Basic Savoury Mince and Variations
This is my basic recipe for savoury mince. I use it endlessly and vary it to suit the dish I'm making. Not only is it great as a base for other dishes, but it also tales just great served hot on toast for a quick snack. It freezes really well and keeps for several days in the fridge. Savoury mince can be used as a base for a multitude of recipes incluing Chilli Con Carne, Shepherds Pie or Spaghetti Bolognaise, just to name a few .
Ingredients
- 250g beef, lamb, chicken or pork mince
- 250g button mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 white onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup tasty cheddar cheese, grated (optional)
- 1 cup beef stock, (or chicken)
- 1 Tbsp cornflour
- 1 Tbsp flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp fresh oregano, finely chopped
- Dash Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 2 Tbsp rice bran oil
Method
- Heat the oil in pan, and sauté the onion until translucent.
- Add the mushrooms and cook till soft.
- Add the mince and stir until evenly browned, 5-10 minutes.
- Add the stock and herbs and cook till heated through, 1-2 minutes.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce if using and mix well, cover and simmer gently for 5 minutes.
- Mix the cornflour with a little water to form a slurry and pour into the mince mixture, stirring to distribute and until the stock thickens.
- Cook for further minute after it begins to boil.
- Add the cheese (optional) and stir through.
- Use as required.
Variations
- Chilli Con Carne - To 1 qty of the Savoury Mince (omit the cheese) add 1-2 tsp chilli powder or drop of Tabasco sauce and 1 small can red kidney beans and cook for a further 10-15 minutes or until the beans are cooked through. Serve with corn chips or as a filling for nachos or tortillas.
- Shepherd's Pie - Enough savoury mince for the number of people you're cooking for, enough mashed potatoes to cover the dish you’re using and 1-2 cups grated cheddar cheese. Preheat the oven, put the mince in the baking dish, top with the mashed potato, and sprinkle the grated cheese on top. Bake for 30 minutes to heat through and melt the cheese. Place under the grill for the last few minutes if the cheese isn't brown and crisp.
- Spaghetti Bolognese - Add a tablespoon of tomato purée, a small clove of garlic and 1 can chopped tomatoes. Cook spaghetti in salted water until still firm to the bite, drain, serve and pour mince mixture on top. This mixture can also be served with any pasta shapes and is especially nice if topped with grated parmesan cheese.

