This collection of easy beef mince recipes features freezer favourites, slow cooker saviours and quick and simple recipes with minced beef for those nights you need dinner in a hurry!
From classic cottage pie to versatile savoury mince which can be turned into an array of family dinners; these simple recipes using beef mince are easy to cook, economical, and kid approved.
Beef mince – also called ground beef – is a popular ingredient in many kitchens – and for good reason! Versatile, budget friendly and quick to cook it can be transformed into burgers, pies, soups and more!
Here are some of my family’s favourite beef mince recipes, I hope they will soon be favourites for you family too!
Savoury Mince
One of my most requested minced beef recipes! On the table in 35 minutes, this versatile savoury mince is delicious on pasta, rice, or even toast!
Savoury Mince
Cottage Pie
An English classic, this comforting minced beef pie features a base of juicy beef mince topped with fluffy mashed potato.
Cottage Pie
Mexican Beef Mince
Made with fridge and store cupboard staples, this Mexican minced beef is ready to eat in 40 minutes. It is delicious with rice, on nachos, or in quesadillas.
Mexican Beef Mince
Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
Rich and comforting, this is a dish great for preparing in the morning before work, and then quickly finishing off in the evening.
Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
Hoisin Beef Noodles
So useful for busy weeknights, this quick minced beef recipe is on the table in just 15 minutes and combines juicy minced beef in a sticky hoisin sauce with noodles and vegetables.
Hoisin Beef Noodles
Slow Cooker Chilli con Carne
This cosy dinner is a great one for making ahead as the flavours improve when served the next day.
Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne
Mini Beef Burgers
Popular with kids, these mini burgers are a bright pinky purple colour due to the addition of beetroot!
Mini Beef Burgers with Beetroot
Greek Minced Beef Pasta Bake
This comforting minced beef pasta recipe has all the elements of a lasagna, but with Greek flavours!
Pastitsio (Greek Pasta Bake)
One Pot Lasagna Soup
One the table in 40 minutes, this comforting soup is an economical dinner that the whole family love.
Lasagna Soup
Asian Minced Beef Bowls
This recipe uses fridge and store cupboard staples and is perfect for those nights when nothing has gone to plan, you have some beef mince but little energy or inspiration, and some hungry mouths to feed.
20 Minute Asian Beef Mince
Slow Cooker Meatballs
A delicious prep, set and forget recipe that is packed with flavour and absolutely loved by kids!
Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs
Bolognese Pasta Bake
This beef mince pasta bake is a comforting family dinner that is cheesy, filling, and loved by kids!
Bolognese Pasta Bake
Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce
This rich and delicious minced beef sauce is perfect for spaghetti or your favourite pasta, but is also super versatile and can be used in pasta bakes or lasagna, or top with shortcrust pastry to make a beef pie!
Slow Cooker Bolognese
Italian Meat Sauce
Traditionally made with a combination of minced beef and pork, this Italian meat sauce can also be made with just beef mince. Rich with red wine tomatoes, this versatile sauce is delicious with spaghetti or your favourite pasta, polenta, or on baked potatoes.
Sugo di carne (Italian meat sauce)
Tips When Cooking With Minced Beef
- Choose a minced beef that isn’t too lean – a little fat adds not only flavour, but stops the mince from becoming dry and chewy when cooked.
- When browning minced beef – make sure the saucepan is hot before adding a little oil and then the mince. Don’t stir too much – you want the beef to turn a golden brown colour as this adds flavour.
- If making burgers – don’t add salt to the beef as this can toughen it. Instead, season the outside of burgers with salt when you cook them.
Common FAQs
Basically, ground beef is the North American name for minced beef. If you see a recipe calling for ground beef just use minced beef, and vice versa.
Yes, beef mince freezes very well. Wrap the minced beef well and freeze for up to 4 months.
To help stretch out beef mince, I like to either add more vegetables – diced carrots, celery, and peppers / capsicum are my go-to. In dishes like savoury mince and cottage pie add a handful of red lentils and cook with the beef, adding a little extra water or stock if it’s looking dry.
More Easy Family Dinners
For simple midweek dinners that kids love just as much as the grown ups, have a look at these favourite recipes:
Let me know your thoughts!