Authentic Detroit Style Coney Dogs
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What recipe instantly takes you back home? For me, it’s Authentic Detroit Style Coney Dogs. Growing up in Michigan, chili dogs were a staple, especially on trips with my dad where we’d order them loaded with chili, mustard, and onions. The story behind these Coney Dogs is fascinating—they didn’t actually come from Coney Island but were created by Greek or Macedonian immigrants. My version is based on my husband’s grandmother’s recipe but with less heat. I use high-quality Niman Ranch beef and hotdogs for that perfect flavor. The key is letting the meat brown and simmer to deepen the flavor. Top with mustard and onions, or try pickle relish and dairy-free cheese for a twist. For another great ground beef recipe, check out my Mexican Ground Beef Casserole.
Why You’ll Love Detroit Style Coney Dogs
- Hearty and Flavorful Chili: The chili is packed with spiced beef and deep tomato flavor, making every bite deliciously satisfying.
- Quick Prep and Cook Time: In just about 45 minutes, you can have a batch of this tasty chili ready to top your hot dogs.
- Customizable Spice Level: You can adjust the cayenne pepper to make the chili as spicy as you like, perfect for everyone’s taste.
- Perfect for Game Day: This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, ideal for serving at parties or gatherings where everyone loves a good hot dog.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this chili is easy to whip up even on busy days.
Ingredients Needed To Detroit Style Coney Dogs
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Tomato paste
- Chili powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Black pepper
- Kosher salt
- Water
- Worcestershire sauce
- Grilled hot dogs
- Toasted hotdog buns
- Shredded cheese
- Mustard
- Relish
How To Make Detroit Style Coney Dogs
- Cook the ground beef and diced onions in a pot over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onions are tender.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook until it deepens in color.
- Add chili powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, water, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
- Partially cover the pot and simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The meat should break down and the chili should thicken.
- Serve the chili on grilled hot dogs with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, onions, mustard, and relish. Enjoy!
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can definitely use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, as these meats can be milder than beef.
How spicy is this chili?
The chili has a moderate spice level with cayenne pepper for a kick. If you like things spicier, you can add more cayenne pepper or extra chili powder to suit your taste.
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just reheat it on the stove over medium heat until warmed through.
How do I store leftover chili?
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be good for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chili in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Can I freeze the chili?
Yes, you can freeze this chili! Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove.
What kind of toppings work well with this chili?
This chili pairs wonderfully with classic hot dog toppings like shredded cheese, chopped onions, mustard, and relish. Feel free to get creative with your toppings—sour cream, jalapeños, or even some crushed tortilla chips could be delicious additions!
How do I know when the chili is done?
The chili is done when it has thickened up and the meat has broken down nicely. It should have a rich, deep color and a hearty texture. If it’s too runny, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken up.
Authentic Detroit Style Coney Dogs
Equipment
- stockpot
Ingredients
- 1 lbs ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 3 tsp chili powder
- a couple dashes of cayenne*
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 tsp kosher salt
- 4 cups water
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- grilled hot dogs and toasted hotdog buns for serving
- Additional toppings: Shredded cheese, onions, mustard, relish
Instructions
- Add the ground beef and onions to a pot over medium heat.
- Break up ground beef while allowing to brown and the onions to get tender.
- Add tomato paste and cook until color deepens to a rust, mixing well.
- Add the rest of the ingredients, stirring to combine.
- Partially cover the pot and cook for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally and allowing the meat to break down.
- *If you like it extra spicy add more cayenne.
- Top your grilled hotdogs with the chili and favorite toppings. Enjoy!
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I love serving these Coney dogs at family get-togethers or casual BBQs—they’re always a hit! The spicy, hearty chili really makes these hot dogs stand out and brings everyone back for seconds. If you’re looking for a fun, satisfying meal that brings a little Detroit flavor to your table, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
