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
Mince and Potato Gratin
Basic Bolognese Sauce
Recipe
One-pot Mince and Pasta
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
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.
Debbie says
Hi susie love your website - have sent it to everyone who cooks regularly and now we all refer to it regularly! With this recipe, could I use butter beans and if so, does it need some sort of tomato sauce in the absence of the banked bean sauce?
Susie Collings says
Hi Debbie, Definitely use whatever beans you have. You could add some tomato puree - a heaped teaspoon should be enough.
Fay says
Is it ok without the beans if I don’t have them?
Susie Collings says
It is. Or you could add lentils if you have them or frozen peas and/or sweetcorn
Elizabeth says
I love a one-pot dish! And this is so hearty and warming in the wet weather. Thanks for a great recipe 🙂
Susie Collings says
Hi Elizabeth, So pleased you like this recipe. Thanks for letting me know 🙂
Katie says
Pasta cooked slightly or straight in dry?
Susie Collings says
Straight in. It will cook.
Linda says
I have someone in the house that wont eat pasta so have followed the recipe apart from pasta and when I added the beans I also added a tin of new potatoes
Susie Collings says
Hi Linda, Good idea 🙂 Tinned potatoes are so useful like that. Cheers - Susie
Cass says
Really liked this dish. Love how quick and simple it was. Will be perfect for winter to warm up. We had it with a toasted naan bread and it was great.
Susie says
Hi Cass, So pleased you like this recipe. Even if all I have is frozen mince, I put it in a sink of warm water to defrost and use it as soon as it will break up. Sounds good with naan bread 🙂
Cheers - Susie
Robyn says
At what point do you put the baked beans in, do you drain them?
Susie says
Hi Robyn,
Add the beans after cooking for 15 minutes. Recipe updated - thanks for letting me know 🙂
Cheers - Susie