Add the ground beef, sausage, and onion to a large stockpot and cook on medium heat. Break the meat into large pieces. Use a spoon to continue to break meats into smaller pieces as it cooks. Continue to cook until the meat is no longer pink. Drain the grease.

Add 8 cups of water to the stockpot.

Add the remaining ingredients and bring contents to a rolling boil.

Reduce heat to a slow boil and cook for 1 hour, stirring every 10 – 15 minutes.

Serve with optional toppings.