This Chili Dog Sauce is the ultimate topping for hot dogs, burgers, and fries. Packed with flavor, this easy-to-make sauce uses simple ingredients to create a rich, savory addition to any meal. Whether you like it thick or saucy, this chili sauce is sure to take your comfort food to the next level.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chili dog sauce is a one-pot wonder that requires minimal prep and delivers big on flavor. It’s versatile enough to be used on a variety of dishes, and it can be adjusted to your liking—whether you prefer a thicker, chunkier sauce or a smoother, more liquid consistency. Perfect for cookouts, game days, or even a quick weeknight dinner, this sauce is sure to please.

Chili Dog Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup minced onion
• 1 teaspoon sea or kosher salt
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

How to Make Chili Dog Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients:

• Add all the ingredients—ground beef, water, minced onion, salt, ketchup, chili powder, and Worcestershire sauce—to a large, heavy-duty saucepan over medium-high heat.

2. Break Up the Beef:

• As the beef begins to cook, use a spoon to break it apart into small pieces. This will help the beef blend evenly with the sauce.

3. Bring to a Boil:

• Stir the mixture and bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

4. Simmer and Thicken:

• Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your preferred consistency. Simmer for 30 minutes for a saucier consistency, or up to 45 minutes for a thicker sauce.
• Stir the sauce often to prevent sticking and ensure it thickens evenly.

5. Taste and Adjust:

• Around the 25-minute mark, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, chili powder, or ketchup depending on your flavor preferences.

6. Serve:

• Serve the chili sauce over hot dogs, burgers, or fries. For an extra indulgent treat, top with shredded cheese.

Chili Dog Sauce

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to give the chili sauce some extra heat.
• Bean Chili: If you like a heartier sauce, add a can of drained kidney or pinto beans for a chili-like topping.
• Smoky Flavor: Add ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.

Equipment

• Large heavy-duty saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Storage

• In the Refrigerator: Store leftover chili sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• In the Freezer: Chili sauce freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.

What to Serve with Chili Dog Sauce

This sauce is the perfect topping for:

• Hot dogs
• Hamburgers
• French fries
• Chili cheese fries
• Baked potatoes

Pair it with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or potato salad for a complete meal.

Tips

• Break Down the Beef: For a smoother sauce, make sure to break the ground beef into small pieces as it cooks. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can leave the beef in slightly larger pieces.
• Simmer Time: Adjust the simmering time to achieve your desired sauce thickness. Longer simmering will result in a thicker, more concentrated sauce.

FAQ

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes! This sauce can be made ahead and reheated when you’re ready to serve. The flavors will develop even more after sitting in the fridge.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just make sure to season it well, as it has a milder flavor than beef.

Approximate Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 210
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 14g
• Fat: 12g

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Yield: 4

Chili Dog Sauce for Hot Dogs, Burgers & Fries

Print

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup minced onion
• 1 teaspoon sea or kosher salt
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Add all the ingredients to a large, heavy duty saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Break the beef apart with a spoon as it starts to cook.
3. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer.
4. Simmer, uncovered, 30 - 45 minutes, depending on how thick you like it. 30 minutes for a saucier consistency and up to 45 minutes for a thicker sauce.
5. Stir often. Around the 25 minute mark taste and season with more salt, chili powder and/or ketchup if desired.
6. Serve over hot dogs, burgers or fries preferably with cheese.
7. Refrigerate leftovers up to 5 days. Can be frozen.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size:

1 grams
Amount Per Serving: Unsaturated Fat: 0g

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