Here’s one from upstate NY that I make all the time- The recipe is from a Greek owned hot dog stand-
4 large yellow onions diced fine
1# hamburger meat
4 beef bullion cubes disolved in one (1) cup of hot water
4 TSP chili powder ( I have used a variety of chili powders- even smoked red chipolte powder)
4 TSP Hot Pepper Sauce ( I use Tabasco- works well)
4 TSP dry mustard
4 dashes of ground cloves
8 TBS of ketchup
and sometimes I’ve added crushed red pepperflakes (to taste)

Brown meat and then add onion and all other ingredients- simmer for 15-20 minutes or longer- your nose will let you know when it’s done.
To make this really fine and saucy I use an immersion blender to blend it really well. If it is a little soupy ( too thin) you can add a little cornstarch in water to thicken- but in using the immersion blender, I have never had to add the cornstarch.
Of course this is a small batch, but you can double or triple the quantities to increase the volume. This frezes really well. I make up a batch and freeze it, and then when MSO wants a couple of dogs all the way- I just reheat in the microwave and he’s a happy camper!
Try this one and see if it has the heat and the flavor you remember.