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Authentic Hot Dog Chili Sauce: 7 Flavorful Tips! Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 100 reviews

This Authentic Hot Dog Chili Sauce recipe delivers a perfectly balanced sweet-savory-tangy flavor with finely crumbled lean ground beef simmered slowly with classic chili spices and tomato elements. Ideal for topping hot dogs, this sauce is thick yet spoonable, with deep umami notes from Worcestershire and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. The slow simmering technique melds the flavors beautifully for a traditional chili dog experience at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Liquids

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2–3 cups water (to cover beef for simmering)
  • 5 oz tomato sauce (small can)

Spices and Seasonings

  • 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 red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)

Sweet and Tangy Finish

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef (in Water): 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 using a wooden spoon or potato masher as it cooks. Skim off any foam or scum that appears. Do not drain the liquid; keep all flavor in the pot.
  2. Add Spices and Tomato Sauce: Once beef is fully browned and finely crumbled, stir in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, kosher salt, black pepper, dried minced onion, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Then add the tomato sauce. Stir well and bring mixture back to a gentle boil to bloom the spices.
  3. Simmer Low and Slow: Reduce heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and simmer for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add water if the sauce becomes too dry or starts sticking. The goal is to have the beef very tender and the sauce thickened but still saucy.
  4. Add Ketchup, Brown Sugar, and Worcestershire: Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix thoroughly and continue simmering uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes to thicken the sauce and concentrate the flavors. Stir occasionally and adjust heat to prevent sticking.
  5. Adjust Consistency and Seasoning: Check the sauce thickness; it should be thick but spoonable. If too thick, add a splash of water; if too thin, simmer longer. Mash any larger beef chunks for a smooth texture. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, chili powder, or add mustard or hot sauce if desired.
  6. Serve: Once seasoned to your liking and thickened properly, turn off the heat. Spoon generously over hot dogs and enjoy the authentic chili dog experience.

Notes

  • Cooking the beef in water rather than frying keeps the meat finely crumbled and lean without grease.
  • Simmering the sauce low and slow enhances depth of flavor and tenderizes the beef perfectly.
  • Adjust sweetness or tang by adding more brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, or vinegar to taste.
  • Keep stirring occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
  • Use lean ground beef for best texture and to avoid greasy sauce.
  • This sauce freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
  • If thicker chili sauce is desired, extend the uncovered simmer time to reduce liquid further.

Keywords: hot dog chili sauce, authentic chili dog sauce, homemade chili sauce, chili dog topping, slow simmer chili, lean ground beef chili sauce

Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/authentic-hot-dog-chili-sauce-7-flavorful-tips-recipe/