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Southern West Virginia Hot Dog Chili Sauce


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Southern West Virginia Hot Dog Chili Sauce is rich, flavorful, and a true Southern classic, perfect for topping hot dogs, fries, or even chili cheese fries. With a balance of savory and slightly spicy, it’s a staple for West Virginia-style comfort food.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for flavor)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for depth)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

 

  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Ground Beef:
    In a medium pot or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

  2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
    Add the finely chopped onion to the beef, and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  3. Add the Spices and Seasonings:
    Stir in the chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, sugar, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon (if using). Mix well to evenly coat the beef and onions with the spices.

  4. Add Tomato Paste and Liquids:
    Add the tomato paste to the mixture and stir it in. Then, pour in the water, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and hot sauce (if using). Stir to combine all the ingredients.

  5. Simmer the Chili Sauce:
    Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and let it cook for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken to a rich, hearty consistency. If it gets too thick, add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time.

  6. Taste and Adjust:
    Taste the chili sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your taste.

  7. Serve:
    Spoon the hot chili sauce generously over hot dogs, fries, or any other dish you like. It’s also great as a topping for chili cheese fries!

Notes

  • For Extra Flavor: Some variations include adding a dash of brown sugar or even a small amount of coffee or beef broth for added richness.
  • Make Ahead: This chili sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.

 

  • Freezing: Leftover chili sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Sauce, Gravy
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg