Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 stalk celery, finely diced
  • 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Heat a large skillet or heavy bottomed saucepan over medium high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and celery.
  2. Stir frequently, breaking the meat into very small crumbles until the beef is deep brown and the onions are translucent. Note: Don't rush the browning; this is where the flavor lives.
  3. Lower the heat to medium low.
  4. Stir in the tomato sauce, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
  5. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat to low.
  6. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce has thickened and turned a rich mahogany color. Note: Use a technique similar to what [Serious Eats](https://seriouseats.com) suggests for reducing sauces to concentrate flavor.
  7. Remove the pan from the heat.
  8. Give the sauce one final vigorous stir to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved.
  9. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.