One-pot Mince and Pasta

I know. Mince and Pasta doesn't sound the most appetising dish in the world. But this, for me, has been a life-saver. Everything is in my store cupboard apart from the mince and onions (but there are always onions in the fridge or freezer). Take the mince out in the morning to defrost (or help along with hot water and the microwave if it's a last-minute meal).

One-pot Mince and Pasta takes 15-20 minutes to put together then cooks for another 15. Job done! It doesn't use any fresh vegetables, but there are tomatoes, onions and beans. That's okay now and again, and it's definitely better than a takeaway. You could add some frozen veg if you want, but it doesn't need it.

This appeals to everyone, including children of all ages. I especially like it at the beginning of autumn, when I feel like something warming and tasty. Using wholewheat pasta increases the fibre too - so nothing to feel bad about!

Actually, this mince and pasta recipe originated from a school cookery lesson. I think the child was about 12, so it's an ideal dish for older children to make. It's an essential dish for students too!

I usually have chicken stock in the freezer, but for this quick meal I often use vegetable bouillon powder (veg stock powder to you and me).

I'm a bit ambivalent about buying stock or stock cubes because I don't know what was used to make them. I suspect it wasn't the carcase of a free-range chicken, which is what I use (and why I go to the trouble). Another reason that I make stock is that it was always seen as a waste to throw away the chicken bones. I've got over that a bit, and when work and life have been very busy I've just thrown the bones out (often after keeping them in the freezer for years).

Anyway, Marigold Swiss Vegetable Bouillon Powder is great. I always have it the cupboard. When I'm making stock I keep the smaller size pot, but when I don't have the time or inclination I buy a large pot and use it whenever a recipe calls for stock.

For some reason, at home we call this recipe Hamster Hash. I guess it sounds more interesting than Mince and Pasta - so if you know me, this is the recipe you asked about!

If you like this...

...Why don't you try:

Sausage and Apple Casserole

A warming casserole ready in 45 minutes. A favourite with all the family.

Mince and Potato Gratin

Take Basic Bolognese and add potatoes and cheese for a warming supper.

Basic Bolognese Sauce

A large batch of a version of Bolognese Sauce with lots of vegetables. Serve with pasta or use as the basis of many other dishes, such as Chilli or Lasagne.

Recipe

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

One-pot Mince and Pasta

Most of the ingredients for this are in your store cupboard. Just add mince and onions for quick and easy mince and pasta - all cooked in one saucepan.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time40 minutes mins

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: British

Servings: 4 servings

Author: Susie@Everyday Cooks

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic, optional
• 50-100 g Cheddar cheese, optional
• 1 teaspoon oil
• 2 teaspoons dried mixed herbs (10ml)
• 2 teaspoons 10ml paprika (10ml)
• 400 g mince - beef/lamb/turkey/Quorn
• 1 tin tomatoes (400g)
• 1 tablespoon Worcester Sauce (15ml)
• 500 ml stock - see note
• 200 g wholewheat pasta spirals
• 1 tin baked beans
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preparation:

• Chop the onions and, separately, the garlic
• Prepare the stock: Either heat the prepared stock e.g. in the microwave OR

  Make up the stock using bouillon powder
• Grate the cheese if using

To make the mince and pasta:

• Heat the oil on a medium-high heat
• Add the onions and stir well to coat with oil. Reduce the heat to medium and cook with the lid on for 5 minutes
• Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the mixed herbs and paprika. Stir well
• Add the mince and mix in well, chopping with the spoon to break up the meat. Cook for 5 minutes until the meat is not sticking to itself and is turning brown
• Add the tomatoes and stir in well
• Add Worcester Sauce, stock, salt, pasta. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to low so that it continues to simmer, and partially cover with the lid
• Cook for 15 minutes. Check the pasta is cooked. Cook for 5 more minutes if necessary
• Add the beans, including the juice, stir and heat through. Taste to check the seasoning and add more salt and pepper until it's right
• Serve straight into bowls and finish with grated cheese

Notes

Everyday Cooks tips:

• If you only have frozen mince, partially defrost in a sink of hot water, then break up with a spoon as you cook it until it's completely defrosted
• If you don't have any stock, use bouillon powder. I recommend Marigold Swiss Vegetable Bouillon Powder. It's handy to keep in the cupboard and use 2 level teaspoons per 500ml hot water.
• This dish freezes well if there's any left over - or keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.