This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Doing so allows me to create more unique content and recipes for you.
Savor the flavors of the Midwest with this keto-friendly Coney Island Hot Dog Chili Sauce! This low-carb, no-bean chili is a perfectly spiced meat sauce ideal for chili dogs and more. While there may be debates on what makes an authentic Coney Island sauce, one thing's for sure—this recipe is full of flavor and absolutely delicious. It's a must-try for any chili lover looking to keep it low-carb!
Join my newsletter and never miss a recipe!
Low-Carb Coney Island Hot Dog Chili Sauce (Keto-Friendly!)
Hey there, foodie fam! If you're like me and think the perfect game day is all about great food, fun, and a little friendly competition, then you're in the right place. Today, I'm sharing my recipe for keto-friendly Coney Island Hot Dog Chili Sauce, perfect for your next game-day spread!
Super Bowl = Thanksgiving for sports fans, right?
You gather a big crowd, drink, debate over the best plays, and eat your weight in delicious food. It’s a no-brainer! 🙌 And if you ask me, no tailgating (or homegating) party is complete without some juicy burgers and loaded hot dogs.
In years past, we’ve noshed on Greek Burgers, Bahn Mi Burgers, and Buffalo Chicken Burgers—all low-carb and totally drool-worthy! And for the hot dog lovers, we've served up BLT Hot Dogs, Reuben Dogs, Chicago Dogs, and even Keto Corn Dog Muffins for those who prefer to nibble rather than gobble.
But today, we're diving deep into the world of Coney Island Hot Dog Chili Sauce—without ever needing a trip to the actual Coney Island (still on my bucket list!). I've been on a mission to create the ultimate hot dog chili, and I think I’ve finally cracked the code.
Growing up, I was all about chili burgers and dogs with regular chili. But let’s be honest, beans have no business on a hot dog or burger. We’re talking about a fine meat sauce here—no beans allowed!
This Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce is everything: rich, thick, perfectly spiced, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of chili that makes you want to pile on the cheese and onions until you practically need a python-like jaw to get a bite in. Who's worried about being ladylike when there are chili dogs on the table? 🥳
Feeling adventurous? Add a squirt of yellow mustard on top—trust me, it’s a game-changer. But today, I wanted the chili to shine all on its own. (Is anyone else hearing Rihanna’s "Shine Bright Like a Diamond" in their head? Just me? 😅)
I may not have a diamond ring on every finger, but I can promise you this chili is worth its weight in gold. I whipped it up for a bonfire party recently, and let me tell you, it was gone before I could even grab a dog for myself. Next time, I’m making a double batch!
So, if you're looking for that standout dish for your next game day (or any day, really), you've just found it. Get ready for some serious chili dog love. 💕
Pro tip: Don't forget the cheese, onions, and maybe even a pickle or two—go big or go home, right?
Now, grab the recipe below and get ready to score a touchdown at your next gathering!
🍽️✨ Don't forget to share your delightful creations with us on Instagram using #BobbisKozyKitchen for a chance to be featured in our newsletter! 📸
Why You'll Love This Coney Island Hot Dog Chili Sauce
- Perfectly Spiced, Bean-Free Goodness: This Coney Island Hot Dog Chili Sauce brings all the classic chili flavors you crave without the beans. It’s a finely textured meat sauce that is rich, tangy, and perfectly spiced, making it the ideal topping for hot dogs, burgers, or even a bowl of low-carb chili cheese fries. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or just having a cozy family dinner, this chili sauce will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- Easy and Flexible for Any Diet: This recipe is not only low-carb and keto-friendly, but it's also incredibly easy to customize. Need a gluten-free option? Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and keto-friendly hot dog buns. Not concerned about carbs? Feel free to use regular hot dog buns and brown sugar. This chili sauce allows everyone to enjoy a comforting and delicious meal, no matter their dietary needs.
- A Make-Ahead Marvel for Busy Days: You’ll love how easy this recipe is to make ahead of time, which is perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. The flavors only get better as they sit, making this chili sauce an excellent option for batch cooking. Freeze leftovers for a quick and satisfying meal on busy weeknights, or keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Just heat, serve, and enjoy!
In This Post
🥘Coney Island Hot Dog Chili Sauce Ingredients
These are the ingredients necessary to make Coney Island Hot Dog Chili Sauce.
- Ground Beef - I always opt for grass-fed as a personal preference, but whatever you choose, make it an 80/20 blend.
- Water - If you want to boost the flavor, you can use beef broth here.
- Brown Sweetener - this ingredient is for low-carb/keto diets.
