How to make mince and dumplings in oven
Mince and dumplings is a classic British dish that is consistently satisfying and comforting. Perfect for colder evenings, this hearty meal is packed with flavor and is guaranteed to please the whole family. Cooking it in the oven results in tender meat and nicely browned dumplings. Follow this simple recipe to create a delicious mince and dumplings dish that will warm your soul.
First, you’ll need to gather all the ingredients. For the mince, you’ll need minced beef, onions, carrots, peas, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and a selection of herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. For the dumplings, you’ll need self-rising flour, suet, salt, and water.
To begin, heat a large, oven-safe casserole dish on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of oil and fry the minced beef until browned. Then, add in the onions, carrots, peas, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the vegetables until they soften slightly, about 5 minutes.
Easy Steps to Make Mince and Dumplings in the Oven
To make delicious mince and dumplings in the oven, follow these easy steps:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and gather all the ingredients.
- In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat and add the minced beef. Cook until browned, then remove from heat and set aside.
- In the same pot, heat more oil and add the onion, garlic, carrots, and any other vegetables you prefer. Sauté until softened.
- Return the cooked minced beef to the pot and add the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and herbs. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
- In the meantime, prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, suet, salt, and water. Mix until it forms a soft dough.
- Divide the dough into small balls and place them on top of the simmering mince mixture.
- Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Let it bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the dumplings are golden and cooked through.
- Once done, remove the pot from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Now you have a hearty and delicious mince and dumplings dish that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you begin making mince and dumplings, there are a few key ingredients that you need to prepare. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
Ground Mince
The main component of this dish is the ground mince. You can use beef, pork, or a mixture of the two. Make sure the mince is fresh and of high quality.
Dumpling Dough
In order to make the dumplings, you will need to prepare the dough. The dumplings are usually made from a combination of flour, suet, and a liquid such as water or milk.
Vegetables
To add flavor and texture to the dish, you will need to chop and prepare a selection of vegetables. Popular choices include onions, carrots, and leeks.
Herbs and Spices
To enhance the flavor of the mince and dumplings, consider adding herbs and spices. Common options include thyme, rosemary, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.
Make sure to gather and prepare all the necessary ingredients before starting the cooking process. This will help to ensure a smooth and efficient cooking experience.
Browning the Mince
Browning the mince is an important step in making a delicious mince and dumplings dish. This process adds rich flavor and texture to the mince by caramelizing the meat.
To begin, heat a large frying pan on medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the minced meat to the pan. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up any clumps and spread the meat evenly across the surface of the pan.
Cook the mince for about five minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it browns evenly. The meat will start to turn brown and develop a nice crust.
As the mince cooks, you may notice some liquid being released. This is normal and can be drained off if desired.
Once the mince is evenly browned, remove it from the heat and set it aside. You can now proceed to the next step of making the delicious dumplings.
Adding the Vegetables
After browning the mince, it’s time to add the vegetables to the dish. This will not only add flavor and nutrients, but will also make the dish more filling and satisfying.
There are various vegetables that can be added to mince and dumplings, such as carrots, onions, peas, and celery. These vegetables add their own unique tastes and textures to the dish.
To incorporate the vegetables, start by peeling and chopping the carrots into small, bite-sized pieces. Slice the onions, and dice the celery. You can also prepare some frozen peas if desired.
Once the vegetables are prepared, it’s time to add them to the dish. Transfer the browned mince to a large ovenproof dish, and then distribute the chopped vegetables evenly over the meat. This will help ensure that the flavors are well distributed.
Next, you can season the vegetables with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices. This will enhance the taste of the dish and complement the flavors of the meat and vegetables.
Finally, cover the dish with a lid or foil, and place it in a preheated oven. The dish will need to cook for about 1 hour, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Once the dish is cooked, the vegetables will be soft and flavorful. They will add a delicious touch to the mince and dumplings, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
| Ingredients: | |
|---|---|
| 500g minced beef | |
| 1 onion | sliced |
| 2 carrots | chopped |
| 2 celery stalks | diced |
| 1 cup frozen peas (optional) |
Making the Dough for Dumplings
To make the dough for dumplings, you will need a few basic ingredients:
- 2 cups of self-rising flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 4 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup of milk
Start by preheating your oven to the specified temperature indicated in the mince and dumplings recipe you are following.
Step 1: Measuring the Ingredients
Measure the self-rising flour and salt using measuring cups and spoons.
Step 2: Cutting in the Cold Butter
Cut the cold unsalted butter into small cubes. Add the butter to the flour mixture.
Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Adding the Milk
Pour the milk into the flour mixture.
Use a fork or spoon to stir the milk into the flour until a soft dough forms.
Be careful not to overmix; just mix until the dough comes together.
Optional Step: Adding Flavour
If desired, you can add herbs, spices, or grated cheese to the dough to add extra flavor to your dumplings.
Adding the Dumplings to the Dish
Once you have made the delicious mince mixture and it is simmering away in the oven, it’s time to add the dumplings and elevate this comforting dish to a whole new level.
Here’s how to add the dumplings:
1. Prepare the dumpling mixture
In a medium-sized bowl, combine self-raising flour, suet, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together using a fork until combined. The suet will add a delightful richness to your dumplings.
2. Add the liquid
Sprinkle a little cold water into the flour mixture. Use a fork to combine the ingredients while gradually adding more water, being careful not to add too much. Keep stirring until the mixture forms soft, pliable dough.
3. Shape the dumplings
Divide the dough into small pieces and shape them into round dumplings, using your hands. The size of a walnut is a good guide, but you can make them slightly bigger or smaller depending on your preference.
Tip: For a twist, you can add herbs or grated cheese to the dumpling mixture to give them a different flavor profile.
4. Place the dumplings in the dish
Now it’s time to carefully place the dumplings on top of the mince mixture in the ovenproof dish. Arrange them evenly, leaving a little space between each dumpling as they will expand while cooking.
5. Cook the dish
Cover the dish with a lid or foil to trap the steam and moisture. Place the dish back into the oven and continue baking until the dumplings have puffed up and are golden brown on top. This should take around 20-30 minutes.
Remember to remove the lid or foil for the last few minutes of cooking to allow the tops of the dumplings to crisp up and turn a beautiful golden color.
Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Sprinkle some fresh herbs over the top for added flavor and visual appeal.
Now you can enjoy your hearty mince and dumplings straight from the oven. Serve it as a main dish or pair it with steamed vegetables for a nourishing meal that will warm your soul.
Baking the Mince and Dumplings
Once you have prepared the delicious mince and dumpling mixture, it’s time to bake it in the oven. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 180°C or 350°F.
Step 2: Get an Oven-safe Dish
Next, grease an oven-safe dish or casserole dish using butter or cooking spray. This will prevent sticking and make it easier to serve later.
Step 3: Transfer the Mince and Dumplings
Add the prepared mince and dumplings mixture into the greased dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Bake in the Oven
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
You can check if the mince and dumplings are done by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the dumplings. If it comes out clean, they’re ready!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the delicious mince and dumplings hot as a hearty meal.
Tips:
Here are some tips to enhance your baking experience:
| 1. | Covering the dish with foil for the first half of the baking time can help prevent excessive browning. |
| 2. | Experiment with different seasonings and add extra herbs or spices to the mince mixture for added flavor. |
| 3. | If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mix cornstarch with water and add it to the mince mixture before baking. |
Now that you know how to bake mince and dumplings in the oven, you can enjoy this comforting and delicious dish whenever you desire. Happy cooking!
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