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Albany Street Meat Sauce For Hot Dogs
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Chili dogs will never be the same once you try this Albany Street meat sauce, loaded with ground beef, finely chopped onions, and a blend of bold spices.
serves/makes:
ready in:
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
13 reviews
1 comment
ingredients
6 tablespoons shortening, bacon fat, or butter
3 medium onions, chopped fine
2 cloves garlic, chopped fine
1 pound lean ground beef
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 bay leaf, finely crushed
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 can (10 ounce size) beef consomme (not beef broth)
salt, to taste
directions
Heat the shortening in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft.
Add the ground beef to the pan and cook, stirring to break up the meat. Cook until the meat is no longer pink.
Add the chili powder, crumbled bay leaf, and cumin and stir well. Stir in the consomme and bring the meat mixture to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes or until thick, stirring occasionally.
Adjust the seasoning with salt if needed then serve over hot dogs in buns.
recipe tips
Simmer the sauce uncovered to allow it to thicken properly.
Stir the sauce occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking and burning.
Taste the sauce before adding salt, as the beef consomme adds saltiness.
Serve the sauce hot for the best flavor and texture.
For a richer flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat while cooking.
This sauce can also be used for burgers, nachos, or as a dip.
common recipe questions
How important is it to use lean ground beef?
Lean ground beef is recommended to better control the amount of fat in the sauce.
What's the difference between beef consomme and beef broth?
Beef consomme is a clearer, stronger-flavored and more concentrated liquid than beef broth.
Can I omit the bay leaf if I don't have it?
The bay leaf adds flavor, but you can omit it without significantly altering the sauce.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
Increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
What is the best way to serve this meat sauce?
Place cooked hot dogs in buns. Spoon the sauce over the hot dog and serve with any other desired toppings such as mustard, chopped onions, relish, or shredded cheese.
Can I prepare this meat sauce in advance?
Yes, it can be made in advance and reheated before serving.
How long can I store the leftover meat sauce?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave (or even in a crock pot).
Can I freeze this meat sauce?
Yes, it freezes very well. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
You can use a meat substitute like crumbled tempeh, plant-based meat crumbles, or textured vegetable protein (TVP).
nutrition data
291 calories, 17 grams fat, 25 grams carbohydrates, 10 grams protein per serving.
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reviews & comments
May 20, 2020
Grew up on Newest Lunch hot dogs in Schenectady. Best in the world. Made the sauce just now and it tastes almost exactly like it. I also doubled the chili powder and I've turned non-hotdog sauce people into true believers of this sauce. Great job!!!
Having grown up on Hulett St. I remember this well. I was told once that leftover hot dogs from the day before were ground up and mixed with the above sauce.Dont know but it sounds reasonable.
April 26, 2020
Very good meat sauce. I used Coconut oil, added a pinch of Worcestershire. The only thing I will do different is bacon wrap the hotdog and grill it, add a cheese sauce. Great recipe.
June 28, 2019
Made this last night. Very similar to Newest Lunch on Albany Street - been there since 1921 and is still operating and making terrific dogs - fully loaded. I agree with the extra chili powder and cumin. I also added a shake of hot pepper flakes because my family loves spicy food. Growing up in Schenectady, I prefer this type of hot dog sauce over putting regular chili over hot dogs.
July 12, 2017
I was born and raised on Albany Street.We would go down the hill to the diner.We would get a dozen steamed dogs ,with steamed buns,sauce,yellow mustard and onions.Now that I have the real deal recipe I will be passing my love for these dogs to my children and grandchildren.
April 21, 2017
This is the real deal meat sauce for dogs. Reminiscent of the way the we used to get dogs from the old time Schenectady NY joints. Top it with fresh onions and mustard... excellent!
January 22, 2017
I added a package of brown gravy mix to it because I didn't have the consumme. It's good but it needs something else to give it a spicier flavor for me. I might add some hot sauce to it on my own.
February 11, 2016
Very very good! Went with the recommendation of extra chili powder and cumin from Hot Dog Heaven but ended up adding a heaping teaspoon sugar to cut the acidity. This recipe is staying around.
June 13, 2015
five stars!
May 6, 2012
Everytime my mimi makes this hot dog meat sauce recipe the family gets so excited. We really love the flavor of the simple ingredients. What a way to dress up a good dog.
June 23, 2009
darn good recipe, after testing it seveal times over at my restaurant, I have these comments: always use bacon fat double both the chili powder (use dark) and the cumin use max 80% lean burger, 75 or 72 adds even more flavor two thumbs up for sure!
April 4, 2009
Wow!! This recipe is the real deal, if you like the varsity dogs you will like this recipe it is the best I have cooked up yet and I have made a lot of recips.Try it you will like it.I think I am going to go and eat one wright now! Buck
December 5, 2008
Best hot dog sauce ever!! Try it you will love it.I wish I could thank the person that come up with this recipe.awesome!! awesome!!
May 26, 2007
Especially good for someone who wants a break from sweet, tomato-y tasting sauces. Makes a hearty hot dog! Tried this one because it is close to my benchmark Chili recipe which is a favorite among friends & family.