Introduction

This authentic hot dog chili sauce is packed with deep, savory flavors and just the right balance of sweetness and tang. Made with finely crumbled lean beef and a blend of classic spices, it’s the perfect topping to elevate your favorite hot dogs. The slow simmer creates a rich sauce that’s both comforting and delicious.

The image shows a close-up of a pot filled with thick red tomato sauce mixed with ground meat and small chunks of orange carrots. The sauce looks rich and slightly glossy, with steam rising from the surface, giving a sense of heat and freshness. A woman's hand holding a wooden spoon is lifting a spoonful of the sauce, showing the texture of the finely crumbled meat and soft vegetables clearly. The pot’s edge is visible and the background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 Tbsp dried minced onion
1 Tbsp garlic powder
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
2–3 cups water
5 oz tomato sauce (small can)
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot or deep skillet, add the ground beef and enough water to cover it (about 2 cups). Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Continuously break the meat into tiny pieces with a wooden spoon or potato masher as it cooks. Skim off any foam or scum that forms. Do not drain the liquid.
Step 2: Once the beef is fully browned and crumbled, stir in chili powder, paprika, cumin, kosher salt, black pepper, dried minced onion, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and tomato sauce. Bring back to a gentle boil.
Step 3: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add more water if it becomes too dry or starts sticking. The sauce should reduce and thicken but stay saucy.
Step 4: Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer uncovered for another 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors concentrate.
Step 5: Turn off the heat and taste. Adjust salt, pepper, heat, or tang with additional chili powder, hot sauce, or mustard if desired. Serve warm over hot dogs.

Tips & Variations

For a smoother sauce, mash the beef further during simmering to remove any larger chunks.
Add a teaspoon of mustard or a splash of vinegar if you prefer a tangier flavor.
Use lean ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef.
Adjust sweetness by adding more brown sugar or ketchup to taste.
If the sauce gets too thick, thin with a little water during the final simmer.
For more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce when finishing.
Simmering low and slow is key to developing deep, melded flavors.

Storage

Store leftover chili sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. This chili sauce can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A hot dog with a golden brown sausage in a soft, light tan bun. On top of the sausage, there is a thick, dark reddish-brown chili sauce layer that covers the center length of the sausage. Above the chili, there are small white chopped onions scattered across evenly, and bright yellow shredded cheddar cheese sprinkled on top. The hot dog sits on a clean white plate, placed on a table with a white marbled texture. In the background, there are red, yellow, and brown condiment bottles slightly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this chili sauce ahead of time?

Yes, this sauce tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Prepare it in advance and store it refrigerated or frozen until ready to use.

Is it necessary to cook the beef in water?

Cooking the beef in water helps break it down into fine crumbles without grease, creating the smooth texture desired in chili dog sauce. It also prevents excess fat, ensuring a clean, balanced flavor.