Coney Island Hot Dogs Recipe

Ground beef: The base of the savory topping, providing a rich and hearty flavor.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.

Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic qualities.

Tomato sauce: Gives the mixture a saucy consistency and a hint of sweetness.

Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens the sauce.

Yellow mustard: Adds a tangy kick to the beef mixture.

Worcestershire sauce: Provides a complex, umami flavor.

Chili powder: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity.

Hot dog buns: The vessel for your delicious hot dogs.

Hot dogs: The main protein, providing a classic taste.

Cheddar cheese: Optional topping for added richness and flavor.

Chopped onions: Optional topping for extra crunch and flavor.

When browning the ground beef, make sure to break it up into small, even pieces using a wooden spoon or spatula. This ensures that the meat cooks evenly and creates a better texture for the sauce. Additionally, allowing the onions to become fully translucent before adding the other ingredients will enhance their sweetness and depth of flavor in the final dish.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• ground beef - Substitute with lentils: Lentils are a great vegetarian alternative that mimic the texture of ground beef when cooked.

• small onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions.

• small onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a more delicate and subtle onion flavor.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though it has a slightly different intensity.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can add a mild garlic-like flavor when minced finely.

• tomato sauce - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes offer a similar consistency and can be seasoned to taste.

• tomato sauce - Substitute with ketchup: Ketchup can be used in a pinch, though it is sweeter and may alter the flavor slightly.

• tomato paste - Substitute with sun-dried tomato paste: Sun-dried tomato paste provides a richer and more intense tomato flavor.

• tomato paste - Substitute with pureed roasted red peppers: Pureed roasted red peppers can add a unique depth of flavor and a similar consistency.

• yellow mustard - Substitute with Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard offers a more complex and tangy flavor.

• yellow mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard provides a similar tang with added texture.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can provide a similar umami flavor, though it is saltier.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.

• chili powder - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds heat, though it is spicier than chili powder.

• chili powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika provides a milder heat and a smoky flavor.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add saltiness along with umami flavor.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct replacement with a slightly different mineral content.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat with a slightly different flavor profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds heat but is spicier than black pepper.

• hot dog buns - Substitute with whole wheat buns: Whole wheat buns provide more fiber and a nuttier flavor.

• hot dog buns - Substitute with gluten-free buns: Gluten-free buns are suitable for those with gluten intolerance.

• hot dogs - Substitute with veggie dogs: Veggie dogs are a plant-based alternative that mimic the texture and flavor of hot dogs.

• hot dogs - Substitute with chicken sausages: Chicken sausages offer a leaner and often more flavorful option.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella: Mozzarella provides a milder flavor and melts well.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with vegan cheese: Vegan cheese is a dairy-free alternative that melts similarly to cheddar.

• chopped onions - Substitute with chopped scallions: Scallions offer a milder onion flavor and a bit of color.

• chopped onions - Substitute with chopped chives: Chives provide a subtle onion flavor and a fresh green color.

• To store leftover Coney Island hot dogs, allow the beef mixture to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, place the cooled beef mixture in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• When ready to use, thaw the beef mixture in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain the desired consistency.
• Store hot dog buns separately in their original packaging or in a resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the buns in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before use.
• If you have leftover hot dogs, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For freezing, wrap each hot dog individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• To reheat hot dogs, you can either microwave them on high for 30-60 seconds, boil them in water for 3-5 minutes, or grill them until heated through.
• If you have leftover shredded cheddar cheese and chopped onions, store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The cheese will keep for up to 1 week, while the onions will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place the beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. For the hot dogs, you can either boil them in water for 3-4 minutes or grill them on a stovetop grill pan until warmed.
  4. Assemble your Coney Island hot dogs with the reheated beef mixture and hot dogs in the buns.
  5. Optionally, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped onions.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the beef mixture in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  3. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. For the hot dogs, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 30-45 seconds.
  5. Assemble your Coney Island hot dogs with the reheated beef mixture and hot dogs in the buns.
  6. Optionally, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped onions.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the beef mixture in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
  3. Heat in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Wrap the hot dogs in foil and place them in the oven for the last 10 minutes of heating.
  5. Assemble your Coney Island hot dogs with the reheated beef mixture and hot dogs in the buns.
  6. Optionally, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped onions.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Place the beef mixture in a slow cooker.
  2. Set to low and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  3. For the hot dogs, you can either boil them in water for 3-4 minutes or grill them on a stovetop grill pan until warmed.
  4. Assemble your Coney Island hot dogs with the reheated beef mixture and hot dogs in the buns.
  5. Optionally, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped onions.

• Large skillet: Use this to brown the ground beef and cook the onions and garlic.

• Spatula: This will help you stir and break up the ground beef as it cooks.

• Knife: Essential for finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the onion and garlic.

• Measuring cups: Use these to measure out the tomato sauce and other liquid ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: These are necessary for accurately measuring the mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.

• Saucepan: If you prefer, you can use this to simmer the sauce separately.

• Tongs: Handy for cooking and handling the hot dogs.

• Hot dog buns: These will hold your hot dogs and beef mixture.

• Grater: If you choose to add shredded cheddar cheese, this will help you grate it.

• Serving spoon: Use this to scoop the beef mixture onto the hot dogs.

• Plate: For assembling and serving the hot dogs.

• Optional: Cheese grater: If you decide to add shredded cheddar cheese, this will help you grate it.

• Optional: Small bowl: For holding the chopped onions if you choose to add them as a topping.

Pre-cook the beef: Brown the ground beef and store it in the fridge. This saves time when you need to prepare the sauce.

Use pre-chopped onions: Buy pre-chopped onions to avoid the hassle of chopping and save valuable minutes.

Ready-made garlic paste: Substitute minced garlic with ready-made garlic paste for quicker preparation.

Simmer in a slow cooker: Prepare the sauce in a slow cooker earlier in the day. This allows you to focus on other tasks.

Microwave hot dogs: Cook the hot dogs in the microwave to save time compared to boiling or grilling.