🌭 Classic Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce

A truly iconic American topping! This sauce is not a chili—it’s smoother, spiced just right, and made specifically for hot dogs. Originally served on the boardwalks of Coney Island, New York, it’s beloved for its meaty texture and bold, savory flavor.

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🛒 Ingredients (Yields about 2½ cups — for 6–8 hot dogs)

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Spices & Seasonings

• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional but traditional in some versions)
• 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 pinch of cayenne pepper or dash of hot sauce (optional)
• 1/4 cup water (or more, for desired thickness)

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🔥 Instructions

1️⃣ Brown the Ground Beef

• In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up very finely with a spoon or potato masher.
• Traditional Coney sauce is super fine—almost like a paste. Don’t leave big chunks!

2️⃣ Add Onion & Garlic

• Once the meat is browned, stir in the finely diced onion and garlic.
• Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant.

3️⃣ Stir in Tomato Base & Spices

• Mix in the tomato sauce, paste, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
• Sprinkle in all spices and seasonings. Stir to combine.
• Pour in water and reduce heat to low.

4️⃣ Simmer Low & Slow

• Let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add more water as needed to maintain a slightly loose, spoonable consistency.
• Taste and adjust salt, spice, or sweetness to your liking.

5️⃣ Serve It Up!

• Spoon hot sauce over freshly grilled or steamed beef hot dogs in soft white buns.
• Top with yellow mustard, diced raw onions, and shredded cheese if desired.

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💡 Tips for the Best Coney Sauce

✅ Texture is everything – Use a masher or blender pulse if needed to achieve that fine, smooth meat consistency.
✅ Low and slow – Let it simmer gently to deepen the flavor.
✅ Make ahead – It stores beautifully in the fridge for 4–5 days, and even better the next day!
✅ Freezer-friendly – Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

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🍴 Serving Ideas

• Classic Coney dogs (with onions + mustard)
• On top of fries (Coney fries!)
• Inside a bun with grilled sausage
• Slathered on burgers
• Or over mac and cheese for a twist!

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⏳ Time

• Prep: 10 minutes
• Cook: 30 minutes
• Total: ~40 minutes

🍽️ Servings: Makes enough for 6–8 hot dogs

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