Description
Hearty Southern West Virginia hot dog chili sauce delivers bold mountain flavors with classic comfort. Spicy beef, warm spices, and rich tomato base create an irresistible topping you’ll crave on any grilled frank or burger.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
Liquid and Sweet Ingredients:
- 2.3 cups (545 milliliters) water
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) ketchup
- 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) brown sugar
- 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- In a deep skillet, crumble ground beef and mix with all dry spices, creating a uniform blend.
- Pour water into the skillet, ensuring the meat is fully submerged, and set heat to low.
- Allow the meat mixture to gently simmer for 90-120 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Incorporate ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce into the simmering meat, blending thoroughly.
- Continue cooking for an additional 40-50 minutes, watching the liquid reduce and sauce thicken to a rich, glossy consistency.
- The chili sauce should reach a deep, robust color with a slightly chunky texture, perfect for coating hot dogs.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce rest for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to slightly cool.
- Ladle generously over hot dogs nestled in soft buns, creating a classic West Virginia-style presentation.
- Enhance the dish with traditional toppings: sharp mustard, crisp diced onions, and creamy coleslaw for an authentic regional experience.
Notes
- Customize meat texture by finely chopping or breaking ground beef while cooking to create a smoother, more traditional chili sauce consistency.
- Reduce water gradually during simmering to control sauce thickness and prevent watery results, allowing natural beef juices and added ingredients to concentrate flavors.
- Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes and chili powder to suit personal heat preferences without compromising the recipe’s authentic taste profile.
- Consider using lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier version that maintains the rich, robust flavor of traditional West Virginia hot dog chili sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 203 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 765 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg