Marion's Savory Michigan Hot Dog Sauce
Dive into the rich and unique flavors of Northern New York with Marion's Savory Michigan Hot Dog Sauce. This cherished regional specialty combines ground beef, aromatic onions, and a harmonious blend of spices for a tantalizing topping that transforms your regular hot dogs into a gourmet experience. The sweet and tangy notes from brown sugar and apple cider vinegar balance perfectly with the heat from chili powder and crushed red pepper flakes. Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy family nights, this sauce is sure to impress your guests. Don't forget to sprinkle on some chopped onions for that signature taste!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (none)
medium onion
1 (finely chopped)
brown sugar
3 tablespoons (none)
apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons (none)
chili powder
4 tablespoons (none)
yellow mustard
1 tablespoon (none)
tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) can (none)
water
1 cup (none)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (none)
crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by finely chopping the onion and sautéing it in a splash of olive oil over medium heat until it becomes soft and translucent.
2
Add the ground beef to the pan and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it's fully browned and well crumbled for the best texture.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed beef and onions with brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, yellow mustard, tomato sauce, water, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are fully integrated.
4
Transfer the mixture to a saucepan, cover, and simmer over low heat for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. For a more profound flavor, consider simmering for longer.
5
Alternatively, you can cook this sauce in a crockpot on low for approximately six hours for optimal tenderness and flavor infusion.
6
Once ready, serve the sauce generously over hot dogs and top with chopped onions for the ultimate Michigan experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Marion's Savory Michigan Hot Dog Sauce?
It is a rich regional specialty from Northern New York that combines ground beef, onions, and a specific blend of spices to create a gourmet topping for hot dogs.
Where does Michigan Hot Dog Sauce originate?
Despite the name, this specific style of savory meat sauce is a cherished regional specialty from Northern New York.
What are the main ingredients in this sauce?
The sauce is made with ground beef, finely chopped onion, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, yellow mustard, tomato sauce, and various spices.
How do I prepare the ground beef for the sauce?
The beef should be cooked in a pan and broken apart with a spoon until fully browned and well-crumbled to ensure the best texture for the sauce.
Can I cook this recipe in a crockpot?
Yes, you can cook this sauce in a crockpot on low for approximately six hours for optimal tenderness and flavor infusion.
How long does the sauce need to simmer on the stove?
The sauce should simmer covered over low heat for at least 1 hour, though simmering longer can result in a more profound flavor.
What provides the sweetness in this recipe?
The sweetness comes from 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, which balances the tangy and spicy notes.
Is Marion's Savory Michigan Hot Dog Sauce spicy?
The sauce has a kick from 4 tablespoons of chili powder and 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, but it is balanced by sugar and vinegar.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to provide a tangy flavor profile.
What kind of tomato base is used?
The recipe uses one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce as the liquid base for the meat.
How should I prepare the onion?
One medium onion should be finely chopped and sautéed in olive oil until soft and translucent before adding the beef.
What is the recommended way to serve this sauce?
Serve the sauce generously over hot dogs and top with additional fresh chopped onions for the signature Michigan experience.
How much chili powder is required?
This recipe uses 4 tablespoons of chili powder to give it its distinctive regional flavor.
Do I need to add water to the sauce?
Yes, the recipe requires 1 cup of water to reach the proper consistency for simmering.
What dry spices are included?
The dry spice blend includes garlic powder, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Can I use yellow mustard in the sauce?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard to enhance the tanginess.
What type of oil should I use for sautéing?
A splash of olive oil is recommended for sautéing the onions.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients in Marion's Savory Michigan Hot Dog Sauce.
What texture should the beef have?
The beef should be finely crumbled to create a smooth, pourable meat sauce texture.
Is this sauce suitable for summer barbecues?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for summer barbecues and family nights.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, simmering it for a longer duration or cooking it in a crockpot allows the flavors to infuse better, making it great for prep.
What size can of tomato sauce is needed?
You will need one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
How much ground beef does the recipe use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground beef.
Can I adjust the heat level?
You can adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or chili powder to suit your preference for spice.
What makes this a 'Michigan' sauce?
In Northern New York, 'Michigan' refers to this specific style of thick, savory meat sauce served on hot dogs.
Does the recipe use fresh garlic?
No, the recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for seasoning.
How much salt and pepper is added?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper.
Should the saucepan be covered while simmering?
Yes, you should cover the saucepan while simmering the mixture over low heat.
Is this a sweet or savory sauce?
It is primarily savory and aromatic, but it features sweet and tangy notes from the brown sugar and cider vinegar.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include hot dog sauce, michigan sauce, ground beef, summer grilling, regional recipes, and comfort food.