Make your meals extra special with this Old Fashioned Chili Sauce Recipe—a hearty, well-balanced sauce made the traditional way.
This classic chilli sauce blends tomatoes, onions, peppers, vinegar, and cozy spices like cloves and allspice for a nostalgic flavor that’s perfect for everything from burgers to casseroles.
If you’re searching for how to make chili sauce that’s great for canning or everyday use, this recipe offers both simplicity and depth.
Whether you’re new to preserving or a seasoned home cook, you’ll love how easy and rewarding it is to make your own.
Old Fashioned Chili Sauce Recipe
This sweet and tangy homemade condiment is made with ripe tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, vinegar, and warming spices. Simmered low and slow, this traditional chilli sauce is perfect for meats, sandwiches, or canning.
Learn how to make chili sauce from scratch with simple pantry ingredients and enjoy a timeless flavor passed down through generations.
Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 2 hours
- Course: Condiment
- Cuisine: American
- Yield: 8 servings
- Calories Per Serving: Approximately 70 calories
Ingredients
The secret to a great Old Fashioned Chili Sauce lies in its ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 3/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions
- Prepare The Vegetables: Begin by finely chopping the tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers. Mince the garlic cloves. The finer the vegetables are chopped, the more blended the flavors in the sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the chopped tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Stir in the white vinegar, brown sugar, salt, allspice, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.
- Cook The Sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce will thicken, and the flavors will concentrate during this process, which should take about 2 hours.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the chili sauce and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Some may prefer more sugar or a dash of vinegar for a tangier flavor.
- Cool And Store: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat and let it cool. Transfer the chili sauce to sterilized jars. If not used immediately, store it in the refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions
This Old Fashioned Chili Sauce is incredibly versatile. To elevate the flavors, serve it alongside meatloaf, burgers, or hot dogs. It’s also a fantastic addition to cheese platters or as a base for stews and soups.
Nutritional Information
This chili sauce is delicious and a healthier alternative to store-bought versions. Packed with vitamins from fresh vegetables and containing approximately 70 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free addition to any meal.
Conclusion
Our Old Fashioned Chili Sauce Recipe is a testament to the timeless appeal of homemade condiments. By using simple, quality ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a sauce that’s rich in flavor and history.
Whether you’re looking to spice up a family dinner or simply enjoy the process of creating something from scratch, this chili sauce is sure to impress.

Old Fashioned Chili Sauce Recipe – A Hearty Homestyle Delight
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes finely chopped
- 1 large onion finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper finely diced
- 3/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- Prepare The Vegetables: Begin by finely chopping the tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers. Mince the garlic cloves. The finer the vegetables are chopped, the more blended the flavors in the sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the chopped tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Stir in the white vinegar, brown sugar, salt, allspice, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.
- Cook The Sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce will thicken, and the flavors will concentrate during this process, which should take about 2 hours.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the chili sauce and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Some may prefer more sugar or a dash of vinegar for a tangier flavor.
- Cool And Store: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat and let it cool. Transfer the chili sauce to sterilized jars. If not used immediately, store it in the refrigerator.
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