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To make a great West Virginia hot dog chili sauce, gather these main ingredients: - 1 pound ground beef - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce These ingredients form the base of your chili sauce. Ground beef adds rich flavor, while kidney beans offer texture and protein. Tomato sauce gives the dish a nice, tangy base. Next, you need these spices and seasonings: - 2 tablespoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar These spices give the sauce its unique taste. Chili powder adds heat, while cumin and paprika add depth. Brown sugar balances the flavors, and apple cider vinegar adds a touch of tanginess. Finally, consider these optional garnishes: - Grated cheddar cheese - Diced green onions - Soft sandwich buns These garnishes enhance the dish. Cheese adds creaminess, green onions provide freshness, and buns hold the hot dogs and sauce together. Feel free to mix and match! To start, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook it until it turns brown. Use a spatula to break the beef apart as it cooks. This helps it brown evenly. Next, add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Stir these in and cook for about 5 minutes. You want the onion to be soft and clear. This step adds great flavor to your chili sauce. Now it’s time to add some spices. Stir in 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Cook this mix for another minute. You will start to smell the spices, which means they are ready. Then, add in 1 can of tomato sauce and 1 can of kidney beans. Make sure to drain and rinse the beans first. Mix everything well. This step combines all the flavors and makes the sauce thicker. Now, pour in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer. This means small bubbles will start to form on the surface. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally. This lets all the flavors blend together perfectly. The longer it cooks, the better it tastes. To make your chili sauce just right, start with the spices. You can adjust the chili powder, cumin, and paprika to fit your taste. If you like it spicy, add more chili powder. If you want it milder, cut back. The brown sugar adds a nice sweet touch, so taste as you go. For cooking time, let the sauce simmer for at least 20 minutes. This gives the flavors time to mix well. If you have more time, simmer longer for an even richer taste. For the best hot dog experience, serve the chili sauce over grilled or boiled hot dogs. You can also use soft sandwich buns to hold everything together. If you want a side, try coleslaw or potato chips. They add crunch and balance to your meal. To make your dish look great, serve the hot dogs on a large platter. Pour extra chili sauce on the side for anyone who wants more. Garnish with grated cheddar cheese and diced green onions. This adds color and a fresh touch. Enjoy your tasty creation! {{image_2}} You can make this chili sauce meatless. Use plant-based protein instead of ground beef. Many brands offer great textures and flavors. For example, try lentils or textured vegetable protein (TVP). They work well in this recipe. If you want to switch the kidney beans, use black beans or pinto beans. Both add a nice taste. You can also skip beans altogether for a smoother sauce. This sauce has its roots in West Virginia, but other states add their twists. In Ohio, they may use a sweeter sauce with more sugar. In Michigan, you often find a thicker chili with no beans. Each state has a unique style that shows local tastes. Comparing this chili sauce to others, like Texas chili, shows big differences. Texas chili usually has no beans and focuses on beef and spices. Our West Virginia version has beans and a sweeter flavor. You can adjust the heat of your chili sauce. If you like it hot, add chili flakes. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. This way, you control the heat. Some people prefer a sweeter sauce. You can add more brown sugar or even honey. Others like a savory sauce, so just cut back on the sugar. This recipe is flexible, letting you make it just right for you. - Refrigeration tips: Let the chili sauce cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to four days. - Freezing guidelines: For longer storage, freeze the chili sauce. Use a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. - Best methods for reheating without losing flavor: The best way is to reheat on the stove. Use low heat and stir often. You can also use a microwave, but stir halfway through. - Suggested time and temperature: On the stove, heat for about 10 minutes. In the microwave, reheat for about 2-3 minutes, checking every minute. - How long the chili sauce lasts in the fridge: In the fridge, the chili sauce lasts about 4 days. After that, it may spoil. - Signs of spoilage to watch for: Look for off smells, changes in color, or mold. If you see any of these signs, it’s best to toss it out. West Virginia Hot Dog Chili Sauce is a thick, savory topping for hot dogs. Its unique flavor comes from a mix of ground beef, kidney beans, and tomato sauce. The spices, like chili powder and cumin, add a warm kick. What makes it special is its rich blend of flavors that pairs perfectly with a hot dog. This sauce is not just a topping; it’s the heart of the dish. It brings comfort and nostalgia, making every bite a delight. You can find West Virginia Hot Dog Chili Sauce in local grocery stores, especially in the South and Midwest. Look for it in the condiment aisle. If you have trouble finding it, many online retailers sell it. Websites like Amazon often stock it. You can also check specialty food shops that focus on regional products. This way, you can enjoy this tasty sauce no matter where you live. Yes, you can make this chili sauce ahead of time. It stores well in the fridge for up to four days. Just let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring until warm. This makes it easy to enjoy delicious hot dogs anytime! In this post, I detailed how to make delicious chili sauce. We covered main ingredients like ground beef and kidney beans, and added spices like chili powder and cumin. I shared helpful tips for perfecting flavor and offered serving suggestions. You can make variations, too, like vegetarian options or different spice levels. Lastly, I gave storage advice for leftovers. Now, it's your turn to create your perfect chili sauce. Enjoy experimenting in the kitchen!

West Virginia Hot Dog Chili Sauce

Savor the delicious taste of West Virginia Hot Dog Chili Sauce with this easy recipe that will elevate your cookout! Made with ground beef, kidney beans, and a blend of spices, this chili sauce is perfect for topping your favorite hot dogs. Learn how to whip up this hearty dish in just 35 minutes and impress your friends and family. Click through for all the details and bring your meal to the next level!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ground beef

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Hot dogs (for serving)

Soft sandwich buns (optional)

Grated cheddar cheese (for garnish)

Diced green onions (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.

    Once the beef is cooked, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

      Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, and brown sugar, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

        Add the tomato sauce and kidney beans to the mixture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

          Pour in the apple cider vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together.

            While the chili sauce is simmering, cook your hot dogs according to your preference – grill, boil, or pan-fry.

              To serve, place a hot dog in a bun (if using) and generously spoon the chili sauce over the top.

                Finish with a sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese and diced green onions for added flavor and texture.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 35 minutes | Serves 4-6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the hot dogs on a large platter with extra chili sauce on the side for those who want seconds. Garnish the top with additional cheese and green onions for a pop of color!