There's not much more satisfying, nor comforting, than taking the first bite of a hot dog topped with a savory, beefy coney sauce. Coney dogs have been an American restaurant staple for generations, but now, it's time to bring that coney sauce home. Coney sauce is quick and easy to make, and you can do it at home, just as good as any restaurant. Actually, you can do it better.
Today, we'll quickly cover everything you need to know to make an easy, one-pan, 15-minute coney sauce at home. Love chili? Add crunchy, cheesy, salty, over-the-top savory Frito Pie to your dinnertime lineup!
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE CONEY SAUCE
Coney sauce is a chili, savory and slightly tangy, with just a hint of sweet from its ketchup base. Many hot dog sauce recipes call for an extended cook time on the stovetop to develop flavor, but this is really not necessary. With the right blend of spices and ingredients, you can make an incredible coney sauce in under 20 minutes.
HOT DOG CONEY SAUCE RECIPE OVERVIEW
- Brown ground beef.
- Add ketchup and spices.
- Simmer briefly.
- Add cornstarch slurry and simmer 2 minutes more.
WATCH THIS! HOW TO MAKE HOT DOG CHILI {VIDEO}
This hot dog coney sauce begins like all others -- with ground beef. The beef is quickly browned on the stovetop and then the ketchup goes in.
ABOUT THE INGREDIENTS
Ketchup makes for a quick and ready-made base for hot dog chili. In addition to the ketchup, there are two more ingredients that enable us to develop flavor quickly in this recipe -- tomato paste and soy sauce. These ingredients add an extra savory element to the sauce that works perfectly against the sweetness of the ketchup.
Next in the pan, a perfectly balanced addition of spices: Chili powder and cumin for a smoky element, dried mustard for tang, garlic powder and onion powder for flavor, and of course, salt and pepper. Then, it's time to simmer, allowing the sauce to reduce and giving all those flavors a moment to meld together.
HOW TO THICKEN CONEY SAUCE
The last step of this recipe is as simple as mixing cornstarch and water together to form a slurry and adding it to your coney sauce. The cornstarch slurry is what thickens the coney sauce and it is perfect for a quick-fix chili as it is both fast-acting and flavorless.
Only a 2-3 more minutes of simmering and you're all set to serve!
This hot dog coney sauce is quick and easy enough for a weeknight dinner, but also makes for the perfect addition to hot dogs on the grill at your next barbecue. Please, enjoy!
5 MORE AMERICAN CLASSICS YOU'LL LOVE
- Easy Homemade Hamburger Helper features savory, seasoned ground beef, a quick Cheddar sauce, diced onions, and peppers.
- Crispy Breaded Baked Pork Chops come equipped with a crispy panko breading. They're always tender and never dry!
- Homemade Salisbury Steak is a hearty, ground beef steak served with a heaping helping of brown onion gravy.
- Pizza Bagel Bites are made with miniature bagels, sauce, melty Mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni.
- Baked BBQ Chicken features crisp dark meat chicken, brushed with barbecue sauce and baked to perfection!
Coney Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 ½ teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons water, separated
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- In a large saute pan over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and break it apart using a wooden spoon. Saute the ground beef for 10 minutes, or until completely browned and cooked through.
- If desired, spoon out the majority of the grease by first removing the pan from the heat or open flame. Then, using a spatula, push the meat to one side of the pan. Have ready a small bowl to collect the excess grease. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon out the grease. Wipe any drippings away, and return to the heat.
- Add the ketchup, tomato paste, soy sauce, chili powder, salt, garlic powder, ground mustard, pepper, onion powder, cumin and ¾ cup of water, and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer and reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a proper simmer. Simmer for 4-6 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by about half.
- In a small bowl, add the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water. Whisk until combined, and pour into the sauce. Stir, and allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes more, until slightly thickened. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
Cheese Curd In Paradise says
I love chili dogs! I am excited to give this recipe a try because I know my boys will absolutely love it!
Lathiya says
Wow...the coney sauce looks delicious and I loved the fact that it can be done in 15 minutes. Can I make this with chicken instead beef?
Krista Price says
Wait, really? That's it? Who would have thought a sauce so flavorful would come together in 15 minutes with such a simple list of ingredients! My mind is blown! I can't wait to make this! 🙂
Stephanie Simmons says
This has my mouth watering! It looks like the perfect winter comfort food - warm and hearty!
