🧑🍳 Ingredients (Makes about 4 cups)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup ketchup or tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp mustard powder or 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- ½ tsp cider vinegar or white vinegar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp chili powder (optional)
- Pinch of ground cloves or allspice (optional)
🍳 Instructions
Brown the beef – In a large skillet or saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add ground beef – Break up the beef with a spoon and cook until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in flour – Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the meat. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Add remaining ingredients – Stir in water, ketchup (or tomato sauce), brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, salt, pepper, and optional spices.
Simmer – Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20–30 minutes , stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a gravy-like consistency .
Taste and adjust – Add more vinegar for tanginess, sugar for sweetness, or spices to suit your taste.
Serve warm – Spoon generously over steamed or grilled hot dogs, and top with chopped onions and mustard for the full Southern WV experience.
Tips for Customizing Your Chili Sauce
Want to make it your own? Here are some great variations:
- Make it spicier – Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Use a meat substitute – Try plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian version.
- Add beans – Some folks like a hint of kidney or pinto beans stirred in.
- Go extra tangy – Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or more vinegar.
- Try it on other foods – Great on burgers, fries, rice, or baked potatoes.
What to Serve With Southern West Virginia Chili Sauce
This chili sauce is most commonly served over:
- All-beef hot dogs
- Steamed buns or hoagie rolls
- Fries or tater tots
- Rice or grits (in some regions)
It’s also delicious as a topping for grilled cheese sandwiches or meatloaf .
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I make this chili sauce ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days .
❓ Can I freeze this chili sauce?
Yes! Cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months . Thaw and reheat on the stove or microwave.
❓ Is this the same as Cincinnati chili?
It’s similar but distinct . WV chili is typically thicker, sweeter, and spiced differently , and it’s usually served on hot dogs rather than spaghetti.
❓ What’s the best way to reheat it?
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the consistency.
Final Thoughts
Southern West Virginia Hot Dog Chili Sauce is more than just a topping — it’s a regional comfort food treasure that brings people together over a warm, hearty bite.
Whether you're enjoying it at a roadside stand or making it at home, one taste of this savory-sweet, spiced sauce will transport you to the hills of Appalachia.
So go ahead — whip up a batch, grab a hot dog, and savor a taste of true West Virginia comfort .