Easy savoury mince for kids

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Recipe sent in by Jenny

1 ratingRate this recipe

Savoury mince - this is a very versatile recipe and can be cooked on the hob, in the oven or in a slow cooker (crockpot)...

  • Prep Time 10 mins
  • Cook Time 1 hr
  • Serves 4
  • Difficulty Level Easy

Preparation

  • Total Time 1 hr 10 mins
  • Preparation Time 10 mins
  • Cooking Time 1 hr
  • 200ml water
  • 1 beef stockcube
  • 500g minced beef
  • 5 carrots, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 150g green beans, chopped
  • 50g split peas, pearl barley or lentils (optional)
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • 1 tsp Bisto (to thicken)
  1. Mix the beef stock in 200ml of boiling water
  2. Put the minced beef, chopped carrots, onion and green beans, a handful of mixed dried pulses (split peas, pearl barley, lentils etc) some garlic and the beef stock in the slow cooker (or in a pot with a lid for the oven)
  3. Leave it stewing for a few hours on HIGH or 8 hours on LOW in the slow cooker or an hour in the oven at Gas mark 4/170'C
  4. Add some "Bisto" powder to thicken just before the end and serve with mash

You will need

Slow cooker (optional) - This shutter-proof and hob-proof one by Morphy Richards measures 33 x 25 x 20 cm and is available to buy at Amazon for £25.

Tips

You can't beat this family recipe - it's healthy, cheap and everyone will love it!

Remember that dried lentils and split peas should be boiled (to destroy toxins) for around 5-10 minutes before simmering or cooking in a slow cooker, you can do this easily in the microwave - put in a bowl, cover with water (cover bowl with cling film) and cook, use ½ tin of mixed pules or lentils if you prefer.

Kids can help by soaking the pulses, and older kids can even chop the veg. You could also let your child indulge their culinary imagination by suggesting other veg to add, or serving suggestions.

Variations

  • Use as a filling for shepherd's pie
  • Add a tin of kidney beans and 1-2 tsp of chilli powder instead of the dried pulses for a chilli
  • Add a tin of tomatoes and 1 tsp dried herbs instead of the stock and use for spaghetti bolognese

Reviews

1 ratingRate this recipe

  • Polly L(45)

    5

    You can add any veg in this - I usually add mushrooms and peppers. Aubergine tastes great, too.

  • Guest

    What I made tasted nice, but I would certainly brown the mince next time before loading it into the slow cooker (as it was still a bit pink in appearance in places even after 8hrs!). I would almost double the liquid used (to 400ml) to cover the meat if using lentils/pearl barley..as the top dried out and went black. Nice recipe though. Would certainly make it again.