April says
I agree, there is nothing so satisfying and comforting as one (or two) hot dogs packed with your favorite toppings! I just need to try this coney sauce a try!
Connie Halon says
This sauce is PERFECTION! I love having single servings in my freezer to satisfy my cravings at a moment’s notice. Thank you so much for this simply and satisfying recipe.
Kelly Anthony says
That's awesome, Connie! Thank you so much for sharing!
Melissa says
I made this with turkey and all I have to say is wow! I am sensitive to vasts amounts of chili powder and cumin, so I reduced that. I also sub’d with prepared mustard and tomato sauce because I didn’t have mustard seed or tomato paste on hand. Delicious and we will eat it again.
Kelly Anthony says
That's great, Melissa! Sounds like you know what you're doing in the kitchen 😉 Thank you so much for your feedback, and I'm thrilled you loved it 🙂
Dan from Platter Talk says
We are huge fans of chili hot dogs and your coney sauce looks like it takes. this tasty creation clear out of the ballpark. Our guys are going to eat this one up, quite literally! Thanks for the awesome inspiration.
Gloria says
Wow...on top of hot dogs, shoved in a sub bun, a pasta topper...or even on nachos. So many ways to eat this delicious recipe. Over baked potatoes, on top of rice....mixed in with eggs...OMG!!
Nicoletta says
I had never heard about it, there is still so much I need to learn about American staples. It looks amazing, something my husband that adores hot dogs would love to make! Thank you!
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you, Nicoletta!
rebecca says
15 minutes, yes please! now I'm craving hot dogs
Rosa says
Wow, I've never heard of coney sauce before. This sounds like an amazing topping, I can't wait to try it!
Bhawana says
sounds like a wonderful idea of making this whole recipe under 15 minutes. surely a delicious treat to tastebuds.
Jere Cassidy says
This is the only way I want to eat a hot dog. This brings back memories of Friday night suppers.
Shashi at SavorySpin says
Wow - that Coney sauce has me drooling with your description of it being "savory and slightly tangy" - I so need to give this a try - though I might end up eating the chili sauce with a spoon!
Kristina says
Sure looks like THE PERFECT coney dog! Screams "summer" and can't wait for some summer nights!
Anne Lawton says
I love that sauce and the way you describe it is making my mouth water!
Shannon says
Oh my goodness, this looks amazing! And so simple! This would be awesome for a backyard bbq and as part of a hot dog bar where everyone could load up their own hot dogs! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Julie says
Oh gosh, this takes me right back to childhood trips to Coney Island - so many little corner restaurants served Coney dogs. I haven't thought about them in YEARS - such a fun little trip down memory lane!
Michelle says
Wow! That sauce looks amazing! I've never heard of coney sauce, I have heard of chilli hot dogs though. Will have to stick this on the bbq list for summer.
Jessica (Swanky Recipes) says
My friend has a birthday coming up and it's during a busy time in NOLA. All he requested for dinner is hot dogs and chili. I like the idea of making it all one dish and I'm happy I'll be able to share this with him!
Leanne | Crumb Top Baking says
I can't believe I've never had a chili dog! These look awesome! I know my family would love them. I'll have to make them some time this summer!
Kelly Anthony says
Thanks, Leanne! They're definitely one of our family favorites 🙂
Charity says
I love vintage recipes! What a great way to celebrate the carnival season without ever leaving home! So nostalgic!
lauren says
These are great for baseball season! Especially if enjoying a cold beer alongside. I like that you've developed a quicker recipe than the original but with similar taste!
Eileen Kelly says
you are speaking to me with these chili dogs! So delicious and so full of flavor! A great way to enjoy a hot dog with amazing toppings!
Jo says
That is one delicious looking hot dog chili. Never really heard of coney sauce, it looks and sounds very tempting though. Hot dog topped with chili, oh my this is making me drool.
Kelly Anthony says
It's soooooo yummy! Thank you, Jo!
Sara Welch says
This looks and sounds amazing! Will be perfect for our summer cookouts!
Sofia says
So cool! Never heard of coney sauce before, but this looks and sounds fantastic!
Heidy L. McCallum says
When I was a teenager I worked at a Hot Dog Shop and their sauce was delish---but took forever and a day. Glad to see your sauce only takes a short time. Bookmarking.
Lindsey Pine says
My husband would go crazy over this!! I need to make it soon!
Tisha says
These are perfect for a back yard party! Love coney dogs!!!
