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To make this tasty West Virginia hot dog chili sauce, gather these key 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 These ingredients form the base of the sauce. The ground beef gives it richness. The onion and garlic add depth and sweetness. Kidney beans provide texture while tomato sauce brings everything together. Spices are the heart of this dish. You will need: - 2 tablespoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar Chili powder gives it that classic chili taste. Cumin and paprika add warmth and a slight smokiness. Brown sugar balances the flavors with a hint of sweetness, while apple cider vinegar adds brightness. For a little extra flair, consider these garnishes: - Grated cheddar cheese - Diced green onions - Soft sandwich buns These toppings can elevate your hot dog experience. Cheese adds creaminess, green onions give freshness, and soft buns hold everything together. Feel free to get creative with your presentation! Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Brown the beef for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to be fully browned for the best flavor. Once the beef is ready, it's time to add the flavor. Stir in 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté them for about 5 minutes. You will know they are done when the onion is soft and looks clear. Now, let’s kick it up a notch with spices. Add 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Mix in 1 tablespoon of brown sugar too. Stir everything together well. Cook for another minute. This step makes your kitchen smell amazing! Next, pour in 1 can of tomato sauce and add 1 can of kidney beans that you rinsed and drained. Use a wooden spoon to mix everything together until it is well combined. Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the pot. Season everything with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat. Let it cook uncovered for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This simmering time helps all the flavors blend nicely. While the chili sauce is simmering, it’s time for the hot dogs! You can grill, boil, or pan-fry them according to your preference. Make sure they are heated through before serving. To serve, place a hot dog in a bun if you like. Ladle the rich chili sauce generously over the hot dog. For the final touch, sprinkle some grated cheddar cheese and diced green onions on top. This adds both flavor and a pop of color to your dish. Enjoy your delicious creation! To make your chili sauce great, avoid overcooking the meat. Brown the ground beef until it is just cooked, about 5-7 minutes. This keeps the meat juicy. Stir often to prevent sticking. If you notice it getting too dry, add a splash of water or more tomato sauce. This will help the sauce remain rich and smooth. Want to boost the flavor? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. A dash of Worcestershire sauce adds depth. You can also mix in some chopped bell peppers for crunch and sweetness. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can brighten the dish. Feel free to play with these suggestions! Presentation can make meals more fun! Arrange the hot dogs on a big, colorful platter. Pour extra chili sauce into a bowl beside the hot dogs. This lets guests add more as they like. Top the hot dogs with grated cheese and diced green onions. This adds color and makes each bite even tastier! {{image_4}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of this chili sauce. Start by swapping the ground beef for plant-based crumbles. These crumbles mimic meat well. You can also use lentils or chopped mushrooms for a hearty texture. Adding kidney beans enhances the protein and fiber. Use the same spices for flavor. This way, you still enjoy that rich taste without any meat. Want it spicier? Add more chili powder or a diced jalapeño. You can also include crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the chili powder. You can balance heat with a bit of sugar or vinegar. This helps tone down the spice while keeping the dish flavorful. Get creative with your chili sauce by adding unique ingredients. Try a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth. You can also mix in diced bell peppers for sweetness. Some people love to add a teaspoon of cocoa powder for a subtle richness. Don’t shy away from using local ingredients, like Appalachian spices, to give it your personal touch. To keep your West Virginia hot dog chili sauce fresh, follow these steps: - Let the sauce cool completely. - Transfer it to an airtight container. - Store it in the fridge for up to four days. This method helps maintain the flavor and texture. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for too long. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, follow these steps: - Place the chili sauce in a pot over low heat. - Stir often to prevent sticking. - Heat until it reaches your desired temperature. You can also use the microwave. Just heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. To freeze the chili sauce: - Let it cool completely. - Use a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. - Label the container with the date. When you want to thaw it, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned earlier. This method works great for meal prep! West Virginia Hot Dog Chili Sauce stands out due to its rich, savory flavor. Unlike other chili sauces, it has a smooth texture and a slight sweetness. The use of spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika creates a warm taste. The addition of brown sugar adds a unique twist. You will find kidney beans mixed in, which is not common in many other chili sauces. This blend makes it a perfect topping for hot dogs. You can store this chili sauce in the fridge for about 4 to 5 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze it. In the freezer, it lasts up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, this sauce is very versatile! You can use it on nachos, baked potatoes, or even as a dip. It also works well in chili cheese fries. The flavors blend nicely with many dishes, so feel free to get creative. To find authentic West Virginia Hot Dog Chili Sauce, check local markets or specialty stores. Some online shops also sell it. If you’re in West Virginia, many diners and food trucks offer this sauce on their hot dogs. It's a great way to taste the real deal! This blog post covered how to make West Virginia Hot Dog Chili Sauce. We discussed the key ingredients, essential spices, and optional garnishes. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation, cooking tips, variations, and storage methods. In summary, whether you stick with the original recipe or tweak it, this dish brings comfort. Enjoy serving it hot, topped with your favorite garnishes. Your guests will love it! Make it part of your cooking repertoire for a crowd-pleasing meal.

West Virginia Hot Dog Chili Sauce

Discover the deliciousness of West Virginia Hot Dog Chili Sauce with this easy recipe that brings comfort food to your table! Made with savory ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices, this chili sauce is perfect for slathering over hot dogs. Whether you're hosting a gathering or just craving a tasty treat, this dish is sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your next meal!
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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
 

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, until it’s fully browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

    Once the beef is browned, incorporate the finely chopped onion and minced garlic into the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

      Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, and brown sugar, stirring well to ensure the spices evenly coat the meat. Cook for an additional minute until the spices become fragrant.

        Pour in the tomato sauce and add the drained kidney beans to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until well combined.

          Drizzle in the apple cider vinegar, and season the chili mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, allowing it to cook uncovered for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking, letting the flavors blend together beautifully.

            While the chili sauce is simmering, prepare your hot dogs according to your preference—whether grilling, boiling, or pan-frying until heated through.

              When ready to serve, place a hot dog in a bun (if desired), then generously ladle the rich chili sauce over the top of each hot dog.

                For a delicious finish, sprinkle a good amount of grated cheddar cheese and diced green onions over the chili-covered hot dogs, adding flair and taste.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: Arrange the hot dogs on a vibrant platter, with an ample bowl of extra chili sauce nearby for guests who desire more. Top the dish with additional grated cheese and green onions to create a visually appealing and delightful feast!