Southern West Virginia Hot Dog Chili Sauce

Here’s a  recipe that captures that authentic taste:

Southern West Virginia Hot Dog Chili Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)

• 1 cup finely chopped onion (about 1 medium onion)

• 1 cup water

• 1/2 cup tomato sauce (or ketchup for a sweeter twist)

• 1 tablespoon mild chili powder (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon vinegar (white or apple cider)

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Brown the meat and onions
   In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onions together. Break the meat up finely as it cooks. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are softened, about 6-8 minutes.

2. Drain excess fat
   If there’s a lot of grease, carefully drain it off but leave enough to keep the mixture moist.

3. Add water and tomato sauce
   Stir in 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of tomato sauce or ketchup. Mix well.

4. Season the sauce
   Add chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and sugar. Stir to combine thoroughly.

5. Simmer
   Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally.

6. Optional thickening
   If you want a thicker sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a little cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the simmering chili sauce. Cook an additional 5 minutes until thickened.

7. Final taste check
   Adjust salt, chili powder, or vinegar if needed. The sauce should be slightly tangy, savory, with a mild heat.

Serving:

Spoon generously over hot dogs in steamed buns. Add mustard, chopped onions, and maybe some shredded cheddar cheese or coleslaw if you like the classic West Virginia dog experience.