Don'S Favorite Scottish Mince

Prep: 15 min Cook: 90 min Cuisine: Scottish

A hearty Scottish mince dish with tender ground beef simmered in broth, seasoned with onion and thyme, thickened with oatmeal, perfect served over mashed potatoes.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 to 1 1/2 lb. ground beef
  • beef broth or water
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp. thyme
  • handful of dry oatmeal
  • handful of dry oatmeal (instant rolled oats)

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef in a skillet or heavy pot and drain excess fat.
  2. Add beef broth or water to cover the beef.
  3. Add chopped onion and season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
  4. Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, adding water if needed.
  5. When cooked, stir in a handful of dry oatmeal to thicken the mixture slightly.
  6. Serve over mashed potatoes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using beef broth instead of water. If ground beef is unavailable, ground turkey or lamb can be used as substitutes. You can also add vegetables such as carrots or peas for added nutrition. Adjust the amount of oatmeal to achieve your desired consistency, and for a twist, try adding Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Don's Favorite Scottish Mince over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. It pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or crusty bread for dipping. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Beef Goulash With Noodles, which complements the flavors nicely. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and freshness.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through. Freeze for longer storage, up to 3 months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Don'S Favorite Scottish Mince contains roughly 90 calories, with 2g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 707mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).

90 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.9g 4% DV
Total Fat 4.2g 5% DV
Carbs 11.4g 4% DV
Fiber 1.1g 4% DV
Sugar 1.7g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 706.7mg 31% DV
Potassium 81.1mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 1.1mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 24.3mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 2.9mg 3% DV
Calcium 17mg 1% DV
Iron 0.8mg 4% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, lamb, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter version. Each option will provide a slightly different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment according to your preference.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. You could also serve it with a side of pickled jalapeños or spicy chutney to give each serving an extra kick.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving, and it will taste even better the next day.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

Beef recipes → All recipes →