Description
Hearty chili dog sauce brings Cincinnati-style comfort to classic American fare. Meaty, spicy, and rich with warm spices, this homemade sauce elevates simple hot dogs, burgers, and fries into a crave-worthy meal you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
Base Liquids and Seasonings:
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- ½ cup (120 ml) ketchup
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon sea or kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Aromatics:
- 1 cup (160 g) minced onion
Instructions
- In a capacious, sturdy saucepan, amalgamate ground beef (454 grams / ), water (240 milliliters / ), diced onion, salt, ketchup, chili powder, and Worcestershire sauce over medium-high temperature.
- Continuously stir the mixture, methodically fragmenting the beef into diminutive, uniform crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Elevate the concoction to a robust boil, then immediately reduce thermal intensity to maintain a gentle, rolling simmer.
- Allow the sauce to develop depth and complexity, maintaining an uncovered state and stirring periodically to prevent scorching or uneven cooking.
- Monitor the liquid reduction, continuing the simmering process for approximately 30-45 minutes until the sauce achieves a rich, thickened consistency that clings perfectly to preferred accompaniments.
- Approximately 25 minutes into cooking, conduct a flavor assessment, calibrating seasoning with additional salt, chili powder, or ketchup to enhance the overall taste profile.
- Once the sauce reaches optimal texture and flavor intensity, remove from heat and prepare to lavish over hot dogs, hamburgers, or crispy french fries.
- For an indulgent final touch, sprinkle shredded cheese atop the sauce just before serving.
- Transfer any remaining sauce to an airtight container, refrigerating for up to 5 days or freezing for extended preservation.
Notes
- Perfect for transforming ordinary meals into mouthwatering delights with minimal effort.
- Swap regular ground beef with leaner turkey or plant-based alternatives for healthier options.
- Worcestershire sauce adds complex depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile dramatically.
- Create big batches and freeze portions for quick weeknight meal solutions.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder quantities to match personal spice preferences.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering, Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 65mg