Mince Beef Recipe

This mince beef recipe is one of those comforting, everyday meals that quietly earns a permanent spot in your weekly rotation. It’s rich, hearty, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. People love it because it feels filling without being heavy, and it adapts easily to whatever the day looks like. It works for busy evenings when dinner needs to happen fast, for family meals that need to please everyone, and for colder nights when something warm just feels right. I usually start cooking this while tidying the kitchen, letting the aroma build as everything comes together gently in one pan.

Save

Why You Will Love This Recipe

There’s something deeply comforting about a pan of savory mince slowly simmering on the stove. The flavors develop without much effort, making it feel cozy and weeknight-friendly at the same time. This dish is budget-aware, stretches easily to feed more people, and tastes even better the next day, which makes it freezer-friendly and ideal for leftovers. You can serve it in different ways throughout the week without it feeling repetitive. A good mince beef recipe like this fits real life: flexible with ingredients, forgiving if you’re distracted, and reliable when you need something warm and satisfying that everyone at the table will happily eat.

Save

Ingredients

Tip: Choose mince with a little fat (around 80/20) for better flavor and moisture.

  • 500 g mince beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 1 cup canned tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ cup water or stock
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Save

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Start by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic so everything is ready nearby. Measure out the spices and tomato ingredients. This small bit of preparation keeps cooking calm and prevents overcooking while you search for ingredients mid-way.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and lightly golden, releasing a sweet aroma. Stir in the garlic and let it cook briefly until fragrant but not browned.

See also  Beef Pot Pie

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Add the mince beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until it loses its pink color and looks crumbly. Stir in tomato paste, canned tomatoes, spices, and seasoning until everything looks evenly coated and slightly saucy.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Pour in the water or stock and lower the heat. Let it simmer gently until thickened and glossy, stirring occasionally. The mixture should look rich and smell savory, with oil lightly separating at the edges.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This dish fits neatly into real schedules. It cooks in one pan, uses everyday ingredients, and doesn’t need constant attention. It reheats well, stores easily, and can be repurposed for different meals later in the week. For Pinterest users saving ideas for later, it’s the kind of reliable recipe that still tastes great when made ahead or pulled from the freezer.

Tips & Tricks

  • Don’t rush the onions: Cooking onions too fast leaves them sharp and watery. Let them soften slowly until lightly golden. This builds a natural sweetness that balances the savory beef and prevents the dish from tasting flat later.
  • Break the meat properly: Large clumps of mince won’t absorb flavor evenly. Use a spoon to gently break it apart as it cooks. This helps the sauce coat every piece and avoids dry, uneven bites.
  • Watch the liquid level: Adding too much liquid can make the dish soupy. Start with less and add more only if needed. The final texture should be thick enough to sit well on rice or bread.
  • Season at the end: Salt early, but taste again once simmered. Flavors concentrate as liquid reduces, and adjusting seasoning at the end prevents over-salting and keeps the balance just right.

Variations

Meaty Version
For a richer dish, mix the mince beef with a small amount of lamb or veal mince. This adds depth and a slightly more robust flavor without changing the cooking method. Keep the seasoning simple so the meat combination stays the focus.

Vegetarian Option
Replace the mince with cooked lentils or finely chopped mushrooms. Mushrooms give a similar texture, while lentils provide heartiness. Cook them until moisture evaporates slightly so the final dish stays thick and satisfying.

See also  Korean ground beef

Ingredient Swap
If tomatoes aren’t available, use a splash of yogurt or cream at the end for a softer, milder base. This changes the flavor profile but keeps the dish comforting and suitable for serving with flatbreads or plain rice.

Flavor or Herb Boost
Add a pinch of dried oregano, thyme, or fresh coriander near the end. Herbs lift the dish and make leftovers taste freshly cooked. Avoid adding too many at once to keep flavors clear and balanced.

Serving Suggestions

  • With Steamed Rice
    Serve the mince over warm rice, letting the sauce soak in. It’s a simple, family-style meal that feels filling without extra effort and works well for lunchbox leftovers the next day.
  • Alongside Flatbread
    Scoop the mince with soft flatbread or naan. This casual serving style feels cozy and hands-on, perfect for relaxed dinners where everyone serves themselves straight from the pan.
  • Over Mashed Potatoes
    Spoon the mince over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting plate. The soft potatoes balance the savory sauce and turn the dish into a satisfying cold-weather meal.
  • As a Stuffed Filling
    Use the mince as a filling for wraps or baked potatoes. It’s an easy way to refresh leftovers and makes the dish feel new without cooking again.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge Storage
    Allow the dish to cool fully before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more enjoyable the next day.
  • Reheating
    Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a small splash of water if it looks dry. Stir halfway through heating to ensure even warmth and avoid hot spots.
  • Freezing
    Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to two months. Label clearly and cool completely before freezing to maintain texture and flavor when reheated later.
  • Make-Ahead Tips
    Cook the dish fully, cool, and store for easy meals later. It’s ideal for meal prep days when you want something ready to reheat without extra steps.
See also  Ground Beef and Broccoli

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Rest Time: Not required
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Each serving contains approximately 350–420 calories, depending on fat content and portion size. Protein ranges from 22–28 grams per serving. It also provides iron and B vitamins from the beef. Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used and serving size.

FAQs

Yes, it stores and reheats very well.

Adding too much liquid early.

Yes, cream or yogurt works.

Heat may be too low or pan overcrowded.

Up to three days refrigerated.

Conclusion

This mince beef recipe is the kind of meal that quietly supports everyday cooking. It’s flexible enough to change with your pantry, comforting enough for slow evenings, and practical enough for busy weeks. You can adjust the spices, swap sides, or freeze portions for later without losing its cozy appeal. Once you make it, you’ll likely find yourself coming back to it again and again, not because it’s fancy, but because it fits real life so well and always feels satisfying when it hits the table.

Mince Beef Recipe Save
Print

Mince Beef Recipe

Recipe by Tasty VaultCourse: Beef Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

A warm, savory one-pan meal made with simple ingredients. This dish is easy to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for everyday family dinners or make-ahead meals.

Ingredients

  • 500 g mince beef

  • 1 medium onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tablespoons oil

  • 1 cup canned tomatoes

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin

  • ½ cup water or stock

Directions

  • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
  • Add onion and cook until soft and lightly golden.
  • Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
  • Add mince beef and break it apart while cooking.
  • Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, spices, and seasoning.
  • Add water or stock and simmer until thickened.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Similar Posts