Texas Hot Wiener Sauce Recipe

Ground beef: Provides the hearty base for the sauce, adding richness and texture.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when cooked until translucent.

Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic and pungent qualities.

Tomato sauce: Creates a rich and tangy base for the sauce.

Chili powder: Adds heat and a complex blend of spices to the sauce.

Paprika: Contributes a mild sweetness and vibrant color.

Ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the other spices.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the sauce.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of sharpness and heat.

Water: Helps to thin the sauce to the desired consistency.

When browning the ground beef, use a wooden spoon to break it into small, even pieces. This ensures a consistent texture throughout the sauce. Additionally, allowing the onion and garlic to cook until they are fully translucent will enhance the depth of flavor in the final dish.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter taste, which can complement the sauce well.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is unavailable, providing a similar garlicky flavor.

• tomato sauce - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can offer a chunkier texture and a fresher tomato flavor.

• chili powder - Substitute with cayenne pepper and paprika: A mix of cayenne pepper and paprika can mimic the heat and smokiness of chili powder.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a deeper, smoky flavor that can enhance the sauce.

• ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a slightly citrusy flavor that can add a different but pleasant note to the sauce.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add saltiness along with umami depth to the sauce.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• water - Substitute with beef broth: Beef broth can add more depth and richness to the sauce compared to plain water.

• Allow the Texas Hot Wiener Sauce to cool completely before storing or freezing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to unwanted ice crystals or spoilage.

• Transfer the cooled sauce into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using containers, leave about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion when freezing.

• Label each container or bag with the date and contents. This ensures you can easily identify the sauce and keep track of its freshness.

• For short-term storage, place the containers in the refrigerator. The sauce will keep well for up to 3-4 days.

• For longer storage, place the containers or bags in the freezer. The sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its flavor and quality.

• When ready to use, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor of the sauce.

• Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. If the sauce is too thick after reheating, add a splash of water or tomato sauce to achieve the desired consistency.

• For a quick thaw, place the sealed freezer bag in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the sauce is fully thawed. This method is faster but still gentle on the sauce's texture.

• Avoid microwaving the sauce directly from frozen, as this can cause uneven heating and potentially alter the flavor. Always thaw first for the best results.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place the leftover Texas Hot Wiener Sauce in a saucepan.
  2. Add a splash of water or beef broth to maintain the sauce's consistency.
  3. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Once the sauce is heated through, serve it hot over your favorite hot dogs.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer the sauce to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent.
  3. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until the sauce is hot.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the sauce in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Transfer the leftover sauce to your slow cooker.
  2. Set the slow cooker to low heat.
  3. Heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  4. This method is great for keeping the sauce warm for extended periods without overcooking.

• Saucepan: A medium-sized saucepan is essential for cooking the ground beef and simmering the sauce.

• Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is perfect for stirring the ingredients and ensuring they are well combined.

• Cutting board: A cutting board is necessary for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.

• Chef's knife: A sharp chef's knife is needed to finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.

• Measuring cups: Measuring cups are used to measure out the tomato sauce and water accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are essential for measuring the chili powder, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.

• Colander: A colander is useful for draining the excess fat from the cooked ground beef.

• Stovetop: A stovetop is required to cook the sauce over medium heat and then simmer it.

• Serving spoon: A serving spoon is handy for ladling the hot wiener sauce over the hot dogs.

Pre-cook the beef: Brown the ground beef in advance and store it in the fridge. This will save you time when you start cooking.

Chop in bulk: Finely chop the onion and garlic ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers.

Measure spices: Pre-measure the chili powder, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Keep them in small bowls or containers.

Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly chop the onion and garlic.

Simmer efficiently: Use a wide pan to simmer the sauce. This increases surface area and reduces cooking time.