Famous Butler Hot Dog Shoppe Chili Sauce Recipe
An Authentic American Classic from Butler, Pennsylvania
📝 Introduction
Nothing evokes nostalgic comfort food quite like a perfectly grilled hot dog slathered in rich, flavorful chili sauce. Originating from the beloved Butler Hot Dog Shoppe in Pennsylvania, this recipe has become a legendary staple for chili dog lovers. Known for its unmistakable depth of flavor and slightly sweet, spicy kick, this chili sauce transforms ordinary hot dogs into a mouthwatering, unforgettable experience. Now, you can recreate that cherished regional specialty at home with this detailed recipe crafted for large servings — ideal for backyard BBQs, family reunions, and classic diner-style nights.
⏱️ Time
| Step | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 2 hours |
| Total Time | 2 hours 20 minutes |
🧰 Needed Equipment
- 4-quart heavy-bottom saucepan or stockpot
- Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula
- Ladle
- Large bowl
- Blender or whisk (for mixing flour paste)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight containers (for storage)
🏷️ Tags
Spicy, Weeknight, For Large Groups, Stove Top, < 4 Hours, Inexpensive, Diner-Style, Comfort Food
🍽️ Serving Size
Servings: 128 (1 tablespoon per serving)
Yield: 1 gallon of chili sauce
🧑🍳 Difficulty Level
Easy
⚠️ Allergen Information
| Allergen | Presence |
|---|---|
| Gluten | Yes (flour) |
| Soy | No |
| Dairy | No |
| Eggs | No |
| Nuts | No |
| Seafood | No |
🥗 Dietary Preference
Non-Vegetarian
🍴 Course
Condiment / Sauce
🌎 Cuisine
American (Regional – Pennsylvania Diner Style)
🧂 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 3 lbs |
| Salt | 1 ½ tsp |
| Chili powder | ⅛ tsp |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Ground cloves | 1 ½ tsp |
| Nutmeg | ½ tsp |
| Black pepper | 1 tsp |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Ketchup | 1 quart |
| Water | 14 cups |
| Flour | 6 tbsp |
🍳 Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef
In a 4-quart saucepan, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Once fully cooked, use a spatula or fork to finely break the meat into small crumbles. Drain off excess fat. - Add Spices
Add each spice—salt, chili powder, paprika, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper—one by one, stirring thoroughly after each addition. The mixture should begin to take on a paste-like texture. - Incorporate Ketchup and Water
Stir in the ketchup, blending it well with the spiced beef. Slowly pour in the water, stirring constantly to ensure the mixture is smooth. - Simmer the Sauce
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld. - Thicken with Flour Paste
In a separate bowl, mix 6 tablespoons of flour with a bit of water until smooth. For best results, blend this mixture for a lump-free consistency. Slowly pour the flour paste into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. - Cool and Store
Once the sauce reaches your desired thickness, remove it from heat. Let cool slightly before serving. Store leftovers in airtight containers. Freeze for long-term storage.
🧑🏫 Preparation Tips
- Use a heavy-bottom pot to prevent burning during long simmering.
- Stir frequently, especially after the flour is added, to avoid sticking.
- Finely crumble the beef during cooking to achieve a smooth, uniform sauce texture.
- Adjust the spice levels to your liking, especially the chili powder and black pepper for more heat.
🧾 Nutritional Information (per 1 tablespoon serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 31.5 kcal |
| Fat | 1.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 7.2 mg |
| Sodium | 45.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Fiber | 0.1 g |
| Sugars | 0.9 g |
| Protein | 2.2 g |
💡 Tips and Tricks
- Spicier Kick: Increase chili powder or add cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Sweeter Touch: Add a bit more sugar or a splash of molasses.
- Fine Texture: Use a hand blender for an ultra-smooth chili sauce.
- Serving Tip: Warm the chili before serving for best flavor and texture.
➕ Add-ons
- Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or American cheese on top.
- Jalapeños: For heat lovers, sliced jalapeños add a punch.
- Coleslaw: A Southern twist—top your chili dog with slaw for texture contrast.
🍟 Side Dishes
- Classic crinkle-cut fries
- Onion rings
- Pickle spears
- Potato salad
- Macaroni salad
🛠️ Improvements
- Make it Smoky: Use smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a deeper flavor profile.
- Lighter Version: Replace beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Low-Carb Variant: Use sugar-free ketchup and a flour substitute like almond flour (though this may alter texture).
🧊 Save and Store
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers or bags for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for batch cooking and storing ahead of time.
Q: Can I can this chili sauce?
This recipe hasn’t been tested for home canning safety due to its meat content. It’s best stored frozen.
Q: How do I adjust this for fewer servings?
Cut all ingredients in half or quarter proportions to match your needs. Cooking time remains similar.
Q: What kind of hot dogs work best with this sauce?
Beef hot dogs grilled until slightly charred pair best with the rich flavor of the chili sauce.
🧾 Conclusion
Recreating the legendary chili sauce from the Butler Hot Dog Shoppe is now within your reach. This bold, sweet, slightly spicy condiment is more than a sauce — it’s a memory in every bite. Whether you’re serving it up at a backyard cookout, a sports game gathering, or simply satisfying a comfort food craving, this gallon-sized batch will bring smiles and satisfied stomachs. Don’t forget the pickles, onions, and a cold root beer to complete the authentic American hot dog shop experience.
