Grandpa’s Classic Coney Sauce Recipe – Old-Fashioned American Hot Dog Sauce
Introduction
Grandpa’s Classic Coney Sauce is the kind of recipe that lives in memory as much as it does on the plate. Rich, savory, slightly spiced, and deeply comforting, this old-fashioned Coney Island–style sauce is what turns an ordinary hot dog into a true American classic. Unlike chili, traditional Coney sauce is smooth, finely textured, and gently seasoned—meant to blanket the hot dog rather than overpower it.
This recipe follows the time-tested approach many Midwestern and Coney Island diners have used for generations: ground beef simmered low and slow with onions, warm spices, and tomato depth until it becomes spoon-soft and intensely flavorful. It’s a nostalgic sauce that works because of balance—savory meat, subtle sweetness, gentle acidity, and aromatic spices that linger without heat dominating the bite.
Whether you’re recreating family cookouts, hosting a game-day spread, or simply craving a classic coney dog at home, this Grandpa’s Classic Coney Sauce recipe delivers authentic flavor with reliable, repeatable results.
Ingredients
For the Coney Sauce
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1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred for flavor)
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1 medium yellow onion, very finely minced
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 cup beef broth
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1 tablespoon yellow mustard
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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2 teaspoons chili powder
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon granulated sugar
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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¼ teaspoon ground allspice
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¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¾ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 tablespoon neutral oil (if needed)
For Serving
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Hot dogs, grilled or steamed
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Soft hot dog buns
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Finely diced white onions
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Yellow mustard (optional)
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Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef Gently
Place a medium saucepan or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up immediately using a wooden spoon or potato masher. Cook slowly, stirring often, until the beef is fully cooked and very finely crumbled. The texture should be almost paste-like, not chunky.
If the beef releases excessive fat, drain off most of it, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
2. Add Onion and Tomato Paste
Stir in the finely minced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to deepen its flavor.
3. Build the Sauce Base
Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Stir in the mustard and Worcestershire sauce until fully combined.
4. Season the Sauce
Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, allspice, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly so the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
5. Simmer Low and Slow
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring every 5–7 minutes. The sauce should thicken gradually and develop a smooth, cohesive texture. If it thickens too quickly, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.
6. Adjust and Finish
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. The final consistency should be spoonable and silky, not dry or chunky. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips & Variations
Achieving Authentic Texture
Traditional Coney sauce is intentionally smooth. For diner-style consistency, you can mash the sauce gently with a spoon during simmering or briefly pulse it with an immersion blender.
Meat Options
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Beef only delivers classic flavor.
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Beef and pork blend adds richness and softness.
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Lean beef works but may require extra broth for moisture.
Spice Control
This recipe is mild and family-friendly. For gentle heat, add:
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¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or
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A dash of hot sauce during simmering.
Dietary Adjustments
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Gluten-free: Ensure Worcestershire sauce and broth are certified gluten-free.
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Lower fat: Use 90/10 ground beef and add 1 extra tablespoon tomato paste for body.
Serving Suggestions
Grandpa’s Classic Coney Sauce is best served hot, generously spooned over freshly cooked hot dogs in soft buns. Finish with finely diced onions and a drizzle of yellow mustard for a traditional coney dog experience.
This sauce also works beautifully as:
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A topping for French fries or chili cheese fries
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A filling for coney-style sliders
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A sauce for baked potatoes
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A topping for burgers or grilled sausages
Serve at backyard cookouts, family gatherings, or casual weeknight dinners where comfort food takes center stage.
Storage & Make-Ahead Notes
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Refrigeration: Store cooled Coney sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
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Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to restore texture.
This sauce often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Based on approximately ¼ cup sauce
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Calories: 170
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Protein: 11 g
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Fat: 12 g
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Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
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Carbohydrates: 5 g
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Fiber: 1 g
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Sugar: 2 g
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Sodium: 420 mg
Grandpa’s Classic Coney Sauce is more than a topping—it’s a piece of American food heritage. Simple ingredients, patient simmering, and balanced seasoning create a sauce that feels timeless, dependable, and deeply satisfying. Once you make it at home, it’s hard to go back to anything else.