There’s something so comforting about digging into a plate of savoury mince—it’s a dish that feels like home. Whether it was bubbling away on my parents’ hob or served up by my grandparents with a pile of mash, savoury mince has been a staple in my life for as long as I can remember. And now, I’ve brought it back with a delicious twist that’s gone down a storm in our house: Savoury Mince with Gnocchi.
A Budget-Friendly Family Favourite
You know my mission—simple, tasty recipes that don’t break the bank. Every week I’m flicking through recipe books or browsing online, looking for dishes I can adapt to be more budget-conscious and family-friendly. This time, inspiration struck while reading My Kind of Cooking by Mark Sargeant. Nestled among pages of proper comfort food was a familiar face: savoury mince. It shouted out to me—make me, and I couldn’t resist.
While Mark’s version paired the mince with boiled potatoes (a classic), my kids had other ideas. When asked what they fancied on the side, they shouted “Gnocchi!” And honestly, it was a great shout. That soft, pillowy texture worked so well with the rich, savoury sauce. The result? A new family favourite we’ll definitely be making again.
Why This Dish Works on a Budget
Cupboard staples: Mince, tinned tomatoes, onions, garlic, and carrots—this recipe uses ingredients you probably already have.
Stretch it further: Add extra veg like peas, mushrooms, or even lentils to bulk it out without adding much to the cost.
Affordable carbs: Gnocchi is often cheaper than fresh pasta and just as filling. Plus, it cooks in minutes!
Freezer-friendly: Double up the mince mixture and freeze half for a speedy midweek meal later on.
What Makes It So Tasty?
This isn’t just any old mince—it’s seasoned with herbs, a touch of Worcestershire sauce, and slow-cooked until it’s rich and deeply flavoured. The gnocchi soaks up all that savoury goodness, giving you spoonful after spoonful of warming, satisfying comfort food.
Want to spice it up? Add a pinch of chilli flakes. Need to keep it mellow for the little ones? Skip the heat and serve with a spoonful of yoghurt or grated cheese on top.
Serving Suggestions
Keep it simple, or make it your own:
- A side of steamed green beans or peas for freshness
- Grated cheddar or parmesan melted over the top
- A chunk of crusty bread to mop up the sauce
- Or serve the mince over creamy mash, rice or pasta if you’re out of gnocchi
Final Thoughts
Savoury Mince with Gnocchi is a brilliant way to bring a childhood classic back to the table—with a twist your family will love. It’s warm, filling, packed with flavour and perfect for busy weeknights on a budget.
Give it a try, tweak it to your taste, and let me know how you get on! Got leftovers? Pop them in the freezer—you’ve just sorted dinner next week, too.
Budget Breakdown 🛒💷
Here’s how it cost per portion across UK supermarkets:
Aldi – £1.51 / Asda – £1.87 / Morrisons – £1.75 / Tesco – £2.04 / Sainsbury’s – £1.71
(Prices correct at the time of posting — always worth checking for offers!)
Nutrition 💪
Calories > 482 / Total Fat > 18g / Total Carbs > 48g / Protein > 32g
Will You Be Trying It?
Don’t forget to save this recipe for later and let me know in the comments — how did you serve yours? I love seeing your takes on family meals that don’t cost the earth!
Savoury Mince with Potato Gnocchi
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 500 g Beef Mince
- 1 White Onion diced
- 2 Garlic Cloves chopped
- 2 Large Carrots peeled and grated
- 1 tin Chopped Tomatoes
- 500 ml Stock 1 beef and 1 chicken stock cube
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 150 g Frozen Peas
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 pkts Potato Gnocchi about 800g
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium/high heat then add the mince. Fry the mince until browned well, breaking up as required along the way.
- Add the onion and garlic to the pan and fry for a few minutes. Once the onions are browned slightly add the carrots, tomatoes, stock and herbs.
- Bring to the boil, stir well and then reduce to a low simmer for about 30 minutes until the stock has reduced slightly and is smooth with a nice consistency (not too thick or thin, but to your liking).
- While the mince is simmering, bring a large pan of salted water to boil then cook the gnocchi as per the packet’s instructions, normally 2 minutes.
- As you cook the gnocchi add the peas to the mince and turn off. The peas will cook in the residual heat. Just before serving add the Worcestershire sauce and season to your liking.
- Serve the gnocchi along with a good helping of savoury mince and bring back those memories.
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