Concession Stand Hot Dog Chili Recipe

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This famous Hot Dog Chili Sauce is meaty, slightly sweet and full of flavor. Great on hot dogs, fries and as a chili base! Simmer it in the slow cooker to deepen the chili flavor.

I'd have to say that I'm not much of a fan of hot dogs. Every once in a great while I'll have one at a cookout, because really, who can resist a hot dog cooked over the fire? But hot dogs are not generally something I crave.

However, all bets are off when there is our famous Hot Dog Chili Sauce in the fridge.

closeup of a chili dog on a baking sheet

Why you'll love this recipe:

It is packed full of beef, rich tomato sauce, onions and garlic.
Full of sweet, chili flavor.
Makes a large batch perfect for parties or for freezing in batches.

What makes this chili sauce so famous?

There is a little hot dog shop near my hometown in Northeast Ohio that serves an amazing chili dog. Unfortunately, since we're not in the area anymore, I don't get to go there much. But thankfully, a friend gave me this copycat recipe for chili sauce years ago.

Although I've never compared the "real thing" to this copycat recipe in a side-by-side comparison, this hot dog chili sauce recipe tastes like what I remember the "real thing" to be.

When this is around, there's no doubt. I crave a hot dog.

Can you freeze chili sauce?

This makes a big recipe. I like to let my sauce simmer all day in the slow cooker instead of the stove. It completely fills my 6-quart slow cooker You can always half recipe, but I recommend making a full recipe.

This chili sauce freezes well. Just portion it out in smaller containers, freeze, and you're ready for game day, Friday, or whenever that chili craving hits.

How to Serve Hot Dog Chili Sauce

Not only does this hot dog chili sauce make an average hot dog like a gourmet sandwich, but spoon it over some french fries or a baked potato and you've got chili fries that rival the best.

Another idea for this chili sauce?Eat it on top of macaroni and cheese. This makes an amazingly wonderful combination!

If you like this recipe, you'll love our chili recipe, which uses this sauce as a base. Yep…we like this sauce that much in our family.

Hot Dog Chili Sauce

This famous Hot Dog Chili Sauce is meaty, slightly sweet and full of flavor. Great on hot dogs, fries and as a chili base! Simmer it in the slow cooker to deepen the chili flavor.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword beef recipe, comfort food, picnic

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 3 hours

Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes

Servings 30

Calories 205 kcal

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4 pounds ground beef
4 small onions chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned into the cup and leveled)
38 ounces tomato sauce equals 2 15-oz cans and 1 8-oz can
30 ounces water
4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup chili powder
1/2 cup chopped pimentos
3/4 cup sugar to taste

In a large stockpot (at least 6 quarts), brown hamburger, onions and garlic together, until the meat is totally cooked.
Drain off any fat.
Add flour to ground beef and mix well.
Add the remaining ingredients to the stockpot. Mix well and simmer, uncovered, for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Serve over hot dogs or fries!
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. You can also store the sauce in the freezer.

This makes a large pot full of chili sauce, which can be frozen in smaller amounts. Add less flour if you like your chili sauce a bit more runny. Add more or less sugar, depending on how sweet you like it!

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