Best Homemade Chili Dog Recipe (Coney Island Style!)

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Craving that classic, craveable Coney Island chili dog? Forget the fast food and whip up your own batch at home. This recipe delivers the perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and tangy – just like you’d find at a legendary Coney Island stand.

The Secret’s in the Sauce (Chili)!

This isn’t your Texas chili. Coney Island chili is all about finely ground beef and a smooth, almost sauce-like consistency. Here’s how to achieve it:

Ingredients:

* 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 works best) * 1 medium onion, finely chopped * 2 cloves garlic, minced * 1 tablespoon chili powder * 1 teaspoon cumin * 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika * 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste) * 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice * 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (trust us!) * 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce * 1 cup beef broth * 2 tablespoons yellow mustard * 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce * 1 tablespoon brown sugar * 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar * Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. **Brown the Beef:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up well with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. 2. **Sauté Aromatics:** Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. 3. **Bloom the Spices:** Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, allspice, and cinnamon. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to release their fragrance. 4. **Simmer:** Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Add the yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. 5. **Achieve the Right Texture:** Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be. If the chili becomes too thick, add a little more beef broth. For a truly smooth texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the chili, leaving some small bits of meat for texture.

The Dogs and The Fixings

A great chili deserves a great dog! Here’s how to complete the experience:

Ingredients:

* Hot dogs (natural casing preferred) * Hot dog buns * Yellow mustard * Finely chopped white onion (optional)

Instructions:

1. **Cook the Dogs:** Cook the hot dogs using your preferred method: grilling, boiling, or steaming. Grilling adds a nice smoky flavor. 2. **Assemble:** Place a hot dog in a bun. Generously spoon the Coney Island chili over the hot dog. Top with yellow mustard and, if desired, finely chopped white onion.

Tips for Chili Dog Perfection:

* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat. * **Sweetness:** The brown sugar balances the savory and tangy flavors. Adjust to your liking. * **Make Ahead:** The chili can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, the flavors will meld and improve over time. * **Freezing:** Chili freezes well. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. * **Beyond the Dog:** This chili is delicious on burgers, fries, or even as a topping for baked potatoes.

Enjoy your homemade Coney Island chili dogs! They’re perfect for a quick weeknight meal, a weekend barbecue, or any time you’re craving a taste of nostalgic comfort food.