Cooking Minced meat?

Question

Whenever I cook Minced meat for Shepherds pie etc it always seems to stick together in lumps. How do I stop it doing that

Answer 1

First off, dry-fry the mince in a large fry pan or skillet. This will brown and separate the mince as well as drawing out the bulk of the yukky disposable fats.
Then crumble in your stock and seasoning, water, herbs etc ready for the oven.

Answer 2

Put the mince into a pre heated pan and move around every minute or so to break up any lumps. Shouldn't need to add any oil or fat.
When browned, ready to make your Shepherds Pie

Answer 3

Hi Alan you must seal the meat first:

In a fry pan with a splash of oil, get it hot.

Add mince - break it all up with two wooden spoons or whatever you have to hand, it does need to be separated, after 5-7 minutes....... drain.

Return to a clean pan add everything else and stock, - bring to the boil and simmer for at least 1 hour. Job done.. you know the rest. You get my star for "Fresh"......xxx

Answer 4

Chop it up with a a wooden sppon as you are cooking it.... especially at the beginning as it's turning brown.
When it's all brown turn it over several times to ensure that it doesn't stick to the pan.
Once it's all brown, you can then use it to make your shepherd's pie and it will all be like little pellets of meat.

Answer 5

I find that if it is fresh minced meat it tends to do this unless you stand over it and mash it!! How ever last halloween I made a chilli for my guests and I made it with frozen minced meat and this seemd to break down to a fine mush if u wanna call it that, so I think frozen would be better if you dont like the meat to be lumpy( I had great compliments on the chilli too!)

Good luck

Answer 6

Break it up as you put it into the pan. Don't just throw it all in. Then carrying on stirring it and break up any 'lumps' before its cooked. Use good quality mince as well.

Answer 7

Stir it really well as you're browning it. I also add a little water when I'm browning mince. It keeps it from clumping as badly. Let the water cook off or drain it off when the mince is thoroughly cooked.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

Attack it violently with whatever implement you have to hand. Keep poking it. Ooooh clumpy shepherds pie. I love it.

Answer 10

I use a wooden fork, and cut into the lumps with its edge.