Classic American Coney Dog Recipe

Ingredients

  • 8 hot dogs
  • 8 hot dog buns
  • 1 pound of ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) of tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of pepper
  • Additional onions, finely chopped for topping (optional)
  • Yellow mustard for topping (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink.
  2. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes or until the onion is translucent.
  3. Add the tomato sauce, chili powder, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
  4. Simmer the mixture on low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
  5. While the sauce is simmering, grill the hot dogs and toast the buns.
  6. Place a grilled hot dog on each toasted bun.
  7. Spoon the sauce over the hot dogs.
  8. If desired, top each hot dog with additional chopped onion and a squirt of yellow mustard.

Tools for making

  • Skillet - A large skillet is needed to cook the ground beef and onion.
  • Grill - A grill is required to cook the hot dogs.
  • Toaster - A toaster is needed to toast the hot dog buns.
  • Spoon - A spoon is required for stirring the sauce while it simmers.
  • Knife - A knife is needed to finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
  • Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons are required to accurately measure the chili powder, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper.

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat substitute.
  • Cheese Coney: Add a layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the hot dog before spooning the sauce.
  • Spicy Coney: Add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce mixture for an extra kick.
  • Vegetable Coney: Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for added texture and flavor.
  • Southwestern Coney: Top the hot dog with guacamole, salsa, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
  • Chicago Style Coney: Top the hot dog with yellow mustard, chopped onions, sweet relish, tomato slices, pickle spears, and sport peppers.
  • Double Meat Coney: Use two hot dogs instead of one in each bun for a heartier version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free hot dog buns or serve the sauce over grilled sausages in a gluten-free wrap or lettuce wrap.

Recipe overview

Get ready to enjoy a classic American street food right from your kitchen with this Coney Dog recipe! Originating from Michigan, Coney Dogs are known for their flavorful, meaty sauce, and are a favorite at summer barbecues and baseball games. This recipe features all-beef hot dogs covered in a hearty, homemade chili sauce and topped with onions and mustard. The chili sauce combines ground beef, onions, garlic, and a blend of seasonings to give it a rich, savory taste. The recipe is straightforward and requires basic cooking skills, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to make these delicious Coney Dogs!

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to cook the ground beef? Cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink, which usually takes around 5-7 minutes.
  2. Can I use any type of hot dogs for this recipe? You can use any type of hot dogs that you prefer, such as beef, pork, or turkey hot dogs.
  3. How long should I simmer the sauce? Simmer the sauce for about 30 minutes on low heat, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
  4. Can I make the sauce in advance? Yes, you can make the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it before using.
  5. Do I have to grill the hot dogs? Grilling the hot dogs adds smoky flavor, but you can also cook them on a stovetop or in the oven if you prefer.
  6. Are the additional toppings necessary? The additional chopped onion and yellow mustard toppings are optional, but they add extra flavor and crunch to the coney dogs.
  7. Can I freeze the leftover coney sauce? Yes, you can freeze the leftover coney sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before using.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

The Coney Dog is a beloved staple of Michigan's culinary scene, but its name is a nod to New York's Coney Island. Greek immigrants who made their way to Michigan in the early 20th century are credited with the creation of the Coney Dog. Interestingly enough, these culinary pioneers had never been to Coney Island; they simply named their creation in honor of the famous amusement park. Over the years, the Coney Dog has become more associated with Michigan than New York, with the cities of Detroit and Flint each claiming their unique styles of Coney Dog – Detroit style being characterized by a smooth, evenly distributed chili, while Flint style features a drier, more ground-beefy sauce. So, the next time you bite into a Coney Dog, remember you're not just enjoying a hot dog, you're indulging in a piece of Michigan's Greek immigrant history, disguised as a tribute to an iconic New York landmark.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.