Michigan Hot Dogs
When I was a child, my family loved going to Lafleur Restaurants. It was, and still is, a fast food chain. Their menu is pretty abbreviated: hot-dogs, burgers, corn dogs, fries, poutines, pops 🥤, and water… that’s all. There’s one item from the menu that I made for David a few years ago, and it actually became one of his favorites… It’s Michigan Hot Dogs!
What? Michigan???
It’s basically a regular beef hot dog in a nice warm bun topped generously with a beautiful meat sauce, and for garnish, a good drizzle of yellow mustard and some chopped white onions 🧅. It’s a tasty finger food! It’s similar to a Coney Island Hot Dog, but with different ingredients.
Summer is about picnics and backyard parties 🥳. As much as hot dogs are fun to make, they can get old in a hurry! Making a tasty meat topping changes the whole experience of having what we call in French “un chien-chaud”. It’s different and sooooo delicious… I kid you not!
Obviously, the sauce is what makes the dish. If I can describe it the best, I would say it’s sweet, tangy, and tomatoey 🍅 with a little zip to it. The secret for this flavorful sauce is to cook it down slowly until the liquid is all evaporated and it turns into a thick consistency. It’s easy to make and also freezes very well.
Technically, real Michigan Hot Dogs are not served on regular hot dog buns but rather on New England buns, the same ones used for Lobster Rolls. In Québec and Ontario, they are easy to find, but here on the West Coast, I can’t find them anywhere. When I filmed this recipe last year, I didn’t have any on hand – my mother 👵 became my supplier –, so I had no choice but to go with the regular hot dog buns. If you’re in the same situation as me, it’s okay; it’s not a big deal…
As much as I try to maintain a good diet, once in a while, it’s nice to have some “junk” food, and these Michigan Hot Dogs fit the bill. This summer, bring your favorite finger food 🌭 to the next level by making this delicious recipe…
Bon Appétit!🍽
Check out these other great casual dining recipes…😀
– Easy Chicken Fajitas
– Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps
– Italian Pesto Panini Sandwich
– California Burgers
– Moo Shu Pork Tortillas
– Grilled Jalapeño Poppers
– Spicy Beef Nacho Supreme
– Sweet Chili Chicken Bites
– Meat Lovers Pizza
and for even more beef recipes 🐂, click on this link… Recipe Category • Beef
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Michigan Hot Dogs
Hover to scale
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. olive oil tips & tricks
- 3/4 cup white onions, finely chopped plus more for garnish
- 1/4 tsp. ground Himalayan pink salt, or to taste and divided
- 2 large cloves garlic, pressed
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- freshly ground mixed peppercorns, to taste
- 1/2 cup ketchup, such as Heinz®
- 2 tbsp. brown sugar
- 2 tbsp. prepared yellow mustard, plus more for garnish
- 1 tbsp. chili sauce such as Heinz
- 1 tbsp. Frank's hot sauce
- 1/2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tbsp. white vinegar
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. mild paprika
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp. tomato paste tips & tricks
- 6 sausages
- 6 hot dog buns see Recipe
Directions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add oil and when it gets hot, add onion and a pinch of salt; sauté until translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Add garlic and sauté for only 1 minute
- Add ground beef, breaking into small pieces; season with salt and pepper. Cook until barely pink.
- When the beef is almost done, add ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, chili sauce, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, white vinegar, chili powder, mild paprika and cumin; stir to combine.
- Add tomato sauce and tomato paste; stir well.
- Cover and bring mixture to a gentle boil; reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 50 to 60 minutes.
- Ten minutes later, uncovered and continue cooking until the liquid is evaporated, stirring often
- When the sauce is thick, start steaming the hot dogs and warm up the buns.
Don't forget to rate and comment on this recipe!

These hot dogs are a BOMB 😋! Thanks Frankie.
Thank you and you’re welcome 😉
As a Lafleur’s lover I would love to try this recipe. They also make the best fries!!
Lafleur, oh my, it’s been a long time since I went there.
yummy!
Thanks Paula 😉
love this recipe and also your Coney Island dogs
Thank you 😊! There’s also my Chili Dogs that I just posted recently so have a look. Enjoy your day Sonny 🌞
Awesome. Thank You!
You’re welcome 😊! That’s for sure this is a delicious elevated way to enjoy them 🌭. Have a fantastic week Matt