Sam Harbison says
Is it weird that I'm sort of obsessed with hot dog toppings? This looks incredible. Like a chili cheese dog, but since it's got ketchup and dried mustard powder, it keeps the classic hot dog flavors. I'm all over it.
Jenni LeBaron says
I love a good Coney Dog! This sauce sounds absolutely scrumptious and perfect for a summer bbq.
Colleen says
Yum, this is my fave way to have a hot dog, and now I'm craving one. Hot dogs are happening on the barbeque this weekend and this sauce is going on them. Thank you!
Stine Mari says
This is taking the hot dog game to the next level. They look scrumptious and I love all the seasonings you used!
Jere Cassidy says
For me, this is the only way I want to eat a hot dog. This brings back memories of our Friday night suppers.
Jeannette (Jay Joy) says
This 15-Minute Hot Dog Coney Sauce Recipe just made my day. I grew up in New York and visiting Cony Island Park every summer. It brought back memories.
Jacqueline Debono says
I've never had a coney dog but it looks really tasty. I love chili and I like hot dogs but never realized they are popular together. Can't wait to try this for our next summer bbq!
Maman de sara says
This coney sauce makes me want to eat a hot dog right now. That looks delicious!
April says
With all the picnics and BBQs coming up, this recipe i right on time! I can't wait to try this recipe - it looks incredible!!
Pat says
I had a birthday party and served hot dogs and hamburgers with your Coney Sauce. My guests loved it. I was surprised at all the complements and even handed my recipe to one of them. So I am printing it out again for my binder.
I'll admit that when I think of chili dogs I think of a sweeter chili but this was good. It had a nice bite. I think though that next time I would not put as much chili powder in. I did a double batch so cooking took me longer than 15 minutes but it was relatively hands free.
Thank you so much for this recipe and I hope other people get as many compliments as I did.
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you so much, Pat! That makes my day 🙂 I'm so glad you and your guests enjoyed it!
Sandy says
WOW!! So good! Just what I’ve been looking for. Easy to make too.
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you, Sandy! So glad you liked it!
Patty at Spoonabilities says
I haven't had a coney dog in way too long! This looks amazing & can't wait to give it a try!
Sandra says
This was a really big hit at my house!! Can't wait to make it again!
Anita says
This makes the regular hot dog into something utterly delicious. It's hard to go back to the old way of preparing hot dog once we tried these.
Deanne says
I can't believe I didn't know what a coney dog was but I DO know I'm making these for our family, asap!!! Yum!
K Wells says
So this hot dog chili was awesome. Ididafd a couple more things in instead of chili pwder as it I used 1.5 tsp and 1 tsp Asian Chili paste I think it adds some depth. I used a tad more garlic, and had to mince some onion I was out of onion powder. Since I did it on the stove top added a splash of liquid smoke. And instead of water I added a 12can of beer. I put the hot dogs in partially frozen to cook them as it simmered.
This is by far the best chili recipe. I have been looking for a go too. Think this will stop the search. I hate hot dog chili in a can. Salvation in this gem has set me free. Thanks A Heap!
Morgan says
I had my hopes up for this, but after making it, I just can't see how in the world it can be called a 'chili sauce'. Honestly it came out tasting like a savory sloppy joe sauce, and I wasn't about to put it on hot dogs and pretend it was chili. I added a couple tablespoons of brown sugar, put in on some hamburger buns, and it made pretty great sloppy joes. It was just too ketchupy for chili. I'm still keeping the recipe to use for future sloppy joes though. It certainly wasn't a bad recipe, just not really what was advertised.
Elyssia says
10/10! We love this sauce so much! I made it during quarantine and haven't stopped since! I love that its so simple - 15 mins to whip up!
Kelly Anthony says
Elyssia! Thank you so much 🙂 So good to hear from you!
Deborah says
Wow this coney sauce is amazing. My family loved it. Making it again tonight for dinner.
Shawn Huff says
O.M.G.!!! Just made this coney sauce and it’s the BEST I’ve ever had! Freezing the leftover sauce to use another day. This stuff is PURE GOLD! Not wasting a drip of this!! Thank you for posting the recipe.
Kelly Anthony says
That's so awesome! Thank you, Shawn
Amanda says
Yum! I love how easy this is to make and that I normally have all of these ingredients on hand! I had it over cooked penne noodles (prefer spaghetti noodles but didn't have any) and topped with some shredded cheese and diced raw onion! Delicious!!