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Slow Cooker Irish Savoury Mince & Carrots
This is a childhood classic for me, as my granda always made this and the only way to have it is with mash and peas. It feels a bit like a deconstructed cottage pie, and I love it. All the nostalgia with none of the hard work.
SERVES
6
CALORIES
240
COOKING TIME
4 hours
DIFFICULTY
simple
Get a sneak peek of my new cookbook, Six Ingredient Slow Cooker, with this comforting Irish Mince & Potatoes recipe.
This slow cooker / crockpot dish holds a special place in my heart as it reminds me of my childhood, when my Granda would always make it for the family. The only way to enjoy this classic is with creamy mash and peas, making it a true nostalgic meal. Think of it as a deconstructed cottage pie that delivers all the familiar flavours without the fuss. With just six simple ingredients, you can create a hearty and satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is all about comfort and simplicity, ensuring you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort. You can buy Six Ingredient Slow Cooker here and discover more easy recipes that will make cooking a breeze!
What kind of mince should I use for this recipe?
You can use lean beef mince for a classic flavour, or swap for lamb mince if you want a richer taste. Turkey or pork mince can also work well if you’re after something a bit lighter.
Can I brown the mince before adding it to the slow cooker?
Yes, browning the mince in a pan first helps add depth of flavour and improves the texture. However, if you’re short on time, you can add it straight into the slow cooker — it will still cook through beautifully.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. This Irish savoury mince freezes well. Cool completely, portion into containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat until piping hot.
How long should I cook this mince in the slow cooker?
Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. This gives the carrots time to soften and lets the flavours develop slowly.
What should I serve this with?
It’s perfect served with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery boiled spuds, or crusty bread. You could also spoon it over rice or pasta for a change.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes – feel free to add peas, diced swede, parsnips or even mushrooms. This recipe is great for using up whatever veg you have to hand.
Is this a traditional Irish dish?
While every Irish family has their own twist, savoury mince and carrots is a true comfort food staple across Ireland — simple, hearty and ideal for a no-fuss midweek meal.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, just swap the mince for a meat-free alternative, and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock. It still works well and keeps all the comfort of the original.
Is this suitable for batch cooking?
Definitely. This dish is ideal for batch cooking and meal prep. Make a big batch at the weekend and portion it for easy weeknight dinners.
Can I thicken the sauce?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, stir in a cornflour slurry (1 tbsp cornflour mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
More midweek slow cooker meals like this
For more slow cooker midweek meals, check out more of my slow cooker recipes:
Method
Step 1
You can brown the mince in a frying pan with 1 tablepoon of oil over a high heat, but it’s not essential. If you don’t brown it, cut it up with scissors so it doesn’t clump. Add the mince and all the other ingredients to the slow cooker, season with salt and pepper and add 450ml of boiling water. Cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 7–8 hours.
Step 2
If you want a thick sauce, add 2 tablespoons of cornflour mixed with 2 tablespoons of water, or some gravy granules. I prefer gravy granules or powder. Cook the mince on high for a further 20–30 minutes.
Step 3
Serve the savoury mince with some side dishes.
Ingredients
600g lean beef mince
4 carrots, peeled and cut into small cubes or chunks
1 rich beef stock pot
4 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
4 tbsp tomato purée
4 garlic cloves, crushed
