Recipes vary. The ingredients can include raw egg, onion, and seasonings such as salt, pepper, etc. garlic powder, cayenne pepper, celery, Tabasco sauce, etc. Some stores in the state of North Dakota sell a dry seasoning mix for it.
It is usually served on crackers with sharp cheddar cheese. It is popular in states such as Minnesota and North Dakota.
It is best to use lean beef, with any connective tissue removed. Butchers in Minnesota and North Dakota will prepare it for you; you just phone in your order the day before.
Some recipes say mix up the ingredients, let the mixture sit for one day for flavours to marry. After that, it is then good for eating for 2 days, then either cook up or discard. If there are leftovers, you can use them in a meatloaf or to make burgers from.
Nutrition
Most people seem to start with ground beef purchased at the supermarket. Pre-ground meat is dangerous uncooked because any contamination that was on the outside of the meat, or in the grinding machine or packing surface will get caught up in the ground meat. It is safest to buy a whole piece of meat and mince it at home.