Midwestern Classic Hot Dog Chili Sauce
This cherished recipe, passed down from my dear grandmother, embodies the spirit of Midwestern cooking with its rich flavors and comforting simplicity. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a family gathering, this chili sauce is the ultimate topping for hot dogs, adding depth and warmth to each bite. With a meticulous blend of spices and a touch of dark chocolate for complexity, this sauce promises to elevate any meal. Even better, it freezes exceptionally well, allowing you to prepare a big batch ahead of time for those unexpected cravings. Make a pot and enjoy the nostalgia of home-cooked goodness!
N/A
Servings
160
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra lean ground beef
2 lbs (raw)
water
1 quart (cold)
small onions
4 (minced)
chili powder
4 teaspoons
crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon
salt
1 teaspoon
ground allspice
1 teaspoon
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon
garlic powder
1 teaspoon
cinnamon
1 teaspoon
cumin
4 teaspoons
bay leaves
5
vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons
tomato paste
1 (8 ounce) can
dark chocolate
1 ounce
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the raw ground beef with the cold water. Use your hands to mix and break the beef into a fine, even texture.
2
Transfer the beef and water mixture into a large saucepan or pot. Add in the minced onions, chili powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, ground allspice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, cinnamon, cumin, vinegar, tomato paste, and dark chocolate.
3
Add the bay leaves and stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
4
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for at least 3 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to develop the flavors.
5
During the final hour of cooking, if the sauce reaches your desired consistency, you can cover the pot to keep it warm.
6
Before serving, remove the bay leaves and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the sauce hot over your favorite hot dogs and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
6g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Midwestern Classic Hot Dog Chili Sauce?
It is a cherished family recipe passed down from a grandmother that embodies Midwestern cooking, perfect as a topping for hot dogs.
What is the primary protein used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of extra lean ground beef.
How do you achieve the fine texture of the beef?
By mixing the raw ground beef with cold water using your hands before cooking.
Why is dark chocolate added to the chili sauce?
A touch of dark chocolate is added to provide complexity and depth to the sauce's flavor profile.
How long should the chili sauce simmer?
The mixture should simmer uncovered for at least 3 hours to properly develop the flavors.
Can this chili sauce be frozen?
Yes, it freezes exceptionally well, making it great for meal prep and future cravings.
What amount of water is needed?
The recipe requires 1 quart of cold water.
How many onions are used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 4 small minced onions.
What are the key spices in this Midwestern sauce?
The spice blend includes chili powder, ground allspice, garlic powder, cinnamon, and cumin.
How many bay leaves should I add?
You should add 5 bay leaves to the mixture.
Should the pot be covered while simmering?
It should simmer uncovered initially, but you can cover it during the final hour once the desired consistency is reached.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 160 calories per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 14g of protein.
Is there any vinegar in the recipe?
Yes, 1 1/2 teaspoons of vinegar are used.
What size of tomato paste is required?
One 8-ounce can of tomato paste is needed.
How much fat is in a serving of this sauce?
There are 8g of fat per serving.
Are there red pepper flakes in the sauce?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
How much cumin is added to the chili?
The recipe calls for 4 teaspoons of cumin.
What should I do with the bay leaves before serving?
You must remove the bay leaves before serving the sauce.
Is Worcestershire sauce used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce is included.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 6g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much chili powder is used?
The recipe requires 4 teaspoons of chili powder.
What type of ground beef is recommended?
Extra lean ground beef is recommended for this recipe.
How much cinnamon is in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
What is the serving suggestion for this sauce?
It is best served hot over your favorite hot dogs.
Is garlic powder included in the ingredients?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder is used.
How much salt is needed for the batch?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
Is allspice a required ingredient?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of ground allspice is used to give the sauce its classic Midwestern flavor.
What occasions are best for this sauce?
It is perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or any meal that needs a touch of comfort food.
Is the beef browned before adding the water?
No, the raw beef is mixed with water first and then the whole mixture is brought to a simmer.