Slowcooker question about mince

rocketdog_2

Hello,

This is probably a stupid question, but I was wondering if I need to cook steak mince (hardly any fat will come out) before I put it in the slow cooker to make hubby a chilli for tomorrow?

When I'm using my SC I usually do cook mince and seal beef, but put chicken in raw. I also want to put some lentils in to pad it out a bit, so I thought can I just throw the lot in and leave it? I don't want an awful mess - cos he'll have to eat it anyway!! :rotfl:

Rocketdog x

Pink.

Hi rocketdog,

I usually brown the mince before adding it to the slow cooker as it helps to break it up a bit but others don't. You can read more opinions on this thread:

Minced beef in slow cooker - Do I need to brown first?

Pink

Bitsy_Beans

I always brown whatever meat I use in SC, be it chicken, mince etc.
I also part boil my lentils as they always seem a tad underdone when I've put them in "raw".

Penny-Pincher!!

My friend NEVER cooks her mince before she puts in the SC and leave on low all day with whatever she is doing....chilli...spagbol...etc and TBH, its the nicest I have ever tasted as the meat breaks up well.

I have never personally cooked mince in the SC as it only takes 5 mins on the stove anyway.

HTH

PP
xx

rocketdog_2

Brilliant!
Thank you for your replies ladies!

I'm going to try my chilli without browning the mince first. It will be on low overnight as my hubby will be taking it to work for his lunch tomorrow.

I'll let you know how it tastes tomorrow!

Rocketdog x

chinagirl

Aw I wish I had read this thread earlier, I did mince casserole today, in a deep frying pan, when I came in from work, and was too tired to do it properly, as I thought mince would not work in the Slow Cooker. Darn !

sandraroffey

mince in the slow cooker is wonderful.

although i have to say that since i did the food handling course, i bring everything to the boil in a saucepan first, before it goes in to the slow cooker, otherwise it never comes to a quick enough boil to kill off all the stuff that loves to grow in that gently warming-up temp that bugs just love.

rocketdog_2

sandraroffey wrote: »

mince in the slow cooker is wonderful.

although i have to say that since i did the food handling course, i bring everything to the boil in a saucepan first, before it goes in to the slow cooker, otherwise it never comes to a quick enough boil to kill off all the stuff that loves to grow in that gently warming-up temp that bugs just love.

:eek::eek::eek:
I just put it in the slow cooker over night without browning or boiling!

Well, can everyone, please keep their fingers crossed for the health of my poor husband who will be eating this for his lunch at work today?!

I think that I shall have a sandwich or something else instead - no point both of us being potentially ill is there?! :rotfl:

Rocketdog x

cuca

I personally dont like mince done in the sc coz it gives it an odd texture :rolleyes: Maybe it because I dont pre-cook it. It doesnt take that long so I am of the thinking that if I have to use a frying pan then I may as well just cook it all the way through whilst at it :rotfl: