Hereโ€™s a flavorful and spicy recipe for Firecracker Hot Dog Sauce, perfect for adding a kick to your hot dogs!

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (or honey for sweetness)
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
  • ยฝ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for desired spice level)
  • ยผ tsp ground black pepper
  • ยผ tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
  • ยผ cup water or beef broth (to adjust the consistency)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Meat:

  • In a medium saucepan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Sautรฉ the Onion and Garlic:

  • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan with the beef and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Add the Sauces and Seasonings:

  • Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Mix well.
  • Add the chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and hot sauce (if using). Stir to combine all the ingredients.

4. Simmer the Sauce:

  • Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little water or beef broth to reach your desired consistency.

5. Taste and Adjust:

  • Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as neededโ€”add more hot sauce if you want it spicier or more sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce.

6. Serve:

  • Spoon the Firecracker Hot Dog Sauce over your hot dogs and enjoy! It also pairs great with burgers or even fries for a spicy twist.

Tips:

  • You can make this sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
  • For extra flavor, try adding a splash of beer or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
  • If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend it to your desired consistency.

This Firecracker Hot Dog Sauce adds just the right amount of heat and savory goodness to your hot dog experience. Enjoy! ๐ŸŒญ๐Ÿ”ฅ