3/4 cup water
1 cup ketchup
4 cloves garlic, minced or 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 onion, minced or 1/2 tsp. onion powder
2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp. basil
2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp. dry mustard
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 to 1 1/2 lb. ground beef

Brown ground beef with onion and garlic; drain. If beef is very lean, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to enable better browning.

Simmer until tender and some of the extra sauce is evaporated, about 25 minutes.

Serve over buttered, toasted or grilled buns.

This same mixture may be combined with elbow macaroni or other pasta to make American Chop Suey! An easy weeknight meal or lunch.

This is good for packing into a Thermos as a take-along lunch for making up sandwiches at picnics or for day-trips.