Classic Michigan Hot Dogs with Meat Sauce

Name: Classic Michigan Hot Dogs with Meat Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 500 g ground beef; 1 medium onion (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon mustard powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 8 pieces hot dogs (beef or pork); 8 pieces hot dog buns (split)

50 min 8 servings Medium

All Recipes

Savour the taste of Michigan with these hot dogs topped with a rich, spiced meat sauce. Perfect for summer barbecues!

Prep

15 min

Cook

35 min

Total

50 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Michigan hot dogs are a beloved regional specialty that originated in Plattsburgh, New York, despite their name. The key to this dish is the rich meat sauce that's spiced to perfection, complementing the juicy hot dogs. Whether you're a fan of street food or enjoy hearty, flavourful meals, this recipe is for you. This version of Michigan hot dogs combines the classic elements: a grilled hot dog nestled in a soft bun, all smothered with a robust meat sauce. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking to recreate a taste of Michigan at home, whether for a casual family meal or a large gathering.

Instructions

Cook the onion and garlic

In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.

Pro tip: Stir frequently to avoid burning.

Brown the ground beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 8 minutes.

Add tomato products

Stir in the tomato sauce and tomato paste, mixing well to combine.

Season the sauce

Add Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.

Pro tip: Adjust cayenne to your preferred heat level.

Simmer the sauce

Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Pro tip: The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.

Grill the hot dogs

Preheat grill to medium heat. Grill hot dogs for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through.

Pro tip: Use a grill basket if available for even cooking.

Assemble the hot dogs

Place a hot dog in each bun and top generously with the meat sauce.

Pro tip: Serve immediately for the best taste.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Use high-quality hot dog buns for the best texture.
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
Prepare the meat sauce in advance for a quick assembly later.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Michigan hot dogs?

Michigan hot dogs are hot dogs topped with a spiced meat sauce, originating in Plattsburgh, New York.

How do you make Michigan hot dogs?

Michigan hot dogs are made by topping grilled hot dogs with a spiced meat sauce made from ground beef, tomato sauce, and spices.

What is Michigan sauce made of?

Michigan sauce is made from ground beef, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and spices.

How long does it take to make Michigan hot dogs?

The total time to make Michigan hot dogs is approximately 50 minutes.

How many calories are in a Michigan hot dog?

A Michigan hot dog contains approximately 350 calories per serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Michigan hot dogs with a side of coleslaw or crisp potato chips for a complete meal. They pair wonderfully with a cold beer or a fizzy soda, making them a hit at outdoor parties. The meat sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavours to meld further. Simply reheat and assemble when ready to serve. Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Nutrition per serving

350

Calories

15g

Protein

20g

Fat

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