Southern West Virginia Hot Dog Chili Sauce is a regional favorite known for its finely textured, beefy flavor and bold seasoning. Unlike traditional chunky chili, this sauce is smooth and savory, making it the perfect topping for classic American hot dogs. With a simple blend of spices and ground beef, it’s a nostalgic, comforting addition to backyard cookouts, family dinners, or game day spreads.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Authentic Appalachian Flavor: Captures the unique style of Southern West Virginia hot dog joints.
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Simple Ingredients: No tomatoes or beans—just seasoned ground beef, prepared traditionally.
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Perfect Hot Dog Topping: Ideal consistency to sit neatly atop a bun without soaking through.
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Quick & Easy to Prepare: Comes together in under 30 minutes with pantry staples.
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Versatile: Can be made ahead and frozen, or used on burgers, fries, or nachos.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 lb ground beef
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon cumin
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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1 tablespoon dried minced onion
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1 tablespoon garlic powder
Directions
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In a skillet or saucepan over medium heat, add the ground beef.
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Break the meat up very finely with a wooden spoon or potato masher. Add a splash of water or beef broth to help break it down smoothly.
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Cook the beef until no longer pink, stirring constantly to keep the texture fine (about 6–8 minutes).
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Add chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, minced onion, and garlic powder. Stir well to combine.
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Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of water if it becomes too thick.
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Once the mixture is well blended and has reached a fine, saucy consistency, remove from heat.
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Serve warm over hot dogs.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields enough chili sauce for 8–10 hot dogs.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Sweeter Version: Add 1 teaspoon of brown sugar for a touch of sweetness.
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Spicier Chili: Stir in cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.
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Tomato Base: Mix in a tablespoon of tomato paste for a richer flavor profile.
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Onion Boost: Use fresh finely diced onions instead of dried minced onion for a sharper bite.
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Add Worcestershire: A dash of Worcestershire sauce deepens the umami flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chili sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.
For long-term storage, freeze in small portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
What makes this chili “Southern West Virginia” style?
This regional chili is known for its finely ground beef texture and spice-forward flavor without tomato sauce or beans.
Can I use fresh garlic and onion instead?
Yes, but be sure to mince them finely and sauté until soft before adding the beef for best results.
Is this chili spicy?
Not inherently. It’s flavorful but mild, though you can add spice to suit your preference.
Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day and holds up well in the fridge or freezer.
What’s the best way to achieve the fine texture?
Use a potato masher or immersion blender briefly during cooking to break down the meat finely.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply scale up the ingredients proportionally and allow a bit more simmering time.
Is this suitable for kids?
Yes, it’s mild and approachable. Skip or reduce the pepper for very young children.
Can I use ground turkey instead?
Yes, but the flavor will be slightly leaner. You may want to add a splash of Worcestershire or beef broth for depth.
Does this go with other foods besides hot dogs?
Definitely. Try it on burgers, chili cheese fries, nachos, or baked potatoes.
Do I need to drain the beef?
If using lean ground beef (90% or higher), draining is usually unnecessary. Otherwise, drain excess fat before seasoning.
Conclusion
Southern West Virginia Hot Dog Chili Sauce is a true taste of Appalachian tradition—simple, savory, and deeply flavorful. With its unique fine texture and bold spices, it transforms an ordinary hot dog into a regional delicacy. Quick to prepare and easy to store, it’s a must-have recipe for cookouts, potlucks, and nostalgic weeknight dinners alike.
Print
Southern West Virginia Hot Dog Chili Sauce
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes enough for about 8–10 hot dogs
- Category: Condiment, Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Southern West Virginia Hot Dog Chili Sauce is a thick, beefy, no-bean chili loaded with bold spices and perfect for topping classic hot dogs. A true Appalachian staple that brings regional flavor to every bite!
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon cumin
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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1 tablespoon dried minced onion
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1 tablespoon garlic powder
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1/2 cup water (more as needed for desired consistency)
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Optional: 1 tablespoon tomato paste or ketchup for a slight sweetness
Instructions
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In a skillet or saucepan, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it up as finely as possible while cooking.
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Once cooked through, drain any excess fat.
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Add the chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, minced onion, and garlic powder to the skillet. Stir well to coat the beef.
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Pour in ½ cup water (and tomato paste or ketchup, if using) and simmer on low for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors are well developed.
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Adjust consistency with more water if needed. Serve warm over hot dogs.
Notes
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For the authentic texture, mash the beef with a potato masher or pulse briefly in a food processor after browning.
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Letting it simmer longer deepens the flavor even more.
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Classic WV-style serving: hot dog bun + wiener + mustard + chili sauce + creamy coleslaw
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