Recipe Spotlight

How to Make North Jersey Texas Wiener Sauce and Why It’s Worth It

North Jersey meets Texas BBQ in this mouthwatering hot dog sauce.
By

Published Feb. 7, 2023.

Would you believe me if I told you that Texas wieners are actually a New Jersey thing?

While the name may be confusing, the case for these hot dogs' greatness lies in our recipe for the delicious North Jersey Texas Wiener Sauce. More akin to a chili than a syrupy sauce, this unique topping is a true crowd-pleaser (especially in New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania). With a kick of hot sauce and a pinch of allspice and brown sugar for warmth, it’s the perfect accompaniment to your dogs.

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10 ingredients. 45 minutes. Quick, easy, and fresh weeknight recipes.

What’s equally important is the architecture of your hot dog. To best enjoy North Jersey Texas Wiener Sauce, add the sauce to the top of your dog and then heap on chopped onions and mustard for the ideal finishing touch.

To make North Jersey Texas Wiener Sauce, see the recipe below.

North Jersey Texas Wiener Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 pound 85 percent lean ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped fine
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
  • 2 cups chili sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • ¼ cup hot sauce (see note)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoon yellow mustard


  1. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add beef and onion and cook until beef is no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, brown sugar, and allspice and cook until paste begins to darken, about 2 minutes. Add chili sauce and water and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until mixture is thickened, about 7 minutes.
  2. Transfer half of mixture to food processor and process until coarsely ground; return to skillet. Stir in hot sauce, Worcestershire, and mustard. Serve. (Sauce can be refrigerated in airtight container for 3 days.)


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