Monday, March 15, 2010

Easy Dinner - Mince and Mash


Mince and Mash is one of those kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing recipes that originated with a Scottish friend.  It reminds me of a quick shepherd’s pie without as many dirty pots and the cook-in-the-oven part.  I take great liberties with the vegetables and every time it tastes a little different, as I use whatever is on hand. 


Cooking time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

For the mince:
1 lb. (about 500 gm) lean ground beef
3 cups water
3-4 cups chopped fresh, frozen or canned vegetables (I recommend 2-3 of the following: broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, beans, peas, corn)
3 tsp. beef bouillon
Pepper to taste
2 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. cornstarch


For the mash:
8-9 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 tbsp. butter or margarine
½ cup milk


Preparation:
1.      Place ground beef in large pot.  Add water and bring to a boil on medium heat stirring occasionally and breaking up clumps.  It looks like a mistake at this point because you are boiling meat, but it works.
2.      Cook for 5 – 10 minutes over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. 
3.      Add the raw vegetables and cook for 10 minutes (if using canned or frozen then wait for 10 more minutes before adding).
4.      Add bouillon and pepper.
5.      Combine cornstarch with about ¼ cup water until blended.  Add to meat mixture and cook for another 3 minutes until thickened
6.      Meanwhile boil potatoes until cooked completely (about 15 minutes) and mash with butter and milk.



Serve a plop of mash (potatoes) and cover with the mince (meat mixture).


3 comments:

  1. I've made variations of this through the years. Love your name for it 'mince and mash'. It definitely is easy and a wonderful comfort food.

    FlowerLady

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  2. Looks like something my son would love so I just may have to try it! Thanks for sharing.

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  3. This looks yummy, quick and easy! I may have to add it to my monthly meal plan for next month! Thanks for the detailed recipe!

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