Detroit-Style Coney Chili Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Detroit-Style Coney Chili recipe is a crowd-pleaser with its unique, spicy, and meaty flavor. The chili’s smooth consistency is perfect for slathering on hot dogs, fries, or even burgers. It’s simple to make yet packed with flavor, offering a great combination of savory and tangy notes. Whether you're serving it at a party or enjoying it for a weeknight dinner, it’s sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 2 tablespoons chili powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Brown the Beef
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Break it into fine crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.

2. Add Onion and Garlic
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent.

3. Spice It Up
   Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the spices to develop.

4. Build the Sauce
   Add Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, beef broth, and tomato sauce. Stir everything together until well combined.

5. Simmer to Perfection
   Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the chili simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Adjust & Serve
   Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot over grilled hot dogs in steamed buns, or spoon over fries, burgers, or nachos.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 45 minutes

• Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Turkey or Veggie Option: Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter version.

• Smoky Upgrade: Add a dash of liquid smoke or chipotle powder for a smoky flavor.

• Sweeter Finish: Stir in a teaspoon of brown sugar for a hint of sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: This chili freezes well. Cool it completely before storing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little beef broth to loosen it if it has thickened too much.

FAQs

Q: Is Detroit Coney chili spicy?

A: The chili has a mild heat from the chili and cayenne pepper but is more flavorful than hot. You can increase the heat level to your liking.

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?

A: Yes! Brown the beef first, then transfer the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.

Q: Can I freeze leftover Coney chili?

A: Absolutely! Cool the chili completely and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Q: What can I serve Detroit Coney chili with besides hot dogs?

A: Detroit-Style Coney chili is delicious on fries, burgers, nachos, or even mac and cheese.

Q: Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?

A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meats for a different twist.

Q: How can I adjust the consistency of the chili?

A: If the chili thickens too much, add a splash of beef broth to thin it out. If you prefer it thicker, let it simmer longer with the lid off.

Q: What type of hot dogs should I use for Coney dogs?

A: For an authentic experience, use beef hot dogs in steamed buns. Opt for a good-quality hot dog for the best taste.

Q: Can I make this chili ahead of time?

A: Yes! This chili actually improves in flavor if made a day or two ahead. Store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

Q: Is this chili mild enough for kids?

A: Yes, this recipe has a mild level of heat, making it suitable for kids. You can adjust the heat level by reducing or omitting the cayenne pepper.

Q: How long can I store leftovers?

A: You can store leftover Coney chili in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Detroit-Style Coney Chili is a comforting and versatile recipe that adds flavor and excitement to any meal. Whether you're topping a hot dog or using it as a dip, its rich and spicy profile will elevate your dishes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or casual gatherings, this chili recipe will surely become a new favorite in your kitchen.

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Detroit-Style Coney Chili is the ultimate topping for hot dogs, fries, and burgers. This rich, flavorful chili blends bold spices like chili powder, cumin, and cayenne, creating a smooth and tangy sauce. Perfect for cookouts, parties, or casual dinners, it's easy to make and sure to satisfy with its meaty, spicy goodness.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1 large onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

1 cup beef broth

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

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Instructions

• Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into fine crumbles. Drain any excess fat once browned.

• Add Onion and Garlic: Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.

• Spice It Up: Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Let cook for 2 minutes to allow spices to develop.

• Build the Sauce: Add Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, beef broth, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine thoroughly.

• Simmer to Perfection: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Adjust & Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot over grilled hot dogs, fries, burgers, or nachos.

Notes

• Variations:

  • For a lighter version, swap ground beef for turkey or a plant-based alternative.

  • Add a dash of liquid smoke for a smoky twist or stir in brown sugar for a sweeter finish.

• Storage: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It freezes well for up to 3 months.