How to Add Flavor to Minced Beef

Minced beef is one of the most versatile types of meat you can get, but when eaten plain, it can taste a little bland and dry.  Whether you prefer rich, tasty beef mince or healthy turkey mince, use these tips to liven up your next serving of mince, and add that extra dash of flavor to your cooking.

You will need:

1 medium yellow onion
1 lb. of minced beef
1 tablespoon butter (olive oil can be a substitute)
1 tablespoon flour
Half pint beef or vegetable stock
2 teaspoons tomato puree
1 large carrot
1 head of broccoli
Salt and pepper

Steps:

First, prepare your vegetables.  Top and tail the carrot, and chop the broccoli florets off the main stem.  Discard stems. 

Finely chop the carrot and broccoli until the pieces are so small that you can’t chop them any smaller.  Alternatively, put both into a food processor and chop them for about five seconds. Make sure there are no large chunks left, but don’t blend them so much that they become mush.  You’re aiming for a diced consistency.

Peel and very finely chop the whole onion.  Heat the butter or oil in a large, heavy saucepan, add the chopped onion, and cook over a medium-high heat until soft and golden brown.

Next, add the mince.  Continue to cook over a med-high heat, stirring, until mince is browned on all sides.  Sprinkle the flour into the mixture, mix well, and stir in the beef stock and tomato puree.

Pour the broccoli and carrot chopped mixture into the mixture and stir in well.  Remove any large chunks of vegetables.  Season well with salt and pepper, bring to the boil, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until meat is tender.  Serve over a bed of rice, or with mashed potato and vegetables.