Olivia Carter
If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious meal that requires minimal effort, mince and dumplings cooked in a slow cooker is the perfect choice. This classic dish is a hearty combination of tender beef mince, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy dumplings that are cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. Not only does this method of cooking allow the flavors to develop and meld together beautifully, but it also ensures a tender and melt-in-your-mouth texture for the beef mince.
One of the advantages of using a slow cooker is that it allows you to set it and forget it. Once all the ingredients are combined and placed in the slow cooker, you can leave it to simmer and slowly cook for several hours, allowing the flavors to intensify and the beef mince to become incredibly tender. The low and slow cooking method is ideal for this dish as it allows the flavors to blend together and creates a rich and comforting meal.
The exact cooking time for mince and dumplings in a slow cooker can vary depending on the specific recipe and the size of your slow cooker. However, as a general rule of thumb, most recipes call for cooking the dish on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to develop and the beef mince to become incredibly tender. The dumplings are typically added towards the end of the cooking time and cooked for an additional 30-60 minutes until they are light and fluffy.
So, if you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that requires minimal effort, mince and dumplings cooked in a slow cooker is a fantastic option. With its tender beef mince, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Just set it and forget it, and in a few hours, you’ll have a delicious meal that will warm your heart and nourish your soul.
Preparation Time
Preparing mince and dumplings in a slow cooker is a convenient and time-saving method that allows you to enjoy a delicious and hearty meal with minimal effort. While the slow cooker does most of the work, there is still some preparation time involved to ensure the dish turns out perfectly.
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 4-6 hours | 4 hours 10 minutes – 6 hours 10 minutes |
Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients for the mince and dumplings:
- 500g minced beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery sticks, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 400g can of chopped tomatoes
- 400ml beef stock
- A handful of fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the dumplings:
- 200g self-raising flour
- 100g suet
- A pinch of salt
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- Cold water to bind
Preparation
Follow these steps to prepare the mince and dumplings:
- In a large frying pan, brown the minced beef over medium heat. Set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
- Transfer the cooked vegetables to the slow cooker and add the browned minced beef.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, beef stock, thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
- Cook the mince mixture on the low setting for 4-6 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors are well combined.
- Meanwhile, prepare the dumplings by combining the self-raising flour, suet, salt, and parsley in a mixing bowl. Gradually add cold water until the mixture forms a soft dough.
- Roll the dough into small balls, approximately 2-3cm in diameter.
- About 30 minutes before serving, place the dumplings on top of the mince in the slow cooker. Cover and continue cooking until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
With just 10 minutes of active preparation time, you can easily put together this mince and dumplings dish in your slow cooker. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender, resulting in a comforting and delicious meal.
Cooking Time
When cooking minced and dumplings in a slow cooker, it’s important to allow enough time for the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender. The exact cooking time will vary depending on the recipe and the individual slow cooker, but a general guide is as follows:
Preparation Time
Before you can start cooking, there will be some preparation time involved. This may include chopping vegetables, browning the mince, and making the dumpling dough. Allow approximately 20-30 minutes for these tasks.
Cooking Time
Once all the ingredients are prepared and added to the slow cooker, it’s time to start the cooking process. Set the slow cooker to a low heat setting and allow the mince and dumplings to cook for 4-6 hours. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender and succulent.
However, if you’re short on time, you can opt for a higher heat setting and cook the dish for 2-3 hours. Just keep in mind that the flavors may not develop as fully and the meat may be slightly less tender.
Finishing Touches
Once the cooking time is up, it’s time to add any finishing touches to the dish. This may include adjusting the seasoning, thickening the gravy, or adding any additional vegetables or herbs. Depending on the recipe, this step may take an additional 10-15 minutes.
Overall, the total cooking time for minced and dumplings in a slow cooker is approximately 4-6 hours, but it’s worth it for the delicious, comforting meal that awaits!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make mince and dumplings in a slow cooker:
| Ingredients for the Mince: |
| 500g minced beef or lamb |
| 1 onion, chopped |
| 2 cloves of garlic, minced |
| 2 carrots, peeled and diced |
| 2 celery stalks, diced |
| 400g tin of chopped tomatoes |
| 300ml beef or vegetable stock |
| 2 tablespoons tomato puree |
| 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce |
| 1 teaspoon dried thyme |
| 1 teaspoon dried rosemary |
| 1 bay leaf |
| Salt and pepper to taste |
| Ingredients for the Dumplings: |
| 200g self-raising flour |
| 100g suet |
| A pinch of salt |
| Cold water, to mix |
These quantities should serve around four people, so adjust accordingly if needed.
