Description
Mince and Tatties is a classic Scottish comfort dish featuring savory ground meat cooked with aromatic vegetables and herbs in a rich gravy, paired with creamy buttery mashed potatoes. This hearty meal is perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Mince:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 large carrot, peeled and finely diced
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, lamb, venison, or turkey
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cups low-sodium beef stock
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
For the Tatties:
- 2 pounds yellow or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and diced carrot, cooking them until they become soft, golden, and translucent, approximately 8 to 9 minutes.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground meat to the saucepan, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, about 6 minutes.
- Add Herbs and Flour: Stir in the dried thyme and all-purpose flour. Cook the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the flour to cook and thicken the sauce.
- Add Tomato Paste and Sauces: Mix in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and pour in the low-sodium beef stock. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer the Mince: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Allow the liquid to reduce and thicken into a rich gravy over 15 to 25 minutes.
- Cook the Potatoes: While sautéing the onions and carrots, prepare a saucepan with heavily salted cold water. Add the peeled and chunked potatoes, bring to a boil, and cook until they are fork tender.
- Drain and Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot placed over low heat. Mash thoroughly, allowing steam to escape.
- Enrich the Mash: Add 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 1/4 cup heavy cream, and season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Continue mashing until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Plate the creamy mashed potatoes and top generously with the warm, thickened mince. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with lamb, venison, or turkey according to preference.
- Adjust seasoning and Worcestershire sauce to taste for a richer flavor.
- Ensure potatoes are thoroughly drained and mashed to prevent watery tatties.
- Use low-sodium beef stock to better control salt levels.
- This dish contains milk and gluten allergens due to butter, cream, and flour.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for thickening.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Scottish
