Name: Savoury Mince
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: British-inspired comfort food
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 500 g ground beef; 2 medium carrots, diced; 1 cup green peas; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1.5 cups beef stock; 1 tbsp flour or cornstarch (for thickening); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

When I think of comfort food, Savoury Mince is one of the first dishes that comes to mind. It’s a hearty, nostalgic meal that reminds me of chilly evenings and family dinners around the table. Packed with ground beef, vegetables, and a rich, flavorful gravy, this recipe is as satisfying as it is simple to make. It’s the kind of dish that works for a quick weeknight dinner but still feels special enough for a cozy weekend meal.

What I love most about this Savoury Mince recipe is its versatility. You can enjoy it over mashed potatoes, spooned onto toast, or even served with fluffy rice or noodles. It’s budget-friendly, endlessly adaptable, and a great way to sneak in a few extra veggies for the whole family. Let’s dive into why this meal deserves a regular spot in your cooking rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Savoury Mince

This dish hits all the right notes: comforting, flavorful, and family-approved. It comes together quickly with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. It’s also ideal for meal prep, reheats like a dream, and freezes beautifully. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or cooking for a crowd, Savoury Mince checks all the boxes.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using lean ground beef (around 85–90% lean). It provides enough fat to keep the mince juicy without being overly greasy. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, though the beef truly gives it that classic rich taste.

Options for Substitutions

Savoury Mince is incredibly flexible. Swap the ground beef with turkey, chicken, or even plant-based mince for a vegetarian take. Not a fan of peas or carrots? Try corn, green beans, or chopped spinach. Want to add more depth? A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika can work wonders. This is a recipe you can truly make your own.

Ingredients for this Savoury Mince

Ground Beef – The heart of the dish, providing richness and a satisfying, meaty base. Choose lean beef for balanced flavor without excess fat.
Onion – Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed; it’s the first layer of flavor.
Garlic – Brings an aromatic sharpness that infuses the entire dish.
Carrots – Diced for a touch of sweetness and a pop of color.
Green Peas – Offer texture and freshness, balancing the savory elements.
Tomato Paste – Intensifies the umami and gives the mince a robust, slightly tangy base.
Beef Stock or Broth – The liquid element that transforms the mince into a rich, savory stew.
Worcestershire Sauce – Adds deep, complex flavor and a touch of acidity.
Flour or Cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce to a comforting, gravy-like consistency.
Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
Olive Oil or Butter – Used for sautéing, adding a hint of richness right from the start.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it is fully browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Stir in the diced carrots and cook for about 5 minutes to soften slightly. Then, add the peas and cook for another 2–3 minutes. The vegetables should still hold some texture.

Step 4: Build the Flavor

Mix in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Simmer with Stock

Pour in the beef stock, just enough to cover the mixture (usually about 1–1.5 cups). Bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10–15 minutes uncovered, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

If you want a thicker gravy, dissolve 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the slurry into the simmering mince and cook for another 3–5 minutes, or until thickened to your liking.

Step 7: Final Seasoning and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, toast, or noodles. Garnish with chopped parsley or herbs if desired.

How Long to Prepare the Savoury Mince

Preparation Time: The prep is relatively quick—chopping the vegetables and gathering ingredients takes about 10–15 minutes. You can even prep earlier in the day to save time.

Cooking Time: Once everything is in the pan, it simmers for about 20–25 minutes. This allows the flavors to deepen and the sauce to thicken. From start to finish, you’re looking at a total of 30–40 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Savoury Mince

Use freshly chopped onion and garlic for the best flavor.
Don’t skip browning the meat properly—it creates a deep, rich base.
Add veggies gradually so they don’t turn mushy.
Simmer uncovered for part of the time to let the sauce reduce naturally.
Taste as you go to adjust seasoning, especially after adding stock and tomato paste.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcrowding the pan: This can steam the beef instead of browning it.
Adding too much stock: It can turn the mince soupy. Always add gradually.
Skipping the thickening step: Without flour or cornstarch, the sauce may stay watery.
Undercooking the carrots: Give them time to soften slightly before adding peas.
Not adjusting seasoning: Depending on your broth or stock, you may need more salt.

What to Serve With Savoury Mince?

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

The classic pairing! Soft, buttery mash soaks up all that savory gravy beautifully.

2. Buttered Toast or Crusty Bread

Perfect for quick lunches or a rustic dinner. Scoop the mince right onto the toast.

3. Steamed Rice

Light and fluffy rice makes a neutral base that highlights the rich mince.

4. Egg Noodles or Pasta

Toss the mince with cooked noodles for a hearty one-bowl meal.

5. Cauliflower Mash

For a lower-carb option, try smooth and garlicky cauliflower mash.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Let the mince cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat or microwave until piping hot.

Freezing: Savoury Mince freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip bags (flattened for quicker thawing). Label and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Add a splash of water or broth while reheating to loosen the sauce. Stir well to avoid hot spots.

Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

Calories: ~350 kcal
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 500mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, Savoury Mince often tastes better the next day once the flavors have developed further.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Absolutely. Frozen peas and carrots work well and save on prep time. Just add them straight to the pan without thawing.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening, and ensure your stock and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers are great additions that blend well into the dish.

What’s the best way to reheat it?

Gently in a pot over medium heat with a splash of broth or water. Or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

Conclusion

Savoury Mince is the kind of timeless meal that brings warmth, flavor, and flexibility to your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or preparing meals in advance, this dish delivers on comfort and ease. With simple ingredients and bold taste, it’s no wonder this classic continues to be a household favorite. Give it a try—you just might find yourself making it part of your weekly routine.