Instructions
Slow cooker mince and dumplings is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for those cold winter nights. Here’s how you can make it:
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients you’ll need for the recipe. This includes minced beef, onions, carrots, peas, beef stock, and herbs and spices for flavoring. Make sure to chop the onions and carrots into small pieces.
Step 2: Brown the mince
Heat a little oil in a frying pan over medium heat and add the minced beef. Cook until the mince is browned, stirring occasionally to break up any clumps. This will give the dish a nice depth of flavor.
Step 3: Transfer to the slow cooker
Once the mince is browned, transfer it to the slow cooker. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and peas to the slow cooker as well. Mix everything together to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Add the stock and seasoning
Pour the beef stock into the slow cooker, making sure to completely cover the ingredients. Add any herbs and spices you like, such as thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves, to enhance the flavor of the dish. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Cook on low heat
Cover the slow cooker and cook the mince and vegetables on low heat for about 6-8 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender and juicy.
Step 6: Make the dumplings
About 30 minutes before the mince is ready, it’s time to make the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine self-raising flour, suet, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add water and mix until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into small balls.
Step 7: Add the dumplings
Place the dumplings on top of the simmering mince in the slow cooker. Put the lid back on and continue cooking for another 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Step 8: Serve and enjoy
Once the mince and dumplings are cooked, it’s time to serve and enjoy your delicious meal. Spoon a generous portion of the mince and dumplings onto a plate, and garnish with some freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
Here are some tips and variations to customize your slow cooker mince and dumplings:
- For added flavor, you can brown the mince and onions before adding them to the slow cooker. This will give the dish a richer taste.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mix cornstarch with a little water and add it to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking. Stir well to avoid lumps.
- If you want to add more vegetables to your mince and dumplings, you can throw in some chopped carrots, peas, or mushrooms. Just add them to the slow cooker along with the mince.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste. Thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika can add a unique flavor to the dish.
- If you don’t have self-rising flour for the dumplings, you can make your own by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- If you like a cheesy topping, you can sprinkle grated cheese over the dumplings during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Place the lid back on the slow cooker and let the cheese melt.
- If you want to make the dish healthier, you can use lean mince or substitute it with ground turkey or chicken.
- To add some extra texture, you can try adding a handful of frozen or canned sweetcorn to the dish.
With these tips and variations, you can customize your slow cooker mince and dumplings to suit your taste and preferences. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
When serving your slow-cooked mince and dumplings, there are several options to enhance the meal and make it even more enjoyable:
1. Side Accompaniments: Serve the mince and dumplings with a variety of side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Some popular options include mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
2. Gravy: To add an extra layer of flavor, pour some rich and savory gravy over the mince and dumplings. This will add moisture and a delicious richness to the dish.
3. Fresh Herbs: Garnish the mince and dumplings with some freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or thyme. This will not only add a pop of color to the dish but also enhance the aromatic flavors.
4. Crusty Bread: Serve the mince and dumplings with some crusty bread on the side. This will provide an additional texture and allow you to enjoy the meal with some delicious bread.
5. Wine Pairing: If you’re serving this dish for a special occasion, consider pairing it with a glass of red wine. The rich flavors of the mince and dumplings will complement the wine and create a delightful combination.
Questions and answers
What is mince and dumplings?
Mince and dumplings is a traditional British dish consisting of ground beef (mince) cooked in a rich gravy with vegetable and herb seasonings, topped with dumplings made from flour, suet, and water.
How long does mince and dumplings take to cook in a slow cooker?
Mince and dumplings typically take around 4-6 hours to cook in a slow cooker on low heat. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.
Can I cook mince and dumplings on high heat in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook mince and dumplings on high heat in a slow cooker. However, the cooking time will be significantly reduced to around 2-3 hours. Keep in mind that cooking on high heat may result in slightly different texture and flavors compared to cooking on low heat.
Can I prepare mince and dumplings the night before and cook it in the slow cooker the next day?
Yes, you can prepare mince and dumplings the night before and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, simply transfer the mixture to the slow cooker and cook it according to the recipe instructions. This can be a convenient option for busy individuals who want to have a hot meal ready for dinner.
Are there any variations of mince and dumplings?
Yes, there are several variations of mince and dumplings depending on regional preferences and personal taste. Some variations include adding vegetables like carrots and peas, using different herbs and spices, or even substituting the ground beef with other types of meat such as lamb or chicken.
