Servings: Makes about 8 servings
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Directions:
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion together, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
3. Drain any excess fat from the skillet and return the beef mixture to the heat.
4. Stir in the tomato sauce, water, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper into the beef mixture. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
5. Bring the mixture to a low simmer, then reduce the heat, and allow it to cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add the Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and yellow mustard. Stir well and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
7. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Remove from heat and the chili sauce is ready to serve atop your favorite hot dogs.
Variations & Tips:
For those who prefer a heartier chili sauce, a half-cup of kidney or pinto beans can be added during step
4. If you encounter lovers of heat at your table, consider incorporating a finely diced jalapeño or a dash more cayenne to kick up the spice level.
On the flipside, if a milder sauce is your goal, you can reduce or omit the cayenne and chili powder to cater to more sensitive palates.
As a timesaver, the sauce can be made in advance and freezes wonderfully, so don’t hesitate to double the batch and save half for the next event. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat it on the stove or in a slow cooker to maintain temperature throughout your gathering.
Experiment with different types of ground meat such as turkey or pork for a twist on the traditional beef-based sauce, understanding that this can alter the flavor and fat content, thereby also potentially changing the cooking time slightly.

Remembering the fundamentals of safety, ensure that all meat products are cooked to the appropriate internal temperature and that you store leftovers within two hours of serving at a safe cooling temperature. Enjoy crafting this comforting classic!