Name: Savoury Mince
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Comfort food
Ingredients: 500g ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 medium carrots, diced; 1 cup frozen peas; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 cup beef stock; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Savoury Mince is a cozy, family-favorite dish that brings warmth and comfort to the dinner table with every spoonful. This hearty meal is made with ground beef simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce and packed with colorful vegetables like peas and carrots. It’s the kind of recipe you keep in your back pocket for busy weeknights or those days when all you want is something deeply satisfying without a fuss.

Whether served over creamy mashed potatoes, spooned onto buttered toast, or simply enjoyed on its own in a bowl, Savoury Mince delivers both ease and flavor. It’s a flexible, budget-friendly meal that freezes beautifully, making it a perfect batch-cook option for future meals.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For the best flavor and texture, use lean ground beef (around 85% lean, 15% fat). It gives you enough richness without being overly greasy. If you’re using higher-fat ground beef, just be sure to drain off any excess fat after browning to keep the final dish from becoming too oily. You could also swap in ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian twist.

Ingredients for the Savoury Mince

Ground beef: The heart of this dish, ground beef provides richness, protein, and depth of flavor.

Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness and a savory base to build flavor.

Garlic: For a fragrant kick and essential background flavor.

Carrots: Diced small for natural sweetness and color contrast.

Frozen peas: These add a pop of green and subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory meat.

Tomato paste: For depth, color, and a bit of tangy richness.

Beef stock: Keeps the mince juicy and helps build a savory, well-seasoned sauce.

Worcestershire sauce: A little goes a long way for umami and complexity.

Cornstarch (optional): To thicken the sauce slightly if needed.

Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.

Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle on top for brightness and freshness.

How To Make the Savoury Mince

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned all over, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Tomato Paste

Stir in the diced carrots and frozen peas, followed by the tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes, letting the tomato paste slightly caramelize for deeper flavor.

Step 4: Pour in Stock and Simmer

Pour in the beef stock and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Optional Thickening

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then stir it into the skillet. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes until thickened.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Finish with freshly chopped parsley if using, then serve warm over mashed potatoes, toast, or rice.

Serving and Storing Savoury Mince

Savoury Mince is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Spoon it generously over creamy mashed potatoes, buttery toast, or even fluffy white rice for a comforting meal. It also makes a fantastic filling for baked potatoes, savory pies, or inside puff pastry parcels for an easy twist on hand pies.

To store, let the mince cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—perfect for batch cooking or meal prep. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this vegetarian?

Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat substitute or even cooked lentils. Use vegetable broth in place of beef stock.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Try adding chopped zucchini, bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms. It’s a great clean-out-the-fridge kind of dish.

What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

You can use soy sauce with a splash of vinegar as a substitute. A little balsamic vinegar or tamari also works in a pinch.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! The mild flavors and soft texture make it ideal for picky eaters. You can even puree the mix for toddlers if needed.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. This dish is perfect for scaling up and storing. Just use a large enough skillet or pot to avoid overcrowding.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Gently reheat on the stovetop or microwave in intervals, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out.

Want More Comfort Food Ideas?

If you’re loving the cozy, homey flavors of Savoury Mince, you’re in for a treat with these other comforting favorites:

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for an ultra-satisfying and creamy skillet meal.
Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce if you’re in the mood for cheesy pasta bliss.
Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef for a decadent twist on dinner.
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet if you’re craving a buttery, savory skillet chicken meal.
Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup for a spoonful of layered pasta comfort in every bite.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it anytime: Follow Life with Jam on Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how your Savoury Mince turned out! Did you spice it up or keep it classic? Serve it over toast or mashed potatoes?

I love hearing how you make these meals your own. Feel free to drop questions or tweaks you tried—we’re all learning together!