The printable recipe card at the bottom of the page contains a detailed list of measurements and instructions.
Helpful Hint: 💡 If you want a smoother texture for your Coney Island Hot Dog Chili Sauce, use a meat chopper, potato masher, or immersion blender to break down the ground beef even more after it's cooked. This will give you that classic fine, loose meat consistency that clings perfectly to hot dogs and burgers!
Substitutions
- Ground Beef: If you don’t have ground beef or want to switch things up, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Each will bring a slightly different flavor and texture to the chili.
- Brown Sweetener: If you prefer, swap this out for any keto-friendly brown sugar alternative, like Swerve Brown or Sukrin Gold, although I prefer the flavor of Best Brown. If not low-carb, use regular brown sugar.
- Gluten-Free Worcestershire Sauce: Regular Worcestershire sauce is a suitable replacement if you aren’t concerned about gluten. For a different flavor profile, you can also use soy sauce or coconut aminos.
Customization and Serving Suggestions
- Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a few dashes of hot sauce, or even some crushed red pepper flakes.
- Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less of the Besti Brown Sweetener (or your preferred sweetener) to suit your taste. For a smoky twist, try adding a touch of smoked paprika.
- Serving Ideas: For an extra flavor boost, top your chili dogs with shredded cheese, diced onions, jalapeños, or even a dollop of sour cream. You can also use this chili as a topping for burgers, baked potatoes, or even low-carb nachos!
🍽Equipment Needed
You will need this equipment to make Coney Island Hot Dog Chili Sauce.
Storage and Reheating
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerator: Allow the chili sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, the chili sauce can be frozen. Once the chili has cooled, place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions:
Freezer: If frozen, it's best to thaw the chili sauce overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, follow the instructions above for reheating from the refrigerator. If you need to reheat from frozen, add the chili sauce to a saucepan and heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. This method may take a bit longer but will ensure even reheating.
Refrigerator: To reheat from the refrigerator, transfer the chili sauce to a saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through (about 5-10 minutes). You can also reheat it in the microwave by placing the desired amount in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it with a microwave-safe lid or plate, and heating in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until fully warmed.
💭Top tip
You might be tempted to cook the chili at a higher temperature so it cooks faster. Don't do it! Aside from thickening the chili, simmering it helps the flavors to amplify and bloom.
FAQ about Coney Island Hot Dog Chili Sauce
Coney Island Chili, often referred to as "Coney Sauce," is a type of hot dog topping that originated from Coney Island-style hot dog restaurants, particularly in the Midwest. Despite its name, this chili sauce has no beans and is more of a finely textured meat sauce, unlike the chunky chili served in a bowl. It’s known for its savory, slightly tangy flavor profile with a hint of sweetness. It's perfect for topping hot dogs, burgers, and even fries!
Traditional chili often contains beans, chunky vegetables, and a thick tomato-based broth. Coney Island Chili, on the other hand, is a finely ground meat sauce without beans. It is typically spiced with chili powder and cumin and has a smoother, more sauce-like consistency. It’s designed to be a topping for hot dogs, not a standalone dish.
Absolutely! This chili sauce is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. The flavors tend to develop even more after sitting for a day, making it even tastier when reheated!
More Delicious Game Day Recipes...
Coney Island Hot Dog Chili Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 small onion grated
- 2 cloves garlic grated
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 2 cups water can sub beef broth for more flavor
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Gluten-Free Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Besti Brown Sweetener can sub regular brown sugar if not low-carb
- 1 tsp pink salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper or to taste
For Serving (Optional)
- 8 hot dogs
- 8 keto hot dog buns can use regular buns if not low-carb
- diced onions
- shredded cheese
- yellow mustard
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion, garlic, and ground beef, breaking the ground beef up with a meat chopper.
- Cook until no pink remains, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Clear an area in the middle of the pot and add the chili powder, cumin, and tomato paste. Stir and cook for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the tomato paste and spices to bloom.
- Add the remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer.
- Cover and cook over low heat for 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid and continue to simmer for 30 minutes or until the chili reaches the desired thickness.
Notes
Disclaimer
Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs will not be included as it has a glycemic index of 0 (meaning it does not spike blood sugar) and it’s not metabolized. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
If you like this recipe, please leave a comment!
If you make this recipe, take a photo and share it on Instagram with the hashtag #BobbisKozyKtchn I love to see what you make. You might even make it into our newsletter!!
Thank you for reading and supporting the companies I partner with. Doing so allows me to create more unique content and recipes for you.
Leave a Reply