This easy Coney Dog Recipe captures all the classic flavors in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect homemade version of this iconic American dish. Whether you are a lifelong Michigander or new to the Coney craze, you'll love these delicious dogs.
If you thought coney dogs were invented on Coney Island in New York, you're not alone! Although this is a common misconception, the truth is that they are a Michigan specialty.
There is much controversy over whether Detroit or Flint, Michigan, is the original home of the coney dog, and just as many differing opinions over which restaurant has the best dog. But everyone seems to agree about two things: 1) True coney dogs do not have beans in the sauce, and 2) they are best topped with chopped onions and a drizzle of mustard.
This homemade coney dog recipe uses four base ingredients and a handful of spices to create a flavorful coney dog sauce in just 30 minutes. With this recipe, you can quickly bring that authentic Detroit flavor to your kitchen.
What Makes a Coney Dog?
Looking for the full recipe? The recipe card at the bottom of this post includes the complete list of ingredients, measurements, and instructions.
Chili Sauce—Depending on where you go in Michigan, you will find some chili that is really saucy and others that are heavier on the meat. A critical element of both types of chili sauce is that they do not include beans!
Hot Dog with Natural Casing—Traditionally, coney dogs are made using hot dogs with natural casings, so I chose that route. But the coney sauce is just as good on regular hot dogs.
Soft Bun—Choose your favorite soft hot dog buns, or try this with potato buns.
Toppings—A coney dog is not complete without the classic toppings of finely minced onions and a drizzle of mustard.
Did You Know? Traditional Detroit-style coney dogs also include beef hearts, but we skip that in this recipe. Feel free to add them if you wish. However, I won't be joining you for that meal. 😉
How to Make Coney Dog Sauce
Brown the Meat
- Cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat.
- A meat chopper works well for breaking the beef into small crumbles!
Simmer
- Add the remaining coney sauce ingredients, place a lid on the pan, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- This allows the flavors to meld.
Cook to Thicken
- Remove the lid and continue cooking until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
- If you want smaller crumbles, use an immersion blender on low speed.
Steam Hot Dogs
- Place the hot dogs in a large steaming basket over boiling water and let them steam until hot.
- Meanwhile, warm your buns. Then, assemble the chili dog.
Storage Guidelines
Store the buns at room temperature and refrigerate the hot dogs in an airtight container.
Cool the coney sauce completely, transfer it to a sealed container, and refrigerate for 5 days.
You can also freeze the sauce for 3-4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat before serving.
What to Serve with Coney Dogs
I consulted my Michigan friend for this one. She shared that most restaurants serve thinly sliced French fries alongside coney dogs. You could also enjoy regular French fries or potato chips.
If you are like me, no hot dog is complete without a pickle spear!
If you want to add fruit to your meals, applesauce or an orange would be an excellent complement.
Frequently Asked Questions
A coney dog and a chili dog have quite a few differences. First, most hot dogs used for coney dogs have natural casings. The second difference is in the chili sauce, as coney dog chili sauce does not have beans. Finally, they are topped with minced onions and mustard.
Like traditional chili, the flavors develop over time, so this is a great recipe to make ahead of time. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
When ready to serve, cook over medium heat until heated through (at least 140°F/60°C). If the sauce needs to be thinned, add more chicken broth.
Freeze your chili in an airtight container. It will keep 4-6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours, then heat following the above instructions.
More Sandwich Recipes
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Recipe
Coney Dog Recipe
Recipe by:Ingredients
Coney Dog Sauce
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- ¾ cup (120 grams) chopped onion
- 2 (2) garlic cloves minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- 1 ½ tablespoons (1 ½ tablespoons) chili powder
- 1 teaspoon (6 g) salt
- 1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) cumin
- 1 teaspoon (2 grams) paprika
- ½ teaspoon (1 grams) onion powder
- ½ teaspoon (1 grams) black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon (1.5 grams) oregano
- ¼ teaspoon (0.5 grams) cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon (4 grams) brown sugar
- 10 ounces (298 ml) tomato puree
- 10 ounces (298 ml) chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) yellow mustard
Coney Dogs
- 8 (8) hot dogs with natural casing
- 8 (8) hot dog buns
- ½ cup (80 grams) chopped onions to serve
- yellow mustard to serve
Instructions
- Place the ground beef, onion, and minced garlic in a medium saucepan or large skillet and cook over medium heat. Break the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks.1 pound ground beef, ¾ cup chopped onion, 2 garlic cloves
- Once the meat is fully cooked, add the spices, sugar, tomato puree, chicken broth, Worcestershire, and mustard and stir until all of the ingredients are fully combined.1 ½ tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ¾ teaspoon oregano, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 10 ounces tomato puree, 10 ounces chicken broth, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- Cover the pan and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Uncover the sauce and simmer for 5-10 minutes to thicken the sauce and achieve your desired consistency. Use an immersion blender if you desire a finer crumble.
- Place the hot dogs in a steaming basket over boiling water and steam until they reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).8 hot dogs with natural casing
- Place the buns on a microwave-safe plate and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds or until warm. Place the hot dogs in the warm buns.8 hot dog buns
- Top each hot dog with chili, then finish off with diced onions and a drizzle of yellow mustard.½ cup chopped onions, yellow mustard
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional facts provided are only estimates. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Chelsea Ebaugh says
Oh this is really good! I only had medium chili powder so it has a bit more heat but it's still so good.
Erin says
Thank you, Chelsea!