Homemade Mincemeat(Slow Cooker)
Homemade mincemeat with rich, spiced flavors and tender beef, perfect for festive pies or desserts, appealing to those who love traditional fruit and meat fillings.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lb beef shanks
- 4 c water
- 1/2 lb beef suet ⓘ
- 2 lb tart apples peeled and diced ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz) package raisins ⓘ
- 1 (11 oz) package currants ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c apple cider ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp grated orange peel ⓘ
- 1/4 c orange juice ⓘ
- 1 tsp cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine beef shanks and water in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- Save all the broth.
- Remove meat from the bones.
- Grind beef and beef suet together.
- Combine ground beef and suet with 1/2 cup broth and remaining ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- Makes approximately 3 quarts of mincemeat.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruits like apricots or cranberries to the mincemeat mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace beef shanks and suet with lentils and diced mushrooms. Experiment with spices such as allspice or cardamom to enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This mincemeat can be served as a filling for pies or tarts, making it an ideal companion for holiday desserts. It pairs beautifully with creamy dessert sauces or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Consider serving alongside a cheese platter for a unique twist on traditional pairings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover mincemeat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to six months. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homemade Mincemeat(Slow Cooker) contains roughly 749 calories, with 6g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), iron (24% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 16g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 other meats in this mincemeat recipe?
Yes, you can substitute beef shanks with pork or even game meats for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the meat is fatty enough to achieve the desired consistency and richness in the mincemeat.
How do I adjust the sweetness of the mincemeat?
To adjust the sweetness, you can add more apples or a sweetener like brown sugar or maple syrup according to your preference. Taste the mixture during cooking to achieve your desired level of sweetness.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This mincemeat can be made several days in advance. In fact, allowing the flavors to meld for a day or two in the fridge can enhance its taste. Just remember to store it properly and reheat before serving.
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).