By Anetta Williams
Nothing beats a perfectly grilled hot dog, but what takes it from good to great is the right chili sauce. This homemade hot dog chili sauce is a flavor-packed, slightly tangy, and spicy topping that transforms any hot dog into a restaurant-quality meal.
Unlike store-bought chili sauces, which are often filled with preservatives, this recipe is made from real ingredients,
rich spices, and a secret ingredient – Pepperoncini juice – that adds an unforgettable depth of flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 lb ground beef (your choice) 1-2 Pepperoncini peppers
1/3 cup Pepperoncini juice 2 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp each: white pepper, salt, cumin, mustard, Old Bay seasoning, onion powder 1 tbsp garlic powder & Mrs. Dash seasoning
1 tsp minced garlic 1 cup water
1/2 onion, diced
How to Make Hot Dog Chili Sauce
- Saute Garlic: Heat minced garlic in a pan until translucent, about 1
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned and fully
- Season the Beef: Stir in diced onion, salt, garlic powder, mustard, Old Bay, cumin, Dash, white pepper, and chili powder. Mix well.
- Add Heat & Flavor: Pour in Pepperoncini juice and add the peppers. Adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste: Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
- Extra Kick: Sprinkle an extra 1/2 tablespoon of chili powder and mix
- Simmer & Thicken: Pour in 1 cup of water, bring to a simmer, and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let it thicken to your desired consistency.
Best Ways to Serve Your Chili Sauce
Classic Chili Dogs – Spoon over grilled hot dogs in toasted buns.
Loaded Chili Cheese Fries – Drizzle over crispy fries and top with melted cheese. Chili Burgers – Spread on a juicy burger patty for extra bold flavor.
Nachos Supreme – Use as a topping for game-day nachos, paired with cheese and jalapenos. Baked Potatoes – Transform a simple baked potato with a generous scoop of chili sauce.
Final Thoughts
This hot dog chili sauce recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to upgrade their hot dogs with bold flavors and a rich, meaty topping.
With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and versatile use, this chili sauce will quickly become a family favorite.
Give this recipe a try and let us know how you customize it to your taste! Don’t forget to subscribe to ‘Besuretocook’ on YouTube for more delicious homemade recipes!
