Greek Hot Dog Sauce Recipe

Craving that legendary Toledo hot dog taste? This secret family recipe, passed down from the 1950s, recreates the iconic non-tomato-based sauce from Nettie's and Rudy's! This rich and flavorful sauce is incredibly versatile – perfect for chili dogs, regular hot dogs, or even as a dipping sauce. A touch of ground cloves elevates the flavor beyond even the best hot dog joints. Freezes beautifully in small portions for convenient use later. Makes a fantastic homemade gift for chili dog enthusiasts! Get ready to experience the ultimate Toledo hot dog flavor explosion!

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 70 mins

Calories 41.7 kcal

Protein 6g

Rating Be the first

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Greek Hot Dog Sauce

Ground Beef
Water
Black Pepper
Dried Onion Flakes
Cayenne Pepper
Oregano
Paprika
Chili Powder
Cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
1 teaspoon salt

Cook Smarter with Sous, Your Kitchen Companion

Missing an ingredient for this Greek Hot Dog Sauce? Need a perfect wine pairing or a healthy side dish idea? Don't guess—ask Sous! Your AI-powered sous-chef is ready to help you swap ingredients, adjust serving sizes, and discover flavor tips in seconds.

How to Make Greek Hot Dog Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients and spices. Stir until thoroughly combined into a smooth paste.
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 60-70 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
If using very lean ground meat, add 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil during simmering to enhance flavor and richness.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The oil helps to release the flavor!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

4 g

Sugar

Fat

Carbs

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Greek Hot Dog Sauce?

Greek Hot Dog Sauce takes about 80 minutes from start to finish — roughly 10 minutes to prepare and 70 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Greek Hot Dog Sauce?

Greek Hot Dog Sauce has approximately 41.7 calories per serving, with about 6 g protein, 0 g carbohydrates and 4 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Greek Hot Dog Sauce?

The key ingredients for Greek Hot Dog Sauce are Ground Beef, Water, Black Pepper, Dried Onion Flakes, Cayenne Pepper, Oregano. See the full list with measurements above.