Recipe
Ingredients
Ingredients
• 500 g lean beef mince (or mix beef and lamb for richer flavour)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, grated
• 5 baby marrows (zucchini), grated
• 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
• 4 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 1 x 400 g tin chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp each: smoked paprika, ground cloves, ground coriander (optional – adds depth)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• ½ cup beef stock
Packed with hidden veg, flavour, and nutrient-rich ingredients, it’s ideal for bulk prep and even better for building balanced, quick meals in minutes.
Makes 4 portions
(Tip: Double the recipe, portion it out, and freeze for fast, flexible meals throughout the week.)
Method
1. Prepare the base: Grate the carrots and baby marrows. Chop mushrooms, celery, and onion.
2. Sauté the aromatics: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and celery. Cook until soft and fragrant.
3. Brown the mince: Add the beef mince. Break it up with a spoon and cook until evenly browned.
4. Pack in the veg: Stir in the grated and chopped vegetables. Cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
5. Build the flavour: Add chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, spices, and stock. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Simmer to richness: Cover and simmer gently for 20–25 minutes. Stir occasionally. You’re looking for a thick, hearty sauce.
Many Ways to Serve
One base. Infinite possibilities. Use this nutrient-loaded mince to create:
• Jaffles
• Pasta bowls
• Family-style pies
• Stuffed pitas, naan, roti or wraps
• Stuffed butternut or gem squash
• Savoury filled pancakes
• Crunchy toasties
• Classic stuffed vetkoek
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