This easy hot dog sauce recipe makes a rich, savory, meaty topping that’s perfect for elevating your chili cheese dogs, Coney dogs, or any backyard BBQ creation.

This simple chili sauce is perfect for adding to your next hot dog bar. Also known as “coney sauce”, this recipe is even better than the original!

You’re going to love our take on the iconic chili topping for the classic Coney Island hot dog. Perfectly rich and savory, this meat sauce is great for adding to just about anything!

Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Take your hot dog game to the next level with a sauce so good, it’ll leave your guests wanting more. This recipe delivers that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and hearty flavors.

It’s versatile, freezes well, and works just as perfectly on Frito pie, chili cheese fries, or even sloppy joes. Plus, it’s a no-fail recipe that tastes like it simmered all day—without requiring hours in the kitchen.

The hot dog sauce recipe is in a large white pot.

This is our favorite way to create the best hot dog chili recipe! This easy recipe is a summertime staple in our house. I like to cook up a big batch, then use it throughout the week or pack it up for a weekend camping trip.

Be sure to check out these 20+ MUST TRY Hot Dog Recipes too!

Hot dog sauce recipe in a large white pot.

Hot Dog Sauce Details

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Start with a few of my favorite supplies for creating in the kitchen!

Supplies

Medium stock pot – This white enamel cast iron Dutch oven is my favorite!
Wooden spoon
Can opener
Cutting board
Henckels knife

Ingredients

Lean ground beef – Costco has the best deal on ground beef. I buy a large pack at least once a month.
Onion, finely diced – Adds that subtle sweetness and depth to every bite.
Tomato sauce – We like to use Hunts brand.
Brown sugar – Just a hint of sweetness to balance the tangy and savory notes.
Chili powder – It brings warmth without being overpowering.
Salt and pepper – Just a little goes a long way.

Ground beef is browned in a large pot for the hot dog sauce recipe.

Instructions

1. In the stock pot, brown ground beef on medium heat.

There is browned ground beef in a large pot.

2. Break up the beef so that it forms very small pieces of meat.

Tip: A potato masher may be used to help with this.

Hot dog sauce recipe process, adding onions to the ground beef.

3. Add the diced onion and cook over medium-high heat until the onion turns translucent.

Hot dog sauce recipe process, adding the rest of the ingredients to the pot.

4. Add the remaining ingredients to the pot, stir to combine, and continue to cook on low heat for at least 30 minutes.

5. Serve the sauce on hot dogs and top with cheese.

Finished hot dog sauce recipe in a large pot.

This recipe makes enough sauce for at least a dozen hot dogs. Be sure to pair it with this nacho cheese sauce for a truly epic dog! We love to serve hot dogs with French fries or potato salad all summer long.

A large pot full of hot dog sauce with a wooden spoon.

Topping Options

While this hot dog sauce makes the most delicious topping for hot dogs, here are a few more ideas!

Shredded cheddar cheese
Pickle relish
Yellow mustard
Hot mustard
Diced white onion
Sauerkraut
Nacho cheese sauce
BBQ sauce

The hot dog sauce recipe is being stirred.

Give these yummy hot dog varieties a try too!

Must-Try Hot Dog Varieties

Tips and Tricks

Use a wooden spoon or a potato masher to break up the beef while cooking. This makes the sauce extra smooth and perfect for topping your hot dogs.
Simmering on medium heat for at least 30 minutes lets the flavors meld together into a thick, delicious sauce. Don’t skimp on this step!
Swap in ground turkey or even deer meat for a leaner or more adventurous twist.
Double the recipe and freeze leftovers in smaller containers for quick meals later.
For a tangy kick, stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar or Worcestershire sauce during the final simmer.

How Long Do You Cook Hot Dogs?

Hot dogs may be cooked in a slow cooker on high for 2 hours or low for 3-4 hours.
When boiling hot dogs, cook them for 4-6 minutes. Learn how to boil hot dogs in this post.
Hot dogs can be cooked on the BBQ grill for 7-10 minutes.
Smoked hot dogs take 60 minutes to cook when smoked at 225 degrees F.
Baking hot dogs in the oven takes about 15 minutes at 350 degrees F. Learn how to bake hot dogs in this post.

A hot dog in a bun with sauce and cheese on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this sauce in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the meat and onions first, then add everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours for the perfect hot dog chili sauce recipe.

How do I store leftovers?
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I adjust the spice level?
Of course! Add cayenne pepper for extra heat or dial it back with less chili powder. You can even throw in a splash of hot sauce if you’re feeling bold.

What’s the best way to use leftovers?
Try it on chili cheese fries, sloppy joes, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. It’s also a delicious way to jazz up tacos or nachos.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground meat for plant-based crumbles or lentils for a hearty and satisfying alternative.

I like to make a big batch of this hot dog chili sauce recipe, so that we can use leftovers on sloppy joes, nacho chips, and tacos! The boys also love to make sloppy joes using hot dog buns – hot dog not required.

You know how much I love experimenting in the kitchen and I encourage you to do the same! Change up this recipe by adding tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, ground pork sausage, dry mustard, or garlic powder. Have fun with it!

A pot of hot dog sauce with a wooden spoon, containing ground meat and onions in a rich tomato sauce. Text on the image reads quick & easy hot dog sauce and homemadeheather.com. The pot rests on a woven mat.

Make this hot dog sauce recipe your go-to for every backyard BBQ and lazy weeknight dinner. Your family will thank you and your hot dog bun will never be lonely again.

If you love this easy hot dog sauce recipe, please give it a five-star review and help me share it on Facebook or Pinterest.

Hot Dog Sauce Recipe

This hot dog sauce recipe makes the most delicious savory beef topping for hot dogs. It's perfect for chili cheese dogs or the classic Coney Island dog!

4.44 from 41 votes

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 40

Total Time: 45

Author: Heather Painchaud

Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium onion finely diced
28 oz can of tomato sauce
1 Tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp of chili powder
½ tsp salt and black pepper

Instructions

In a medium stock pot, brown ground beef on medium heat.
Break up the beef so that it forms very small pieces of meat.
Add the diced onion and cook over medium-high heat until the onion turns translucent.
Add the remaining ingredients to the pot, stir to combine and continue to cook on low heat for at least 30 minutes.
Serve the sauce on hot dogs and top with cheese.

Hello, I’m Heather!

I'm an active mom of twin boys who is always looking for opportunities to inspire creativity through fun crafts, do-it-yourself projects and delicious recipes. This blog has been an integral part of supporting my little family and I am so grateful to have you become a part of our journey! Let's create together... Read more...