component plays a significant role in building the sauce’s rich and flavorful profile. From the savory ground beef to the spices that transform the flavor, these ingredients come together beautifully.

1 tablespoon of oil – A neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil is ideal for sautéing the beef and spices.
1 lb of ground beef – Choosing beef with some fat content gives the sauce a rich mouthfeel.
2 tablespoons of onion flakes – These add a delightful onion flavor without the hassle of chopping.
1 tablespoon of garlic powder – It enhances the overall savory taste of the sauce.
2½ teaspoons of cumin – This spice gives an earthy depth that’s essential in chili.
2 teaspoons of smoked paprika – It adds a wonderful smokiness to the sauce.
1½ teaspoons of paprika – For a touch of color and sweetness.
½ teaspoon of salt – Enhances and balances the flavors.
½ teaspoon of black pepper – Adds a bit of heat and depth.
½ teaspoon of dried thyme – A classic herb that complements the beef perfectly.
½ teaspoon of dried oregano – Brings a warm, slightly sweet flavor.
¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper – Adds a kick; adjust based on your spice preference.
Pinch of red pepper flakes – For an extra layer of heat.
2½ cups of water – It helps to create the sauce’s base.
1 cup of ketchup – Provides sweetness and tanginess.
¼ cup of brown sugar – Adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
¼ cup of Worcestershire sauce – A fantastic umami booster.

How to Assemble Hot Dog Chili Sauce

Making Hot Dog Chili Sauce is a straightforward process that will leave your kitchen smelling wonderful. Start by gathering your ingredients, and let’s dive into the steps to create this delicious sauce.

Pour the oil into a large skillet or frying pan and heat it over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers slightly. This step is crucial as it sets the stage for cooking the meat.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it for about six minutes. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat apart as it browns. Make sure it’s cooked through and no longer pink.
Now it’s time for the flavor! Add the onion flakes, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, paprika, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir well to coat the meat evenly with all these spices. Let it cook for another two minutes, allowing the spices to bloom.
Next, carefully add the water to the skillet. Stir until everything is well combined. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. As it heats, you’ll notice the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen.
Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered for about 60 to 70 minutes. You want to stir occasionally and keep an eye on the mixture. The goal is for all the water to evaporate, leaving you with a thick and rich sauce.
Now, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Add in the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together, and let it simmer for another 15 to 20 minutes. This final simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat. Let it cool slightly before serving or storing. This Hot Dog Chili Sauce is now ready to elevate your hot dog experience!

Things Worth Knowing

Cooking Technique: Brown the beef properly to develop flavor. Don’t rush this step; it adds depth to your sauce.
Spice Control: Adjust the amount of cayenne and red pepper flakes according to your heat preference. Start small and taste as you go.
Sauce Consistency: Monitor the sauce as it simmers. You want a thick, rich sauce, but it shouldn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
Storage Tips: Let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for storage.

Expert Tips about Hot Dog Chili Sauce

Creating the perfect Hot Dog Chili Sauce is all about the details. Here are some expert tips to help you master this recipe:

Storage: Cool the sauce completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Freezing: This sauce freezes well! Portion it out in freezer-safe bags or containers, and it can be kept for up to three months.
Serving: Serve this sauce warm over grilled hot dogs or use it as a dip for fries and nachos.
Flavor Variations: Experiment with different spices or add chopped jalapeños for an extra kick. You can also mix in cooked beans to stretch the sauce further.
Garnish: Top your hot dogs with shredded cheese, diced onions, or jalapeños for added flavor and texture.

Great Combinations for Hot Dog Chili Sauce

Serving the Hot Dog Chili Sauce can be a fun and creative experience. Here are some great combinations:

Classic Hot Dogs: Serve over grilled or steamed hot dogs in a bun for the traditional experience.
Nachos: Drizzle the sauce over a plate of tortilla chips, topped with cheese and jalapeños for a game day treat.
On Rice: Serve the sauce over steamed rice for a comforting meal.
Mac and Cheese: Stir some sauce into mac and cheese for a flavor-packed twist.
Side Dishes: Pair with coleslaw or potato salad for a delicious picnic spread.
Occasions: This sauce is perfect for barbecues, birthday parties, or casual family dinners.

FAQ

You can use Hot Dog Chili Sauce on various dishes, not just hot dogs! It’s fantastic over burgers, nachos, and even as a dip for fries. The sauce’s rich flavor enhances any meal, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen.

Absolutely! You can prepare Hot Dog Chili Sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for about a week. It also freezes well, so you can make a big batch and save it for busy nights or gatherings.

If you prefer a milder sauce, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and taste as you go, adjusting to your family’s heat preferences.

Using ground beef with higher fat content will create a richer Hot Dog Chili Sauce that’s more flavorful. I typically use 85% lean beef. Leaner beef may result in a drier sauce, so aim for a good balance of fat.

Conclusion

In summary, the Hot Dog Chili Sauce stands out for its incredible flavor and versatility. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just looking to spice up a weeknight dinner, this sauce promises to deliver comfort and satisfaction. I encourage you to try making it at home; it’s easier than you think and will delight your family and friends alike!