Michigan Sauce Dog ("Michigan")
Plattsburgh/North Country classic: steamed hot dog with spiced, beanless 'Michigan' meat sauce; often with onions and mustard.
The Michigan Dog, or simply “Michigan,” is a specialty of upstate New York—particularly in the Plattsburgh area near the Canadian border. Despite the name, it has no confirmed link to the state of Michigan. The dog features a steamed or grilled hot dog (usually a natural casing red dog) topped with a distinct meat sauce—different from chili, often tomato-based, slightly sweet, and finely ground. It may be served with or without onions and mustard, depending on the customer’s preference (“buried” onions means under the sauce). The origin is disputed, but many trace it back to a woman from Michigan who brought the recipe to New York in the 1920s. It’s a regional treasure that remains fiercely defended and beloved by locals.
Authentic Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Natural casing hot dogs (Red dogs preferred)
- 4 Hot dog buns (Steamed)
- 1 lb Ground beef (Lean ground beef)
- 1 medium Yellow onion (Half for sauce, half diced for topping)
- 8 oz can Tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Brown sugar (For sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1/2 cup Water
- as needed Yellow mustard (For serving)
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in large skillet, breaking it up very finely as it cooks.
- Add half the diced onion and cook until softened.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin.
- Add water and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer on low heat for 30-45 minutes until sauce is thick but not dry. Stir occasionally.
- Steam or grill hot dogs until heated through.
- Steam buns until warm.
- Place hot dog in bun.
- Top with generous amount of Michigan sauce.
- Add yellow mustard and diced onions if desired ('buried' onions go under the sauce).
- Serve immediately. This is authentic Plattsburgh, NY style!
Related Styles (kinda)
4 similar styles
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