Detroit Coney Dog Chili Recipe

Having been raised on Detroit-style Coney Island sauce, it is a cherished flavor and memory for me that I want to highlight and share. I bring you on a journey – giving you the recipe for Detroit Coney Dog Chili. It is a special recipe that is sentimental and steeped in my teenage years growing up in Michigan and late-night hangouts at Coney Islands contemporaneously with the magic of a satiating meal shared with family and friends.
If you love hearty, flavorful chili recipes, explore my Concession Stand Hot Dog Chili, Milwaukee Real Chili, and Brenda Gantt’s Chili for more regional favorites.

What Does Detroit Coney Dog Chili Taste Like?

Detroit Coney Dog Chili is a deliciously robust sauce with a full-bodied, savory flavor profile with balanced spiciness. The mixture of ground beef and often, beef heart, is a great base. The McCormick Chili powder provides a simple mild heat. The added spices of cumin, allspice, and paprika bring a full-bodied smokiness and earthiness. When adding garlic powder, a touch of sugar, and salt, the saturation of flavor comes through in what is a robustly savory sauce, with a touch of tang held in from the vinegar.

The chili, served warm over grilled hot dog in a steamed bun, topped with chopped onions, not only has a warm alluring spiciness aroma, but the sauce itself has a thick meaty consistency, where it clings to the hot dog perfectly. The overall taste is a combination of richly beefy, mildly spiced goodness that makes each bite a comfort while retaining the iconic presence of a Detroit staple.

Ingredients Required for Detroit Coney Dog Chili Recipe

Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this

• 2 pounds of 80/20 ground chuck beef
• 2 pounds of ground beef heart (or substitute with more ground beef)
• 3 cups of flour
• ⅓ cup McCormick’s chili powder
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 2 tablespoons minced dried onion
• 4 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (not garlic salt)
• 4 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 cups beef broth
• 1 cup of fat (from meat or added lard/vegetable oil)

Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need

• Large pot
• Colander
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon
• Chinese steamer or steaming setup

reparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour

How to Make Detroit Coney Dog Chili

Simply follow the steps given below to make your Detroit Coney Dog Chili Recipe at home

1. Brown the Meat: Use a large pot to brown the ground chuck and beef heart. Use a spoon to break up any clumps for an even consistency. After the meat is browned, drain the meat in a colander, setting the colander over a bowl to catch the grease. Reserve 1 cup of fat for the roux, and 2 and 2/3 cups of broth for the sauce.

2. Make the Roux: Add 1/2 cup of flour to the reserved fat left in the pot over high heat. Stir mixture constantly until roux has taken on the color of coffee and cream. Slowly add 2 and 2/3 cups of beef broth to the roux, stirring the mixture to keep lumps from forming.

3. Make the Flour Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine 8 cups of beef broth and 2 and 1/2 cups of flour. Mix until completely smooth and there are no lumps.

4. Combine Ingredients: Add the browned beef back into the large pot. Add the roux, flour mixture, and remaining beef broth and stir. Add all the spices and vinegar to the pot. Heat to medium until mixture starts to thicken. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes stirring occasionally.

5. Adjust the Seasonings: After simmering for 20 – 30 minutes, taste the chili and adjust any seasonings if necessary. You may need to add more salt or cumin to satisfy your taste buds.

6. Cook the Hot Dogs and Prepare the Buns: Grill the hot dogs until they are browned. Steam the buns in a Chinese steamer, or over a pot with a little bit of water.

7. Assemble the Coney Dogs: Place the dogs in their steamed buns, and cover them with a healthy ladle of Coney Island chili, followed by some finely chopped onions, and a dash of mustard if desired.

Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Detroit Coney Dog Chili Recipe

1. Cheesy Coney Dogs : Melt shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese on top of the chili for a gooey, cheesy twist.

2. Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the chili for those who love an extra spice.

3. Chili Fries: Serve the Coney Dog Chili over crispy fries, topped with cheese and a dollop of sour cream for a hearty snack.

4. Nacho Style: Use the chili as a topping for tortilla chips, adding cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream to create a Coney Dog Nacho platter.

