Easy Mince & Mash

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Mince & Mash is a hearty and comforting classic British dish that pairs savory minced beef with smooth mashed potatoes. Traditionally known as a budget-friendly staple, it has graced dinner tables for generations and is loved for its simple ingredients and satisfying flavor. Rooted in working-class cuisine, this meal combines rich, gravy-laced mince with buttery mash, making it a warm favorite across all age groups.

Why You’ll Love Mince & Mash

Mince & Mash offers the ultimate comfort food experience with its rich, flavorful beef mince and creamy, velvety mashed potatoes. The contrast between the smooth mash and the slightly textured, juicy meat filling creates a delightful balance. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable to suit your taste. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is as practical as it is delicious.

Expert Tips and Tricks

  • Use a mix of beef and pork mince for extra depth of flavor.
  • Sauté onions until golden before adding mince to build a stronger base.
  • Deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce for richness.
  • Add a spoonful of mustard or horseradish to the mash for an extra zing.
  • Simmer the mince low and slow to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Use warm milk and melted butter when mashing for smoother results.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

  • Substitute beef mince with turkey, chicken, or lentils for a lighter or vegetarian version.
  • Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or mushrooms to the mince for added nutrition and texture.
  • Swap white potatoes for sweet potatoes or cauliflower mash for a lower-carb option.
  • For gluten-free, use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the mince gravy.
  • For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and butter alternatives in the mash.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Mince & Mash is best served piping hot with a side of steamed greens like broccoli, green beans, or peas. A drizzle of extra gravy never hurts, and a pickled onion or beetroot salad can add a delightful tang to balance the richness. For drinks, a glass of red wine or a dark ale pairs wonderfully with the savory notes of the dish. It’s also great with Yorkshire puddings on the side for a fuller meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze in portions for up to 2 months; defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheat in the microwave in 2-minute bursts, stirring halfway through.
  • For best texture, reheat in an ovenproof dish at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes.
  • Use an air fryer for crispy mash topping—scoop leftovers into ramekins and air fry at 180°C for 5-7 minutes.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and can be made up to 2 days in advance.

What’s the best mince to use?
Lean beef mince is traditional, but a mix of beef and pork adds more flavor.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap meat for lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based mince.

Do I need to peel the potatoes for mash?
For the creamiest texture, peeling is recommended, but you can leave skins on for a rustic feel.

How do I thicken the mince sauce?
Use a spoonful of flour or cornstarch dissolved in water to thicken as it simmers.

Mince & Mash

Mince & Mash

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Classic British comfort food, Mince & Mash features savory beef mince and creamy mashed potatoes for an easy, hearty dinner the whole family will love.

Ingredients

  • 500g beef mince
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 beef stock cube dissolved in 300ml hot water
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp oil

For the Mash

  • 800g potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 50g butter
  • 100ml milk (warm)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Boil the chopped potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
  2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pan. Let them sit for 1 minute to release excess steam.
  3. Add butter and warm milk to the potatoes, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover to keep warm.
  4. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and golden.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Add the beef mince to the pan and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned all over.
  7. Sprinkle the flour over the mince and stir well to coat the meat evenly.
  8. Mix in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
  9. Pour in the prepared beef stock and stir until everything is well combined.
  10. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally.
  11. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  12. Serve a generous scoop of mash onto each plate, make a well in the center, and spoon over the rich mince mixture.

Notes

  • Warm your milk before adding it to the mash to keep everything hot and smooth.
  • Add finely diced carrots to the pan when you're cooking the minced beef for extra flavor.
  • Let the cooked mince sit off the heat for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken naturally.
  • Use a potato ricer for ultra-smooth mashed potatoes.
  • Add a splash of cream or cream cheese to the mash for extra indulgence.
  • Toasted breadcrumbs or grated cheese on top of mash add a satisfying crunch or melty finish.

    • Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 695Total Fat: 36gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 541mgCarbohydrates: 51gFiber: 5gSugar: 6gProtein: 42g
    © Chasety.com
    Category: Dinner

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