Every South African home cook knows the power of a really good batch of Hearty Savoury Mince! This beloved classic is the ultimate versatile meal solution – a rich, deeply flavourful beef mince simmered with simple vegetables and aromatic spices, ready to be paired with just about anything. Forget complicated recipes; our easy guide ensures a delicious, comforting meal every single time.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a budget-friendly family favourite, or a dish that transports you straight back to a cherished meal, this savoury mince recipe delivers. It’s incredibly adaptable – serve it over fluffy rice, al dente pasta, creamy pap, toast, or even as a hearty topping for baked potatoes. Get ready to master this essential South African staple that will quickly become your go-to for satisfying, fuss-free meals!
Easy South African Savoury Mince (Versatile Classic)
Ingredients
- 2 onions medium chopped
- 400 grams beef mince
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp spice for mince
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup mixed veggies
- 1 cup frozen zucchini optional
- 4 tomatoes chopped
- 1 tbsp garlic minced
Instructions
- add the chopped ontions into the pan/pot with a bit of oil or butter
- fry the onions until golden brown
- Add the mince
- Fry and stir until no more red meat is visible
- add the salt
- Add the Paprika
- Add the spice for mince
- Add the nutmeg
- Stir a bit, and add the lid for about 5 minutes
- now add the wocester sauce
- Add the tomatoes
- Add the garlic
- Add the mixed veggies
- Add the zucchini
- stir and close the lid
- Check every few minutes, but let it simmer.
Video
Notes
- Browning is Key: Don't rush browning the mince. This step develops deep, rich flavour. Ensure you drain excess fat for a less greasy result.
- Building Flavour Base: Sautéing your vegetables until soft and slightly caramelised adds a wonderful sweetness and depth to the mince.
- Thickening the Sauce: If your mince sauce is too thin, simply simmer it uncovered for a bit longer until it reduces to your desired consistency. If it's too thick, add a splash more stock or water.
- Vegetable Variations: This mince is incredibly versatile! Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, corn, finely chopped mushrooms, green beans, or bell peppers during the simmering stage.
- Flavour Boosts: A dash of soy sauce or Marmite (or similar yeast extract) can add extra umami depth if desired.
- Serving Suggestions: This savoury mince is incredibly versatile! Serve it traditionally with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes (as seen in the photo)
- Fluffy rice
- Warm pap or samp
- Over toast or roti
- As a filling for baked potatoes or vetkoek
- Mixed into pasta
- Storage: Store leftover savoury mince in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This mince freezes exceptionally well! Once completely cooled, transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
