Hot Dog Chili Sauce!!!

Sometime there is nothing better than a good chili dog!  However, I find the canned chili dog sauces available to be lacking for the most part.   That is why I usually make my own.  It's so easy and tastes so much better.  This sauce can be doubled and then froze for future use also which is nice.

 Here is what you need:

1 lb. ground chuck or ground beef

1 small sweet onion, diced fine

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1 Tbs. chili powder

1/2 tsp. cumin

1  (15 oz.) can tomato sauce

1/4 cup ketchup

2 Tbs. brown sugar

dash of hot sauce to taste

1 (15 oz.) can chili beans (optional)

Brown the ground chuck along with the diced onion in a skillet.  Drain excess grease.  Add the seasonings, tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar and hot sauce.   Mix well and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to simmer.  If you are adding the beans add them now.  Beans are optional.  Some people like a plain, beanless hot dog chili.  We like the beans in it so I add them.  Leave this uncovered and simmer until it thickens up, then it's ready to use.   

This sauce is great on hot dogs, brats, smoked sausages, whatever.  I also use it on nachos, baked potatoes, tater tots, and chili cheese fries!   It's very versatile.