Description
Want a fun, flavorful meal that’s perfect for game days, family dinners, or casual gatherings? Chili Coney Dogs are the ultimate recipe! This slow-cooker dish tops juicy hot dogs with a savory, spiced beef chili sauce, served on soft buns with your favorite toppings like cheese, relish, or onions.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Chili Sauce:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Dash cayenne pepper
- For the Coney Dogs:
- 8 hot dogs
- 8 hot dog buns, split
- Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Relish
- Mustard
- Chopped onion
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Ground Beef: Lean beef creates a rich, meaty chili sauce without excess fat.
- Tomato Sauce: Forms the tangy, saucy base of the chili.
- Water: Thins the sauce for slow-cooking consistency.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds savory, umami depth.
- Dried Minced Onion: Provides onion flavor without chopping.
- Garlic Powder, Ground Mustard, Chili Powder: Add savory, spicy, and warm notes.
- Pepper and Cayenne: Enhance flavor with mild heat.
- Hot Dogs: The star, absorbing chili flavor in the slow cooker.
- Buns: Soft and sturdy for holding chili and toppings.
- Toppings: Cheese, relish, mustard, and onion add texture and flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground Beef: Swap with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Tomato Sauce: Use crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce.
- Water: Replace with beef broth for richer flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Swap with soy sauce or balsamic vinegar.
- Dried Minced Onion: Use 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh onion or 1 teaspoon onion powder.
- Spices: Adjust cayenne for more heat or add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for smokiness.
- Hot Dogs: Use turkey dogs, beef franks, or veggie dogs.
- Buns: Try pretzel buns, whole wheat buns, or gluten-free buns.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free buns and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
- Lower Fat: Use 93% lean beef or reduce cheese topping.
- Spicy Coney Dogs: Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the chili
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Measure 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce, 1/2 cup water, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon dried minced onion, 1/2 teaspoon each garlic powder, ground mustard, chili powder, and pepper, and a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Set out 8 hot dogs and 8 hot dog buns (split).
- Prepare optional toppings: shred cheddar cheese, measure relish, mustard, and chop onion.
Tip: Prep toppings while beef cooks to save time; keep buns covered to stay soft.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- Brown Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound lean ground beef until no longer pink, 6-8 minutes, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Add Sauce and Seasonings: Stir in tomato sauce, water, Worcestershire sauce, dried minced onion, garlic powder, ground mustard, chili powder, pepper, and cayenne. Mix well to combine.
Tip: Break beef into small crumbles for even texture; drain fat thoroughly to avoid a greasy sauce.
Step 3: Assemble in Slow Cooker
- Add Hot Dogs: Place 8 hot dogs in a 3-quart slow cooker.
- Top with Chili: Pour the beef mixture over the hot dogs, ensuring they’re fully covered.
Tip: Arrange hot dogs in a single layer for even heating; stir gently to coat with sauce.
Step 4: Slow Cook
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on Low for 4-5 hours, until hot dogs are heated through and flavors meld (hot dogs should reach 165°F/74°C internally).
Tip: Check at 4 hours; stir halfway if desired to redistribute sauce. Avoid overcooking to keep hot dogs plump.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
- Prep Buns: Place split hot dog buns on a serving platter or plates.
- Add Hot Dogs: Use tongs to place a hot dog in each bun.
- Top with Chili: Spoon chili sauce over each hot dog, about 1/4 cup per dog.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, relish, mustard, or chopped onion as desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately with napkins and sides like fries or coleslaw.
Tip: Serve hot for the best flavor; offer extra chili sauce on the side for dipping