Name: Savoury Mince
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 500g ground beef (80/20 preferred); 1 carrot, peeled and diced; 1 celery stalk, diced; 0.5 cup frozen peas; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 beef stock cube dissolved in 1 cup hot water; 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water; Salt and pepper to taste

A steaming bowl of savoury mince is comfort food at its finest. This dish is hearty, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a quick midweek dinner, a meal prep hero, or a family-friendly option that everyone will devour, this one-pan wonder ticks all the boxes.

Perfectly seasoned ground beef simmers in a rich, savory gravy with tender vegetables, making it a nostalgic staple for many households. It’s the kind of meal that welcomes customizations—add extra spice, serve it over mashed potatoes or rice, or spoon it onto toast for a quick lunch.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For the best flavor and texture, go with 80/20 ground beef (that means 80% lean, 20% fat). It provides enough richness without being overly greasy. If you prefer leaner meat, such as 90/10, you might want to add a splash of oil when browning to keep things juicy.

Ingredients for the Savoury Mince

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
500g ground beef (80/20 preferred)
1 carrot, peeled and diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1/2 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 beef stock cube dissolved in 1 cup hot water
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
Salt and pepper to taste

How To Make the Savoury Mince

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the pan. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Flavor

Toss in the diced carrot and celery. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Step 4: Simmer

Pour in the beef stock mixture. Stir well, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10-12 minutes until everything is tender and the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the mixture thickens. Toss in the peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, toast, or rice.

How to Serve and Store Savoury Mince

Savoury mince shines when spooned over buttery mashed potatoes, piled on toast, or nestled into a baked potato. It also pairs beautifully with steamed rice or egg noodles for a comforting twist.

To store, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for 3 months. Just thaw overnight and reheat in a saucepan or microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and ensure your stock cube is certified gluten-free.

Can I swap the beef for another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, lamb, or even lentils work well as substitutes.

How do I add more vegetables?

You can bulk it up with diced zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. Add them when you add the carrots and celery.

Is it freezer-friendly?

Yes, savoury mince freezes beautifully. Just cool it down, portion it, and freeze in airtight containers.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef and aromatics first, then add everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Want More Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Savoury Mince, here are a few other weeknight favorites to explore:

Shipwreck Dinner: A Hearty One-Pan Classic for layered comfort.
Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole if you’re craving something with spice.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a rich, creamy skillet meal.
Taco Spaghetti Casserole to please the pasta lovers in your home.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti for a fix-it-and-forget-it dinner.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s easy to find when the craving hits.

And don’t forget to drop a comment below! Did you add mushrooms? Spice it up with chili flakes? Or make it vegetarian?

I love seeing your creations and tweaks—we all cook better when we share ideas. For daily inspiration, visit my Pinterest at Nina Dishes.

Savoury Mince

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This savoury mince is a comforting, one-pan classic packed with ground beef, vegetables, and a rich gravy. It’s quick to make, versatile to serve, and ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

2. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.

3. Stir in carrot, celery, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Cook for 2-3 minutes.

4. Pour in the beef stock mixture. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes until vegetables are tender.

5. Add the cornstarch slurry. Stir until thickened. Add peas and cook for 2-3 more minutes.

6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, toast, or rice.