The Pioneer Woman Tasty Kitchen
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B & K Spanish Hotdog Sauce (Copycat)

5.00 Mitt(s) 3 Rating(s)3 votes, average: 5.00 out of 53 votes, average: 5.00 out of 53 votes, average: 5.00 out of 53 votes, average: 5.00 out of 53 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5

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Level: Intermediate

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Description

B & K Root Beer stands began in the 1950s and proliferated in the Midwest. They were the classic drive up (think Sonic) with carhops taking orders and serving the root beer in frosty glass mugs. The Spanish hot dogs were and still remain a favorite in my hometown. Not to be confused with the Coney dogs of the East Coast, the sauce is served over a steamed hot dog in a steamed bun.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds 15% Lean Ground Beef
  • ¾ cups Water
  • 2 cups Ketchup (preferably Not Brooks)
  • 4-½ teaspoons Chili Powder (Mexene Recommended)
  • 2 Tablespoons White Vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • ¼ cups Very Finely Diced White Onion (can Use Rehydrated)

Preparation

This is not a difficult recipe but needs to be stirred and watched carefully. It will be ruined if the hamburger browns.

DO NOT brown the hamburger.

Mix burger and water in a medium-large sized heavy bottom saucepan. (I know this looks and sounds very gross, but trust me on this.)

Add the rest of the ingredients until well mixed. This should be similar to a medium thick tomato sauce.

Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat a little, stirring every 15–20 minutes. This is important to keep the mixture from browning, burning or scorching. If the mixture seems too thick, then add a little more water. (Manwich consistency is too thick. The object is to be able to spoon this on easily, but have the sauce stay on the hot dog and bun when eaten.)

Simmer for 1 1/2–2 hours, continuing to watch VERY carefully, stirring every 10–15 minutes.

Optional step: Cool in the refrigerator over ight. In the morning, skim off the fat that accumulates on the surface, remove and discard. Reheat on the stove top or in the microwave.

Traditionally served over steamed hot dogs in steamed buns.

Chopped onions or other condiments can be added if you like, but the authentic Spanish Hot Dogs only have the hot dog and sauce.

Cheese Whiz in another favorite topping.

7 Comments

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Alayna on 7.15.2022

Looks like I’m not the only Hoosier who moved to Texas and is missing a taste of home. Texas may have a lot, but they don’t have Spanish Dogs, Tenderloins and Old Fashioned Cream Pie!

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Serena Akers on 5.18.2022

I moved to Texas from Indiana. This is the exact Spanish sauce I love & miss from my hometown. Perfect recipe! I freeze it and take it camping. YUM!

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Dan Mongosa on 3.20.2019

The just tore down the west end B & K root beer stand this past week in my hometown of Peru, Indiana. Sad to see it happen. It was there for over 70 years and was enjoyed by 4 generations of my family. I’m so glad to see this chili sauce recipe. Thank you.

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Scott Smith on 9.22.2018

There was a B&K near me that my parents would take us to as kind of a “treat”.This was late 60’s, early 70s. Alas, it closed. I longed for a Mexi-burger for years. (this is the same sauce that was used on spanish dogs, it’s just a sloppy joe of it). I found this recipe and was skeptical, but friends…this is the real deal, spot on recipe.This is a throw back to my childhood. I’m overjoyed.

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candybar on 5.14.2015

I have been looking for this recipe for a long time. Like you, I’m from Ohio and I don’t seem to get there when it is open.

3 Reviews

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Laura Brock (Garber) on 10.17.2016

Being from Peru, Indiana…we are always anxious for spring when B&K opens for the season. My husband is in the Navy, and we’re stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. I made this sauce for dinner tonight, and it’s so perfect it was bittersweet. Just like home, but now we’re very homesick. Thank you so much for posting!

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candybar on 5.25.2015

My husband made this sauce and it’s really good! We added a little more water as it cooked to keep the consistency like it needs to be and added rehydrated onions. This recipe is great! I found Mexene chili powder at Kroger. It was so nice and tender since the ground beef steamed instead of browning. This is definitely a keeper! Thanks nursechacha!

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Julie Woodrow on 7.14.2013

I grew up eating at B & K root beer stand and love their Spanish hotdogs. But where I live now there are any. so when I found this recipe I was excited. I have made it a couple of times so far. As for the ingredients when it says to use Mexene chili powder, use it. I made it with another brand and the chili powder makes the difference. Thank you for the recipe!

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