20 budget meals you can make with mince
- Emily Burg
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Meat-filled meals don’t have to break the bank! These cheap and cheerful mince-based meals use store-cupboard ingredients, and most are freezable
Mince is a great cost-effective meat option as it can easily be frozen before and after cooking. Make batches of bolognese sauces, chilli con carne and meatballs and reserve for a day when you need it. Read our helpful guide on defrosting mince. For more frugal family meal ideas, browse our budget dinner recipes and budget batch-cooking recipes.
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Burgers
1. Pork & apple burgers
Our budget-friendly pork and apple burgers are perfect for an easy and delicious family supper. This easy midweek meal takes just 10 mins to prepare.
Discover more pork burger recipes.
2. Swedish meatball burgers
If you’re a fan of Swedish meatballs, try our twist with these Swedish meatball burgers. They’re a favourite with the kids and you can use pork or beef mince without changing the flavour.
Discover more beef burger recipes.
3. Smash burger pancakes
Smash burgers are having a moment, and for good reason—a juicy, crispy patty loaded with all your favourite toppings is hard to beat. But why not twist the trend with our smash burger pancake? Served on a fluffy, savoury pancake, it’s a bold, budget-friendly brunch or dinner idea that’s sure to impress.
Check out more savoury pancake recipes perfect for Shrove Tuesday and all year round!
4. Easy turkey burgers
These easy, healthy turkey burgers can be on the table in only 35 mins, perfect for a weeknight meal. They can also be frozen to avoid waste. Just cook for longer from frozen if you don’t use the entire batch immediately.
Discover more turkey burger recipes.
Bolognese
5. Big batch bolognese
Whip up a massive batch of bolognese that’s fit to feed a hungry crowd, or freeze half for a speedy midweek meal. This recipe makes 12 servings but can easily be halved.
Discover more Italian pasta recipes.
6. Healthy spaghetti bolognese
This healthy bolognese can be on the table in less than 30 mins. Top with bread crumbs and basil for extra texture and flavour. This recipe is freezable.
Discover more healthy pasta recipes.
7. Slow cooker bolognese
Batch cook a delicious and healthy spaghetti bolognese in your slow cooker. It’s low in calories, salt and saturates while being high in protein. Freeze the leftovers for easy midweek dinners when you’re pushed for time.
For more pasta recipes your kids will love, check out our kids’ pasta recipes.
Chilli con carne
8. Slow cooker chilli con carne
Use whichever canned beans you have in the cupboard for this richly spiced beef and chipotle slow cooker chilli. It’s a perfect meal to prepare for busy weeknights.
Discover more slow cooker beef recipes.
9. Smoky black bean chilli
Freeze the mince base so you can have this chilli on the table in minutes during a busy week. The kids can have fun packing their own tortillas.
Discover more black bean recipes.
Lasagne
10. Slow cooker lasagne
Slow cook your next lasagne for extra tender mince – this version is low-fat and low-calorie, too. A healthy family meal to give you comfort on cold nights.
Discover more lasagne recipes.
Stir-fry
11. Sichuan-style pork & green bean stir-fry
Save money on a takeaway with this low-calorie Chinese-style meal for two. It’s made with a rich soy and pepper sauce, ginger, spring onions and sesame oil.
Discover more beef stir fry recipes.
Meatballs
12. Slow cooker meatballs
Try these slow cooker meatballs for a tasty family meal. Turkey mince makes lighter meatballs which kids love, while also being high in protein. They also freeze well making batch cooks easy.
Discover more spaghetti and meatball recipes.
13. Red Thai chicken meatball traybake
Make this spicy red Thai traybake with chicken mince for an easy, flavour-packed midweek meal. Baking everything together in the oven saves time and effort, skipping the need to brown the meatballs. Chicken mince is a budget-friendly option, making this a great low-cost dinner.
Discover more affordable chicken mince recipes.
14. Turkey meatballs in tomato & fennel sauce
This flavourful tomato sauce with turkey mince meatballs is super simple, with only three steps. It can be on your table in under an hour.
Discover more meatball recipes.
Pie
15. Slow cooker shepherd’s pie
Slow cook shepherd’s pie and you’ll be rewarded with savoury, succulent mince. This recipe is also low-fat and low-calorie with three of your 5-a-day.
Discover more shepherd’s pie recipes.
16. Spiced shepherd’s pie
Our healthy, low-fat shepherd’s pie can be frozen to enjoy another day. This budget-friendly meal makes the most of store-cupboard spices and frozen peas.
Discover more Indian-style recipes.
17. No-fuss shepherd’s pie
This classic shepherd’s pie takes only 15 mins to prepare and once assembled can be frozen for up to one month.
Wraps
18. Spiced lamb wraps
This delicious, spiced lamb mixture can be prepared in only 5 mins. Add shop-bought curry paste to your cheap frozen lamb mince to create a fragrant mixture that you can pile onto flour wraps or chapatis for a healthy and filling dinner.
Discover more spicy lamb ideas with our lamb curry recipes.
19. Pork & chilli lettuce cups
These flavourful pork and chilli lettuce cups are a great starter or canapé for when you’re entertaining. But they can also be bulked up into a great main with the help of some perfectly cooked rice. The filling in these pork lettuce cups can be frozen for up to two months.
20. Spicy mince & lettuce cups
These Thai-inspired spicy mince and lettuce cups are quick, simple, cheap and low in fat. Have them as a starter or pair them with other canapés from our budget-friendly entertaining recipes to make them even more substantial.
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Discover more Thai inspired dishes with our Thai-style recipes.
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