Can you freeze mince?

Yes, mince is perfectly suitable to freeze. In fact, freezing mince is a great way to preserve its shelf life and reduce your food waste. Just remember to freeze before the 'use by' date and defrost thoroughly in the fridge before cooking. Once defrosted, use the mince within 24 hours.

What is the best way to drain fat from mince?

If you are using a higher-fat mince for flavour but want a leaner finished dish, simply brown the meat first, then carefully tilt the pan and spoon out the excess liquid into a heat-proof container. This allows you to keep the rich seared flavour while reducing the overall calorie count of your meal.

How do I prevent my mince from becoming chewy?

Chewy mince is often the result of overcooking or boiling the meat in its own juices. Use a high heat to sear the meat quickly, and avoid adding watery vegetables or sauces until the meat has fully browned and developed its texture.

Can I substitute beef mince for a plant-based alternative?

Definitely! Most HelloFresh mince meat recipes are easily adaptable. Plant-based mince usually cooks faster than beef, so keep an eye on your pan. It’s a great way to enjoy your favourite recipes while participating in 'Meat-Free Mondays'.

Mince Recipes

Versatile, easy and super delicious, our mince meat recipes include something for everyone. Whether you are craving a comforting British classic or a spicy international dish, our pre-portioned ingredients make cooking with mince a breeze.

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How to Make Burgers from Mince

Homemade burger recipes are a delicious midweek dinner, and a fantastic fakeaway option for a takeaway at a fraction of the cost, and easier than you’d imagine to make! To make burgers from mince (recipe serves two):

Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, combine 250g mince, a diced onion, garlic and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until combined.
Shape the burger patties: Divide the mixture into two equal portions and shape into burger patties, pressing slightly in the middle for even cooking.
Cook the patties: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for five minutes per side, until browned and thoroughly cooked through.
Assemble the burgers: You’re good to go! Layer the burger patties on the buns, add your choice of filling – including cheese, lettuce, tomato, and that all-important burger sauce – and serve.

Types of Mince and What to Cook Using Them

Many different types of meat can be minced and used to make delicious mince recipes. Whether you prefer a certain type of meat, or you simply have some leftover ingredients to use up, here are the best uses for the most common types of mince meats.

Beef mince - this variety of mince is rich and hearty, perfect for burgers, meatballs, and traditional Bolognese, where bold, umami flavours are required. It’s the quintessential choice for a classic British cottage pie.
Pork mince - is slightly sweeter and fattier than other types of mince, making it great for dumplings, sausages, or vibrant stir-fries that benefit from a juicier, more succulent flavour profile.
Turkey mince - this variety of mince is ultra-lean and mild, making it work best in lighter dishes like healthy chillis or wraps, where you can add bold seasonings and fresh herbs without overpowering the dish.
Lamb mince - renowned for its distinct, hearty, gamey flavour, lamb mince is perfect for Mediterranean food like koftas and moussaka, where its bold and robust flavours are able to take on Middle Eastern spices with ease.

Yes, you can cook mince from frozen, though it requires a little extra care. To do this, heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil to saute your onion before cooking the mince. Place the frozen mince directly into the pan, and as it heats, break it up with a wooden spoon as it starts to thaw. Your raw, frozen mince will begin to brown as the ice melts away. Ensure the meat reaches an internal temperature of 71°C to be safe.

The cooking times for mince vary depending on what variety of mince you’re using, the dish you’re cooking and the quantity too. When pan frying, you’ll know your mince is cooked when the colour changes from pink to brown all the way through, which could take around six to ten minutes. However, for a dish such as Bolognese or ragu, you may wish to let the mince simmer in the sauce for longer (around 20 minutes) to deepen the flavour. Always wash your hands and equipment thoroughly after handling raw mince.

Mince Recipes

Cajun Beef on Mint Bulgur

Cheesy Veggie Mince Ragu Stew

Spiced Tomato Veggie Mince Ragu

Middle Eastern Style Pork Mince Stew

Pide Inspired Aubergine Flatbreads

Creamy Chipotle Corn and Black Bean Soup

Sticky Spiced Beef

Veggie Mince Rogan Josh Style Curry

Speedy Lamb Mince Masala

Beef Mince and Potato Keema

Spiced Cauliflower Nuggets

Korean BBQ Pork Mince

Slow Cooked Korean Style BBQ Pork Mince

Spiced Tomato Pork Mince Ragu

Teriyaki Pork Mince Stir-Fry

Slow Cooked Korean Style BBQ Beef Mince

Spiced Tomato Beef Mince Ragu

Cajun Pork on Mint Bulgur

Chilli and Honey Glazed Pork Steak

Cheesy Beef Mince Ragu Stew

Mini Cheesy Spinach Gözlemes

Korean BBQ Veggie Mince

Teriyaki Beef Mince Stir-Fry

Teriyaki-Hoisin Veggie Mince Fried Rice

Thai Inspired Veggie Mince and Noodle Stir-Fry

Glazed Chicken on Sun-Dried Tomato Couscous

Sweet and Sticky Veggie Mince Noodles

Indian Style Spiced Halloumi Hash

Sriracha Bulgogi Veggie Mince Noodles

Super Quick Cajun Veggie Mince Bowl

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Get inspired

How to Make Burgers from Mince

Types of Mince and What to Cook Using Them

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