West Virginia Hot Dog Chili Sauce
West Virginia hot dog chili sauce is a smooth, mildly spiced, slightly sweet beef chili made specifically for topping hot dogs. Unlike traditional chili, it’s thinner, bean-free, and slow-simmered for a velvety texture that defines West Virginia-style hot dogs.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried minced onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2-3 cups water
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up until fully browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add seasonings: Stir in chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, dried onion, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Let the spices toast for a minute to enhance flavor.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour in 2–3 cups of water, ensuring the beef is submerged. Simmer uncovered over low heat for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally to create a smooth texture.
- Add sweet and tangy flavors: Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Let simmer for another 30–45 minutes until thickened.
- Serve: Spoon over grilled hot dogs and top with mustard, chopped onions, and coleslaw for a true West Virginia-style hot dog.