5. Loaded Chili Baked Potatoes: Spoon the chili over baked potatoes, garnish with cheese, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for a satisfying meal.

6. Chili Mac: Mix the chili with cooked macaroni pasta for a delicious and filling chili mac dish.

7. Chili Topped Burgers: Add a generous scoop of the chili on top of your favorite burgers for a Detroit-style twist.

8. Sloppy Joes: Use the chili as a filling for sloppy joes, serving it in toasted buns with a side of pickles.

Some Tips on This Detroit Coney Dog Chili Recipe

1. Use Quality Ground Beef: Option for 80/20 ground chuck for the perfect balance of fat and flavor. If you’re adventurous, including ground beef heart adds authenticity and richness.

2. Break Up the Meat: As you brown the meat, take time to break it up thoroughly to ensure a smooth, consistent texture in the chili.

3. Don’t Skip the McCormick Chili Powder: McCormick’s chili powder is a key ingredient, as it offers the right blend of spices that other brands might not match.

4. Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the chili as it cooks and be prepared to tweak the seasoning. Every batch can vary slightly, so add more salt, cumin, or other spices as needed for the perfect flavor.

5. Mind the Consistency: The chili should be thick enough to sit well on the hot dogs without being too runny. If it’s too thick, add a bit of water or broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it a little longer.

6. Steaming the Buns: Lightly steaming the hot dog buns makes a big difference, giving them a soft and fluffy texture that complements the chili well.

7. Choosing the Right Hot Dog: For an authentic experience, use natural casing hot dogs like those from Dearborn Sausage Company. The snap of the casing adds a satisfying texture contrast to the chili.

8. Make Ahead and Freeze: This chili freezes exceptionally well. Prepare a big batch, freeze portions, and enjoy quick and easy Detroit-style Coney Dogs anytime.

9. Serving Options: Offer a selection of toppings like diced onions, shredded cheese, and mustard, so everyone can customize their Coney Dog to their liking.

10. Experiment with Cooking Methods: If you prefer a different texture, try slow cooking the chili for a few hours to deepen the flavors and enhance the richness.

How to Store and Reheat Detroit Coney Dog Chili

To store Detroit Coney Dog Chili, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave in a microwave-safe dish, heating in short intervals and stirring in between.

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Common Queries on This Detroit Coney Dog Chili Recipe

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Detroit Coney Dog Chili Recipe that people often ask.

1. What’s the difference between a chili dog and a Coney dog?

A chili dog is typically topped with a beef chili sauce, often with beans. A Coney dog features a specific Coney Island chili sauce, which is beanless and spiced differently, giving it a unique flavor.

2. Why is Detroit famous for Coney dogs?

Detroit is famous for Coney dogs due to the iconic Coney Island restaurants, such as Lafayette Coney Island and American Coney Island, which have been serving this unique dish since the early 20th century.

3. What is a Coney dog made of?

A Coney dog is made of a grilled hot dog, usually in a natural casing, served in a steamed bun and topped with a flavorful beanless Coney Island chili, diced onions, and mustard.

4. Can I make the Coney dog chili ahead of time?

Yes, the chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. It reheats well, making it convenient for quick meals.

5. What kind of hot dogs are best for Coney dogs?

Natural casing hot dogs are best for Coney dogs as they provide a satisfying snap when bitten into. Dearborn Sausage Company hot dogs are a popular choice.

6. Can I substitute ground turkey for beef in the chili?

Yes, ground turkey can be used as a substitute for beef. However, the flavor and texture will differ slightly from the traditional version.

7. Is it necessary to use beef heart in the chili?

Using beef heart adds authenticity to the recipe, but you can substitute it with additional ground beef if preferred.

8. How do I thicken or thin the chili if needed?

To thicken the chili, let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid. To thin it, add a bit of water or beef broth until you reach the desired consistency.

9. What type of onions should I use for topping Coney dogs?

Spanish onions are commonly used, but you can also use sweet onions like Vidalia for a milder flavor.

10. How long can I store leftover Coney dog chili?

Leftover Coney dog chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Ensure it’s kept in an airtight container.

Feel free to share your experience with this recipe by trying it out. Don’t forget to drop a comment and provide your feedback on the blog for us to read.

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