There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish that combines tender, savory meat with a fluffy, golden topping. Minced Beef Cobbler does just that, offering a hearty meal that’s perfect for those chilly evenings when all you crave is something to warm you from the inside out. This dish is a delightful twist on the traditional cobbler, swapping sweet fruit for richly flavored minced beef and vegetables, all topped with scone-like biscuits. It’s an ideal recipe for anyone looking to impress their family with a cozy and satisfying dinner. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a relatively simple recipe that can be adapted to suit your taste or whatever you have on hand. Let’s dive into the world of savory cobblers and explore how to create this mouth-watering dish.

Recipe Name: Minced Beef Cobbler

Ingredients:

• 500g lean minced beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 500ml beef stock
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 150g self-raising flour
• 75g cold butter, diced
• 50g cheddar cheese, grated
• 100ml milk, plus extra for brushing
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
2. In a large skillet or frying pan, brown the minced beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Remove the meat and set aside, draining any excess fat.
3. In the same pan, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables soften, then add the garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Return the minced beef to the pan, stirring in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. Pour in the beef stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes or until the sauce thickens—season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. While the beef simmers, make the cobbler topping. In a bowl, mix the self-raising flour with a pinch of salt. Rub the cold butter into the flour using your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs.
7. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese, then make a well in the center. Pour in the milk and mix to form a soft dough.
8. Transfer the beef mixture into an ovenproof dish.
9. Roll out the dough to about 2cm thick on a floured surface. Cut out rounds using a biscuit cutter and place them on the beef mixture.
10. Brush the tops of the dough rounds with a bit of extra milk, then bake for 20-25 minutes until the topping is risen and golden brown.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

How to Prepare:

Ensure all your vegetables are chopped uniformly to cook evenly. When making the cobbler topping, handle the dough as little as possible to keep it light and fluffy. The key to a good cobbler is a thick, rich filling, so allow the beef mixture to simmer until it’s just right.

Preparation Time:

• Prep: 20 minutes
• Cook: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 Hour 5 Minutes

Servings: 4
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 540 per serving

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 540 | Total Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 650mg | Total Carbohydrates: 44g | Dietary Fiber: 3g | Sugars: 6g | Protein: 34g

Storing Leftovers:

Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until piping hot throughout.

Food or Drink Pairings:

A robust red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot, pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the minced beef cobbler. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling apple cider can complement the hearty dish.

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Ovenproof dish
• Mixing bowls
• Biscuit cutter
• Rolling pin
• Pastry brush

Tips, Shortcuts, and Swaps:

• If you’re short on time, use a premade biscuit mix for the topping.
• Swap out the minced beef for ground turkey or a vegetarian alternative like lentils for a lighter version.
• For extra nutrition and flavor, add other vegetables, like peas or mushrooms, to the beef mixture.
• For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free.
• You can use dried parsley instead of fresh if that’s what you have on hand, though fresh herbs will provide a brighter flavor.