Frozen mince

Pretani

I'm going to start using frozen mince from now on as its handier. I've been reading both the Sainsburys basics and Tescos value threads and people have suggested to avoid the basic and value range minces as there's quite a bit of grizzle included.

I'm after a good tasting mince, not too chunky and not too fine. I'm not that bothered about the fat content as long as its tasty.

What frozen mince would you recommend?

amumoffour2

Bought some Tesco organic frozen mince a while back just to try. Got around to using it yesterday and was pleasantly surprised.

Much easier than having to remember to defrost some or use the fresh stuff before the sell by date. Just tipped what I needed into the pan frozen and cooked as usual.

Can't say i noticed any difference- infact easier; as you don't have to break up the 'clumps' you get when using fresh.HTH

Pretani

What was the texture like mumoffour2, course, medium of fine?

emweaver

I buy the asda beef frozen micne and wouldnt recommend it, it goes very mushy and half of it disappears in cooking, I guess as its mostly water?

amumoffour2

Texture was medium- I made cottge pie and no-one said it tasted any different. I've looked at Tesco on-line but can't find it. Will have a look on Saturday when i do my usual MR T dash without kids!...

Have just checked my packet in the freezer- the packaging is black with green grass down the sides and a tasty looking bowl of spag bol being the main picture- hope that helps you to locate some if you want to give it a try.

Pretani

Thanks for the responses everyone, I've been buying mince from my local butcher for decades, but only recently have thought about the benefit of buying frozen mince from the supermarket (blast frozen I presume, because when I freeze my butchers mince its just doesn't smell right when defrosted). I've found that mince goes off easy.

thanks for the packaging details mumof2;)

Wench

I get sainsburys frozen mince ( there eco range ) its about 1.26 for 500g's
As its cook from frozen stuff I find it very handy. suits me and family

Debt_Free_Dreamer

I buy the 2 packs for £6 mince from Tesco (not frozen stuff). Cut in in half and wrap each half in foil and then freeze it myself on the day of purchase.

Works out as £1.50 worth of mince for a meal, which I think is ok.

Cottage pie bulked out with grated carrot and chilli with lots of mixed beans in it and the meal goes further cheaper.

Personally I don't rate frozen mince. Just does not seem to hold it's shape.

jcr16

i buy morrisons frozen mince. i think it is about £2.60 ish for 1kg bag. i find that when i am cooking it in frying pan that it is better just left to cook as if keep stiring it around it looses it shape and goes quite fine, but if left it it has a very nice texture. flavor is good also.

they also do a steak mince which i think is around £1.70ish for 500g bag and that is really nice.

Pretani

I like cooking mince that way too jcr16. You end up with loads of small meatballs.

sagalout1954

I buy Tesco Lighter Choices, not grisly or fatty. Don't have to strain off excess liquid or fat and stays a reasonable texture. Other Tesco ones turn to mush when cooked. Yuk. I cook it in the microwave.

Before they started changing their stock/suppliers, I really used to like the lower fat range before the Lighter Choices, this isn't quite as good but better than most (including the fresh mince).