Diabetic-Friendly “Michigan” Style (Low-Carb Version)
Ingredients
- 2–4 low-carb hot dogs (look for no added sugar)
- ½ lb lean ground beef or turkey
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 1 tsp garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (no added sugar)
- 1 tsp mustard
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt & black pepper
- ¼ cup water
For serving
- Lettuce wraps or low-carb buns
- Optional toppings: diced onions, mustard (no sugar)
Instructions
- Make the meat sauce
Cook onion and garlic, add ground meat, and brown.
Stir in tomato paste, mustard, spices, and water. Simmer 10 minutes. - Cook hot dogs
Grill, boil, or pan-cook. - Assemble
Place hot dog in lettuce wrap or low-carb bun, top with meat sauce and onions.
🩺 Why it’s diabetes-friendly
- No refined white bun (major carb reduction)
- No added sugar in sauce
- Higher protein, lower carb balance
⚠️ Tips
- Choose low-sodium, nitrate-free hot dogs if possible
- Watch portion size (1–2 per serving)
- Pair with a side salad or non-starchy veggies
🔄 Alternative idea
Turn it into a “Michigan bowl”:
- Skip the bun
- Add chopped hot dog + meat sauce over cabbage or cauliflower rice

