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).