15 alternative beef mince recipes that aren’t bolognese
Thea Everett
Beef mince is one of the most popular ingredients. It’s cheap, versatile, and can be used in a whole variety of cuisines, from Chinese, to Mexican to Greek.
Bolognese is the classic go-to, and we have plenty of those to choose from. Here though, we’ve collected 15 of our favourite other ways to cook up beef mince. Lasagnes and chillies get a look in. But so too do Sichuan noodles, burritos and larb. Keep on reading for inspiration on how to get the most out of that packet of mince.
15 inventive ways with beef mince
With a little help from Sichuan peppercorns and soy sauce, these beef noodles are the tingly sensation you need to wake you up after a long day at work.
Beef ragu lasagne
Is there anything more alluring than a lasagne? Layers of beef ragu, béchamel and silky pasta are one of life’s most comforting culinary experiences.
Bibimbap makes a healthy and satisfying meal. It has colour, texture and bold flavours and is ready in 15 minutes. Find us a quicker way to use minced beef – we’ll wait.
These beef burrito bowls are something a little different. They’re a fun family favourite as each person can build their own ‘bowl’ with as many toppings and sauces as they like!
Beef meatballs in tomato sauce
Homemade meatballs cooked in a rich tomato sauce are a classic. Eaten with spaghetti or polenta, they are a winning choice at a dinner party or for an at-home date-night. Just add a bottle of red.
This Greek classic is cleverly tweaked here for a lighter moussaka you can enjoy a big slice of.
Rich meaty sauce made with beef, carrots and red wine is topped with fluffy, cheesy mash to make this family favourite cottage pie. Classics are classics for a reason!
The ultimate beef burger
Master the burger sauce, bread and butter pickles, and then let the meat speak for itself! There is no onion or breadcrumbs in these burgers: just straight up beef mince with a little bone marrow for extra flavour.
A kebab with bells on! The olives and raisins throughout the mince in these beef and olive koftas give a sweet and salty kick. Serve on a bed of warm flatbreads and drizzle with red cabbage, pickled chillies and cucumber for a next-level group meal.
Italian baked meatballs with garlic baguettes
When all you want is comfort food, this meatball recipe is up to the task. A tangy tomato sauce, oodles of melted mozzarella and crusty garlic bread for dipping: it’s got it all.
These enchiladas are filled with minced beef, chipotle and red peppers, and covered with a cheesy sour cream topping before being baked. It’s an easy weeknight meal, and can be served with any guacamole or salsa of your choosing.
Beef larb
When you’ve got a packet of mince but want something light: think larb! These spicy beef larb lettuce cups, made with fresh ginger, chilli, and coriander are healthy, filling and so tasty.
Chilli con carne
Chilli con carne is the original way to spice up a packet of mince. This one is a slow-cooked favourite, you can put it on in the morning and come back in time for tea to a wonderful-smelling kitchen.
Pide, or Turkish style pizza, is much easier to make than it looks. If you’ve not made one before, you simply must try it. A spicy combination of beef mince, spinach and feta, it’s full of flavour and perfect with a green salad for dinner.
When you are craving meatballs from a certain homeware store, this is the recipe you need. Our Swedish meatballs in a creamy sauce take only 20 minutes to make, and are perfect for when you need a dinner quick!
Need more inspiration? Have a scroll through our beef mince recipe collection.
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