Start by heating canola oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers slightly. Then, add the diced onion, diced carrots, and finely chopped celery. Cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the carrots and celery soften. Their bright colors will brighten your kitchen!
Next, stir in the crushed garlic and continue to cook for another two minutes. You’ll start to smell that wonderful garlicky aroma filling the room. Be careful not to let it burn!
Now, it’s time to increase the heat to medium-high and add in the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it up and stir it into the vegetable mixture. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, which should take about ten to twelve minutes. As the beef cooks, you’ll see the mixture become heartier and more flavorful.
Once the beef is cooked, season it with kosher salt, fresh cracked pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed. You’ll want to taste it at this point; it should be rich and well-seasoned!
Lower the heat back to medium and introduce the tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce into the skillet. Mix everything together thoroughly, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Cook and stir until the liquid reduces by a third, making the mixture thick and delicious. This should take about fifteen to thirty minutes.
