Introduction
Southern West Virginia has a deep-rooted tradition of delicious, flavorful comfort foods, and one dish that stands out is the iconic hot dog chili sauce.
It’s not just about flavor but the memories created around it – sharing a meal with family, friends, and neighbors. If you’ve ever tasted this hot dog chili sauce.
you know why it’s an absolute favorite. This rich, savory topping, bursting with bold spices and a slightly sweet touch, takes a hot dog from simple to extraordinary.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need:
1 pound ground beef
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
Pinch of red pepper flakes
2-3 cups water
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
To begin making your Southern WV-style hot dog chili sauce, start by cooking the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat.
Break it apart as it cooks, making sure it’s evenly browned. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat and return the beef to the pot.
Next, add the chili powder, paprika, cumin, kosher salt, black pepper, minced onion, garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir these seasonings into the beef.
ensuring it’s well-coated. This step is essential for infusing the meat with all the flavorful spices that will create a mouthwatering sauce.
Now, add 2-3 cups of water to the pot. Stir it in to create a smooth, watery base for your chili sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat.
Allow it to simmer for about 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together beautifully.
Once the initial simmering phase is complete, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
These ingredients will add sweetness and depth to the sauce, enhancing its richness. Continue simmering the sauce for another 30 to 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to intensify.
After the sauce has reached the perfect consistency, remove it from the heat. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary—this is where you can make it as spicy or as mild as you prefer.
Once your chili sauce is ready, serve it generously on top of your hot dogs, and don’t forget to add a few of your favorite toppings like onions, mustard, or cheese for an extra kick of flavor.
How to Make
Making this Southern WV hot dog chili sauce at home is surprisingly simple. Start with browning the ground beef in a pot, which provides a savory base for the sauce.
Then, the key is in the seasoning—chili powder, paprika, and cumin combine to give the chili a warm, smoky flavor.
The salt and pepper balance out the spices, while the garlic and onion powder add an extra savory depth.
The pinch of red pepper flakes is optional but adds a subtle heat that gives the sauce an extra layer of flavor.
Adding water to the mix helps create the sauce’s desired consistency, allowing the flavors to meld together as it simmers.
The long simmering time is crucial for developing the rich, complex taste that is characteristic of this chili sauce.
After the initial simmer, the addition of ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce brings sweetness and tang.
Rounding out the savory spices and creating the perfect blend of flavors. Finally, allow it to simmer a bit more until it reaches the perfect consistency for serving.
Variations
While this hot dog chili sauce recipe is a traditional take on the Southern WV version, there are many ways you can make it your own. For a spicier version.
try adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mix. If you love smokiness, consider using smoked paprika or even adding a bit of liquid smoke to deepen the flavor profile.
You can also adjust the sweetness of the sauce to your liking. For a sweeter chili, increase the amount of brown sugar or try adding honey for a different flavor.
For a tangier sauce, add more Worcestershire sauce or a bit of apple cider vinegar to brighten it up.
If you prefer a meatless version, swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian-friendly option.
You can also experiment with different types of ground meat, such as turkey or pork, to give the sauce a new flavor twist.
To make the sauce more hearty, consider adding chopped bell peppers, onions, or even mushrooms to the meat mixture.
This will give your chili sauce more texture and flavor, perfect for those who like a bit more variety in their sauce.
Another fun variation is to add a bit of beer to the sauce for a rich, malty flavor. Just simmer the sauce a bit longer to cook off the alcohol and allow the flavors to blend together.
For a smoky barbecue twist, you could incorporate barbecue sauce into the recipe, replacing some of the ketchup.
For a more tangy, sweet flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with grilled hot dogs.
Lastly, if you prefer a more chunky chili sauce, simply reduce the amount of water you use during cooking or increase the simmering time.
This will allow the sauce to thicken naturally, giving it a heartier, more robust texture.
Tips
To make the best Southern WV hot dog chili sauce, use freshly ground beef. Ground chuck or lean beef works best as it provides the right amount of fat and flavor without being too greasy.
If you prefer a leaner version, you can use ground turkey or chicken, though the flavor will be slightly different.
When adding the spices, don’t be afraid to adjust based on your personal taste preferences. For example, if you like a smokier flavor, you can increase the paprika or add some smoked paprika.
Always taste and adjust seasoning towards the end of cooking to get the perfect balance of flavors.
If you find that the sauce is too thick, simply add a little more water or beef broth during the simmering process to loosen it up.
Conversely, if the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a little longer to thicken and concentrate the flavors.
For extra depth, try sautéing the garlic and onions in the pot before adding the ground beef. This will release their natural sweetness and make the base of the sauce even more flavorful.
Be patient during the simmering process! The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will develop.
If you have the time, let the sauce simmer for closer to 2 hours before adding the ketchup and other finishing ingredients for a deeper flavor.
When making this chili sauce ahead of time, it keeps well in the fridge for several days, and the flavors continue to develop as it sits.
You can also freeze it in an airtight container for future use, making it a great make-ahead option for busy weeks.
Lastly, always use high-quality Worcestershire sauce and ketchup. These two ingredients provide the bulk of the sauce’s flavo so using a premium version will make a noticeable difference in the taste of your final product.
Conclusion
This Southern WV hot dog chili sauce is more than just a topping; it’s a staple that brings people together around the dinner table.
The combination of savory spices, sweet ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce creates a flavor that’s undeniably delicious and comforting
Once you’ve made it yourself, you’ll never go back to store-bought versions again.
Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply enjoying a casual dinner, this homemade chili sauce will elevate your hot dogs and impress your guests.
Don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe to fit your personal preferences, and enjoy the process of creating a dish that carries the heart and soul of Southern West Virginia with every bite.