More exciting mince recipes

Apologies if anyone has already posted this tip

But when cooking mince that's not extra lean steak mince I always dry fry it seperately before it goes in with my fried onions/garlic/whatever

I find that a TON of water/fat comes out of it which I generally pour on my dog's dry food. Doing the dry fry first improves the flavour of the finished dish as a lot of the cheaper mince can tend to steam as opposed to sizzle when you try to fry it for your spag bol.

Only bad thing about it is the extra pan when you're washing up

Great ideas!

I like to keep a quantity of very cheap, basic Savoury Mince in my freezer. To ring the changes, I add different types of toppings.

Cobbler Topping
1pt milk
grated nutmeg
6oz fine semolina
3oz cheese, grated
1oz butter
1 egg
1oz butter, melted
1 tbsp parmesan cheese

Prepare the topping at least 2hrs in advance (I make it in the morning)
Pour the milk into a pan, add nutmeg and semolina. Bring to the boil and simmer for approx 3-4 mins until very thick stirring all the time. Remove from heat. Beat in the cheese, butter and egg.
Return to the pan and cook, stirring for another minute.
Line a shallow tin (swiss roll) with cling film and spread the mixture evenly ove the base. Leave to cool, place in the fridge until firm.

Cut into squares and arrange over the hot savoury mince overlapping each piece slightly. Brush with the melted butter and grated parmesan.
Either, brown under a preheated grill or bake in the oven for about 12-15mins Gas 6 or equivalent.

Scone Topping:
8oz plain flour
3tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
2oz butter
6fl oz milk
egg for glazing
sprinkle of sesame seeds (optional)

Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a bowl, rub in the butter until the mix resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the milk to make a soft dough.
Roll out on a floured surface and cut into rounds.
Arrange the scone rounds on top of your savoury mince brush with egg glaze and if chosen, sprinkle on the seeds.
Bake for approx 15 - 20 mins Gas 6

Crumble Topping:
3oz plain flour
2oz butter
2oz fresh breadcrumbs
2oz coursely chopped nuts ( can be omitted)

Sift flour into a bowl then rub in the butter until it looks like fine breadcrumbs. Add the breadcrumbs and nuts if using.
Spoon over your savoury mince and back Gas 5 until topping is crisp and golden - about 30 - 40 mins.

French Topping
1 small French loaf - or a baguette
mustard (if liked)
2oz softened butter
4oz of cheese

Cut the French loaf into 1in slices and spread with mustard (or mix the mustard and butter together, then spread on) or just butter. Lay the rounds on top of the hot mince and sprinkle with the grated cheese. Bake Gas 6 for approx 12 - 15 mins.

Chunky Veg Topping
1lb potatoes
2 courgettes
2 carrots
2oz fresh breadcrumbs
2oz grated cheddar cheese

Peel the potatoes and cut into 1in cubes. Cut the courgettes and carrots into even slices. Put the potatoes and carrots into a pan with just enough water to cover, bring to the boil and then simmer for 5 minutes. Add the courgettes and cook for a further 5 mins or until *just* tender then drain.
Spoon the veg mix over the hot mince and then sprinkle with the breadcrumbs and grated cheese.
Either brown under the grill or put in the oven Gas 6 for 5 mins.

I have also used these topping ideas when using up leftover chicken from the carcass which I added some bacon and mixed into a white sauce.
Fish in a parsley sauce would also be rather tasty with these toppings too.

My dh doesn't eat pasta, so I make him a topping for his spag bol sauce while we get the pasta.

Yep!

In the Cooking section of the MEGA Index sticky, at the top of the forum, listed under "meat" you'll find mince ideas, and if you look under "inspiration" there might be more ideas and, there are others in the Old Style Recipe Collection and more still in the Slow Cooker Collection.

You can find them in our "Indexed Collections" sticky at the top of the forum listing, or you can follow the clue in my signature any time you see it or...


..you can use the Indexed Collections link in the Blue Bar at the top of every page which looks something like this:-

With kids, you can always try the DIY approach with tortillas and sloppy joes etc. A bonus is that they actively eat all the veg without you even have to come up with strategies!!:D:D:D:D

Chillie con carne - add plenty of kidney beans & some sweetcorn to make it go further. Serve with rice or with tacos / flour tortillas.

Savory mince - make like shepheds pie filling but with extra gravy. Serve in giant yorkshires or with mash. Bulk out with lentils, carrots, onions, mushrooms or whatever you have to hand. A dash of Worcester sauce helps the flavour.