Ground beef, ketchup, onion, mustard, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices come together for a rich, tangy Coney sauce that’s perfect on hot dogs or fries.
Coney sauce always takes me back to those summer cookouts where everyone’s crowded around a grill, and the smell of sizzling hot dogs fills the air. I used to think you had to hit up a diner or a ballpark to get that perfect, saucy, messy, utterly delicious hot dog topper. But then one day, I thought — why not try making it at home? And let me tell you, once you see how simple (and fast!) it is to whip up a batch of this stuff, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered paying for the canned or mystery-meat versions. Plus, it makes your kitchen smell amazing, and it’s one of those recipes that’s just as good spooned over fries or a baked potato as it is piled onto a hot dog. Honestly, I usually end up making extra just so I can “taste test” (okay, snack) before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Coney Sauce Recipe
This isn’t just any old hot dog topping — this sauce brings the fun, the flavor, and the nostalgia.
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Quick and easy to make — No fancy equipment or hours of simmering. You’ll have it ready in about 20 minutes.
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Rich, tangy, and a little sweet — The perfect balance that takes an ordinary hot dog to “wow” level.
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Versatile — Top hot dogs, fries, nachos, baked potatoes… or just grab a spoon (no shame).
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Freezer-friendly — Make a big batch, portion it out, and you’re ready for any backyard BBQ emergency.
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Budget-friendly — A big pot of this costs way less than takeout, and tastes fresher, too.
Ingredient Notes:
This sauce is all about simple pantry staples working together to make magic.
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Ground beef: The star of the show. Lean works well, but any ground beef will do — just drain off excess fat if needed.
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Ketchup: Adds sweetness and tang, plus that familiar chili-dog flavor we all know and love.
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Onion: Brings savory depth and texture. Finely chopped so it blends right in.
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Yellow mustard: A must for that classic Coney tang.
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White vinegar: Balances the sweetness and brightens everything up.
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Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle, savory kick.
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Spices (celery seed, black pepper, salt): Just enough to round out the flavor without overpowering the sauce.
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Sugar: Gives that signature sweet edge — don’t skip it!
How to Make Coney Sauce — Step-by-Step
Let’s break it down so you can have a batch ready in no time.
Step 1: Start by cooking your ground beef. Place it in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. You want it browned all over, no pink spots left. If you like it extra fine (like the stuff from your favorite diner), you can pulse the raw beef in a food processor before cooking. Once browned, drain off any grease.
Step 2: In a saucepan, combine your ketchup, onion, mustard, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and all those lovely spices. Stir it up well and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. No need for extra water — the ketchup and vinegar give you all the liquid you need.
Step 3: Add the drained beef to your simmering sauce. Turn the heat to low and let it cook gently for about 30–40 minutes, stirring now and then to make sure it doesn’t stick. This is where the flavors really come together, and that rich, saucy texture forms. Once it’s thick and fragrant, you’re good to go.
Storage Options
This Coney sauce keeps really well, which means you can make it ahead or stash leftovers. Let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Want to plan ahead? Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers — they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat gently on the stove when the craving strikes.
Variations and Substitutions
Once you’ve mastered the basic Coney sauce, you can have some fun with it:
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Switch up the meat: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a different spin.
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Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne, a splash of hot sauce, or diced jalapeños for a kick.
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Smoky twist: A little liquid smoke or smoked paprika gives the sauce a deeper, BBQ-style vibe.
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Sweet swap: Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a richer sweetness.
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Herb it up: A sprinkle of oregano or thyme can add another layer of flavor.
What to Serve With This Coney Sauce
Coney sauce’s best friend is a hot dog, of course — soft bun, juicy dog, and a big spoonful of sauce on top. But don’t stop there! It’s also fantastic over crispy fries, tater tots, baked potatoes, nachos, or even stirred into mac and cheese. Basically, if it’s a carb, this sauce will make it better.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, the flavors get even better after a day in the fridge. Just reheat gently when you’re ready to serve.
Q: Is Coney sauce the same as chili?
A: Not quite. Coney sauce is smoother, thinner, and doesn’t have beans. It’s more of a tangy, sweet, chili-style topping designed for hot dogs.
Q: How can I thicken my Coney sauce?
A: If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered a bit longer, or stir in a small cornstarch slurry (just cornstarch and water mixed together) for a quick fix.



Coney Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 1/2 cups ketchup
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup prepared yellow mustard
- 3/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is evenly browned with no remaining pink. For a finer texture, you may process the raw beef briefly in a food processor before cooking. Once cooked, drain the beef to remove excess fat.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, chopped onion, white sugar, white vinegar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, celery seed, and black pepper. Stir to blend the ingredients thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. There is no need to add water, as the ketchup and vinegar provide sufficient liquid.
- Step 3: Add the cooked and drained ground beef to the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. The sauce should thicken slightly and become rich in flavor.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and serve warm over hot dogs, fries, or your preferred dish.