This easy old-fashioned savoury mince is a classic British comfort food made with minced beef, mixed vegetables and a rich, flavourful gravy. Ready in just 40 minutes using simple everyday ingredients, it's a one-pan family dinner that's perfect served with mashed potatoes, rice, Yorkshire puddings or a baked potato.
1teaspoonMarmiteor use Worcestershire Sauce or vegemite
200gFrozen Mixed Vegetables
¼teaspoonSalt
¼teaspoonBlack Pepper
Instructions
Heat the oil in a large, wide frying pan or shallow casserole over a medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for a further minute. Do not allow the garlic to burn, as this can make the gravy taste bitter.
1 tbsp Olive Oil, 1 Onion, 2 Garlic cloves
Stir through the dried Italian herbs. Then increase the heat to medium-high and add the beef mince. Spread the mince across the pan and leave it undisturbed for 1–2 minutes before breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until no pink remains and the meat has developed some browned edges. Using a wide pan helps the mince brown rather than steam. If the pan is overcrowded, cook the beef in two batches.
2 tsp Dried Italian Herbs, 500 g Minced Beef (Ground Beef)
Stir in the flour and cook for a minute, before adding the tomato puree, beef stock and marmite. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for approximately 15 minutes.
Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for a further 6–8 minutes until the vegetables are tender and piping hot. Taste the savoury mince and add salt and black pepper as needed. Allow it to stand for five minutes before serving. The gravy will continue to thicken slightly as it rests.
200 g Frozen Mixed Vegetables, ¼ tsp Salt, ¼ tsp Black Pepper
Video
Notes
Brown the mince well before adding the other ingredients for the richest flavour.
Cook the flour for 1 minute before adding the stock to avoid a floury-tasting gravy.
Add the beef stock gradually, stirring constantly, for a smooth, lump-free gravy.
Stir in the frozen vegetables during the last 6–8 minutes so they keep their colour and texture.
Marmite adds depth and richness but doesn't make the dish taste of Marmite. Substitute with Worcestershire sauce or Bovril if preferred.
If the gravy is too thick, stir in a splash of hot beef stock or water. If it's too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
This recipe freezes well for up to 3 months, making it ideal for batch cooking.
Leftover savoury mince is delicious used as the filling for cottage pie, savoury pies or jacket potatoes.