Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1.5 cups cold water
  • 8 oz tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions:

  1. Place the raw ground beef and cold water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan before turning on the heat. Use a potato masher or whisk to break the beef down until it reaches a fine, grainy consistency with no large clumps.
  2. Turn the heat to medium. Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and the entire spice blend (chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, pepper, salt, and cayenne).
  3. Continue to whisk the mixture as it comes to a gentle simmer to ensure the texture remains smooth as the beef proteins set.
  4. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes until the sauce has thickened to a spoonable consistency and the flavors have fully melded.