West Virginia Hot Dog Sauce Recipe is a flavorful, tangy, and slightly spicy topping that’s a must-try for any hot dog lover.
This regional favorite is made with a simple blend of ground beef, onions, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and a mix of spices, creating a savory sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over your favorite hot dogs.
The taste is rich, with a slight sweetness from the ketchup and sugar, balanced by a tangy kick from the vinegar, and a mild heat from chili powder and red pepper flakes. It adds depth and excitement to the classic hot dog experience.
If you’re looking to elevate your comfort food game, West Virginia Hot Dog Sauce Recipe offers a delicious, easy-to-make twist on a classic, making it a great choice for your next meal.
How To Prepare West Virginia Hot Dog Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Details
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Main Course, Topping/Sauce
Cuisine: American (West Virginia Style)
Calories: Approximately 350 calories per serving
Yield: About 6 servings (depends on the serving size)
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Medium-sized saucepan or skillet
- Stirring spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and chopping board
- Ladle or spoon for serving
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (preferably 80% lean)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste (for final seasoning)
Instructions
1. In a medium-sized saucepan or skillet, add the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break the beef apart using a spoon and cook until it’s browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat if necessary.
2. Add the finely chopped onion to the beef and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
3. Pour in the water, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Add the sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Stir and bring everything to a simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, uncovered, for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally, and let the sauce thicken. Adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to taste.
6. Once the sauce has thickened and reached your desired consistency, remove it from heat. Spoon the sauce generously over hot dogs and serve immediately.
What Makes West Virginia Hot Dog Sauce Special?
West Virginia Hot Dog Sauce Recipe stands out because of its unique blend of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors, creating a rich and hearty topping for hot dogs.
Unlike typical ketchup or mustard-based condiments, this sauce is made with ground beef, onions, and a mix of seasonings like chili powder, cumin, and apple cider vinegar, which gives it a deep, flavorful punch.
The combination of sweet, sour, and smoky elements makes it a distinctive and beloved regional favorite that perfectly complements the simplicity of a hot dog, making it a special treat for West Virginians and those who enjoy regional American cuisine.
Usage Suggestions
This West Virginia Hot Dog Sauce Recipe is perfect for topping your favorite hot dogs, adding a savory, tangy flavor that complements the grilled meat.
It can also be used as a unique topping for burgers, fries, or even chili cheese fries. For a fun twist, try it on baked potatoes, scrambled eggs, or in wraps for an extra burst of flavor.
The versatility of this sauce makes it a great addition to many comfort food dishes!
Tips and Variations
➤ Make It Spicy: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give your hot dog sauce an extra kick.
➤ Use Different Meats: While ground beef is traditional, you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
➤ Add Some Sweetness: For a slightly sweeter flavor, increase the amount of sugar or even use brown sugar for a richer taste.
➤ Slow Cooker Version: If you want to make the sauce ahead of time, combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and let it cook on low for 3-4 hours. This will deepen the flavors and make it even more delicious.
➤ Add Tomato Paste: If you prefer a thicker sauce, substitute half the ketchup with tomato paste for a richer texture.
Storage And Shelf Life
West Virginia hot dog sauce recipe stores really well in the fridge. After making it, I let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
It typically lasts about 4-5 days in the refrigerator without losing flavor. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving. The flavors even seem to improve after a day or two, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers!
More Amazing Hot Sauce Recips
Scorpion Pepper Hot Sauce Recipe – Bold And Fiery
Thai Chili Pepper Hot Sauce Recipe [Sriracha]
Hot And Honey Sauce Recipe – Healthy Homemade
Blueberry Hot Sauce Recipe – Sweet And Spicy
Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce Recipe (Quick And Easy)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leaner ground beef for the sauce?
Yes, you can use leaner ground beef, but the sauce may not be as rich and flavorful. 80% lean beef is ideal for the best texture and taste.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely! You can increase or decrease the amount of red pepper flakes and chili powder to suit your preferred spice level.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. The flavors tend to deepen and improve after a day or two.
Can I use this sauce for other dishes besides hot dogs?
Definitely! This sauce is great as a topping for burgers, fries, or even as a flavorful chili for a variety of dishes.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it longer to allow it to reduce and thicken. You can also add a small amount of cornstarch or flour mixed with water to help thicken it.
Conclusion
I thoroughly enjoyed making and tasting the West Virginia hot dog sauce recipe. Its unique blend of savory, tangy, and spicy flavors elevated my hot dog experience to a whole new level.
The West Virginia Hot Dog Sauce Recipe was simple to follow, and the sauce came together beautifully, adding a comforting, hearty touch that I wouldn’t expect from traditional toppings.
The success of this recipe lies in how it enhances a classic dish with bold regional flavors. I hope this West Virginia Hot Dog Sauce Recipe adds a little more joy to your hot dog experience, and as always, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!
If you try this West Virginia Hot Dog Sauce recipe, feel free to drop a comment below and let me know how you made it your own!
West Virginia Hot Dog Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Medium-sized saucepan or skillet
- Stirring spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and chopping board
- Ladle or spoon for serving
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef preferably 80% lean
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste (for final seasoning)
Instructions
- In a medium-sized saucepan or skillet, add the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break the beef apart using a spoon and cook until it’s browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the finely chopped onion to the beef and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Pour in the water, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Add the sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Stir and bring everything to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, uncovered, for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally, and let the sauce thicken. Adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to taste.
- Once the sauce has thickened and reached your desired consistency, remove it from heat. Spoon the sauce generously over hot dogs and serve immediately.