Basic mince
This basic mince recipe features ground beef mixed with sautéed onion, celery, and red pepper, topped with chopped tomatoes for richness. It's a versatile base for dishes like tacos and shepherd's pie.
Cook time 30 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil1 onion
1 stalk celery
1 red pepper
2 lb ground beef (80/20%)
1 lb tomatoes
This basic mince recipe is a versatile and hearty dish that can be used as a base for a variety of meals such as tacos, spaghetti bolognese, and shepherd's pie. With simple ingredients like ground beef, onion, celery, and red pepper, you can easily whip up a delicious and satisfying meal for your family.
Instructions:
- Finely chop the onion, celery, and red pepper.
- Chop the tomatoes into small pieces and set them aside.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion to the heated oil. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
- Add the chopped celery and red pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
- Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the 2 pounds of ground beef to the empty side of the skillet.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and cook the beef, breaking it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon, until it is browned all over. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Mix the sautéed vegetables with the browned beef, combining them thoroughly.
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet, stirring them into the mixture.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the tomatoes to break down into a sauce.
- Stir occasionally to ensure the mince doesn’t stick to the bottom of the skillet.
- Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper to your liking. You can also add any other spices or herbs you prefer, such as garlic, parsley, thyme, or oregano.
- Once the mixture is well-cooked and flavors are developed, remove from heat.
- Serve hot. This basic mince can be used in a variety of dishes like tacos, pasta, rice, or as a filling for pies.
By following these simple steps and tips, you can create a flavorful and versatile basic mince that serves as a building block for countless delicious meals. Enjoy the convenience and satisfaction of homemade cooking with this easy-to-follow recipe.
Basic mince FAQ:
Cook the ground beef for about 8-10 minutes over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spatula until it's browned all over. This ensures the beef is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork based on your preference. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of meat used.
Let the cooked mince cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
A large, heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan is ideal for this recipe. A 12-inch pan will provide enough space for browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables.
The vegetables are properly sautéed when the onion is translucent and soft, and the celery and red pepper are tender, which typically takes about 10-12 minutes of cooking.
Tips:
- Finely chop the onion, celery, and red pepper to ensure even cooking and a cohesive texture.
- Brown the ground beef thoroughly to develop a richer flavor.
- If using canned tomatoes, make sure to drain excess liquid to avoid a watery mince.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs like oregano or basil to enhance the flavor.
- Let the mince simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- For a healthier version, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 620kcal
Protein 40g
Carbohydrates 10g
Fiber 3.05g
Sugar 7g
Fat 50g
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