1-First, make the sauce: In a measuring cup or bowl, stir together 8 ounces tomato sauce, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1 to 4 tablespoons brown sugar or honey, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon prepared mustard, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set it aside so the flavors can mingle a bit.

2-Next, sauté the garlic: Heat a large pot over medium-low heat and add a few drops of olive oil. Toss in the 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook until it’s fragrant and lightly golden, which only takes a minute or two.

3-Then, brown the meat: Add 1 pound of ground beef or turkey to the pot and crank the heat up to medium or medium-high. Cook until it’s browned and there’s no pink left, breaking it up as you go, then drain any excess grease.

4-Combine and simmer: Pour your prepared sauce over the meat and stir everything together. Let it simmer for at least 10 minutes, stirring now and then if you want deeper flavor, go for 30-45 minutes and add a little water if it gets too thick.

5-For optional veggies: If you’re using half an onion and half a bell pepper, diced, sauté them in olive oil until softened before browning the meat in step two, then stir them back in with the sauce in step four.

6-Finally, serve: Spoon the warm mixture onto hamburger buns or rolls and add sliced pickles if you’re in the mood for extra zing. For more ground beef ideas, check out our creamy beef and bowtie pasta recipe on the site it’s another quick winner.