Introduction
brings me right back to those steamy summer days on the boardwalk. I've spent years perfecting this recipe, and lemme tell you - it's pretty darn close to the real deal. The secret? A blend of ground beef and pork, plus this weird little trick with mustard powder that my grandmother swore by. It's got this amazing thick-but-silky texture that just hugs your hot dog perfectly. Every time I make it, my kitchen fills with this incredible spicy-sweet aroma that literally makes my neighbors peek over the fence!
Timing
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best)
- ½ lb ground pork (trust me on this one)
- 2 medium onions, super finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 4 if nobody's counting)
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard powder (Colman's is my go-to)
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 cup beef broth (homemade if you're fancy, store-bought is fine too)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Base
Brown the meat in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Break it up real good - you want tiny pieces, not chunks! Sometimes I use my potato masher, sounds weird but works like magic. Cook until there's no pink left, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Aromatics
Toss in those finely diced onions and garlic. They should practically melt into the meat - that's the authentic Coney way! Cook until they're super soft and translucent, maybe 5 minutes. Your kitchen's gonna smell amazing right about now.
Step 3: Spice it Up
Add all your spices - the mustard powder, chili powder, cumin. Give it a good stir and let them toast for like 30 seconds. This is where the magic happens! The aroma will probably make your eyes water a bit - that's totally normal.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a bubble, then lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 30-35 minutes. You want it to reduce until it's thick enough to cling to your spoon - kinda like a loose chili consistency. Give it a stir every now and then.
Healthier Alternatives
Look, I've tried making this with turkey and chicken - it's... different. But if you must, use lean ground turkey and add a tablespoon of olive oil for moisture. Classic Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce For gluten-free folks, just double-check your Worcestershire sauce brand. And vegetarians? I've had decent results with Beyond Meat, but you'll need to add a bit more oil and maybe a splash
