Get ready to transform your ordinary hot dogs into a culinary masterpiece with this legendary West Virginia Hot Dog Sauce! This isn't just another condiment – it's a regional treasure that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine a rich, tangy sauce that perfectly balances savory beef, sweet brown sugar, and zesty spices, turning a simple hot dog into a gourmet experience that'll have your friends and family begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, place the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break the beef into small crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Add the chopped onions to the beef and cook, stirring frequently, until the meat is completely browned and the onions are soft and translucent, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet to ensure the sauce is not too greasy.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the tomato sauce to the beef and onion mixture.
- Stir in the vinegar, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together and the sauce to thicken.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder to suit your preference.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce rest for 5 minutes before serving over hot dogs.
- Serve warm over grilled or steamed hot dogs, and enjoy the classic West Virginia-style hot dog sauce.
Tips
- Choose high-quality ground beef with a moderate fat content (80/20 works best) for maximum flavor and texture.
- Take your time when browning the beef and onions – developing those caramelized edges adds depth to your sauce.
- Use a wooden spoon to break down the ground beef into fine, uniform crumbles for a smoother sauce consistency.
- Drain excess fat carefully to prevent a greasy sauce, but leave just enough to maintain rich flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasonings gradually. The magic is in finding the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and spicy.
- Let the sauce simmer uncovered to allow natural reduction and flavor concentration.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider using apple cider vinegar instead of regular white vinegar.
- The sauce actually tastes better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 55mg
