Multi-purpose Mince

This is a great batch cooking recipe & as the title suggests it has many uses!

I made mine in my slow cooker but it's equally as good cooked on your hob so choose whichever method works for you.

At the bottom of the recipe there are some suggestions for using the mince, but maybe you can come up with others!

Makes approx 8 x 500g portions at approx £1.20 per portion

Brown the mince in batches & drain on kitchen paper.

Put all the mince & chopped veg into the slow cooker, add the stock, tomato puree, herbs & seasoning.

Stir well, put on the lid & set the slow cooker to low for 6 hours.

To cook on the hob:

Place a large saucepan over medium heat, brown the mince in batches as before & set aside.

Add a couple of tablespoons of oil to the pan & add the carrots, onion & celery & cook until soft. Stir in the tomato puree & cook for another minute.

Put all the mince into the pan with the veg, add the herbs, stock & season with salt & pepper.

Turn the heat down to med/low & simmer for 45-60 minutes, checking the seasoning during cooking.

To freeze:

Allow the mince to cool completely then divide into portions however you like. Transfer the mince into freezable containers (I use the foil trays with lids) label with the contents & the date it was made.

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Below are a few ideas for using your mince. Defrost thoroughly before using.

Chilli

Add a tin of tomatoes, a tin of kidney beans (if you like them!) &1 tsp chilli powder.

Heat through in a saucepan & serve with rice or tortilla chips.

Basic Bolognese

Add a tin of tomatoes, 1 tsp tomato puree, 1 tsp each dried basil & oregano.

Heat through in a saucepan & serve with your favourite pasta & some garlic bread.

Cottage Pie

Place the mince in an ovenproof dish & top with cooled mashed potato.

Place in the oven for about 35-40 minutes at 200C/Fan 180/Gas 6.

Mince Jackets

Heat the mince through in a saucepan. Take a hot jacket potato & slice open. Add a small knob of butter & top with the mince. Sprinkle over some grated cheese too if you like!

Mince Hot Pot

For a really simple & quick dinner place a portion of the mince in a saucepan along with a small tin of potatoes. Heat through & serve with crusty bread if you like.