Ingredients:

• Onion – 1, finely chopped
• Butter – 2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
• Carrot – 1, finely chopped or grated
• Celery – 1 stalk, chopped
• Pepper – 1, chopped (any color of your choice)
• Garlic cloves – 3, minced
• Minced meat – 500g (beef, pork, or a mixture)
• Tomato puree – 2 tablespoons
• Italian herbs – 1 teaspoon (a mixture of oregano, basil, and thyme)
• Parsley – A handful, chopped for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Chop the Vegetables: Start by finely chopping the onion, carrot, celery, and pepper. Mince the garlic cloves as well. These vegetables will serve as the flavor base for the dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat the Butter: In a large skillet or frying pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted and sizzling, add the chopped onion and garlic.
2. Cook the Onion and Garlic: Sauté the onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the Carrot, Celery, and Pepper: Stir in the chopped carrot, celery, and pepper. Cook the vegetables for another 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften slightly. This will help release their natural flavors and create a rich base for the minced meat.

Step 3: Cook the Minced Meat

1. Add the Minced Meat: Increase the heat to medium-high and add 500g of minced meat to the pan. Break the meat apart with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks, ensuring that it browns evenly.
2. Brown the Meat: Cook the minced meat for about 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until it’s fully browned. The goal is to caramelize the meat slightly, which will enhance its flavor.

Step 4: Add the Tomato Puree and Herbs

1. Stir in Tomato Puree: Once the meat is browned, add 2 tablespoons of tomato puree. Stir the puree into the meat and vegetables until everything is evenly coated. This will give the dish a rich, tomato-based flavor.
2. Add Italian Herbs: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of Italian herbs (or a mixture of oregano, basil, and thyme) over the meat mixture. Stir well to combine, allowing the herbs to release their aroma into the dish.

Step 5: Simmer the Dish

1. Simmer the Mixture: Reduce the heat to low and let the meat mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the mixture looks too dry, you can add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. This simmering process allows the flavors to meld together and develop fully.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Add Fresh Parsley: Once the meat mixture has simmered and thickened, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in a handful of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.
2. Serve: Serve the Italian-style minced meat hot over pasta, rice, or as a filling for stuffed peppers. It also works well as a topping for baked potatoes or served with crusty bread.

Cooking Tips:

• Meat Options: This recipe works well with any type of ground meat, such as beef, pork, chicken, or even a mixture of meats. For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken.
• Add Vegetables: You can easily add more vegetables to this dish for added nutrition. Zucchini, spinach, or peas are great options to incorporate for extra flavor and texture.
• Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red chili flakes or chopped fresh chili when sautéing the garlic and onion. This will give the dish a spicy kick.
• Slow Cooking: For even richer flavors, you can transfer the mixture to a slow cooker after browning the meat. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, which will give the meat a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked minced meat mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove when ready to use.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings):

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 10-12g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 4-6g
• Sodium: 500-600mg

This dish is a good source of protein from the minced meat, as well as vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. It provides a balanced meal when served with a carbohydrate like rice, pasta, or bread.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, you can substitute the minced meat with plant-based alternatives like textured vegetable protein (TVP), lentils, or finely chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian version of the dish.

2. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato puree? Absolutely! You can substitute tomato puree with fresh or canned diced tomatoes. If using fresh tomatoes, you may want to simmer them longer to allow the liquid to reduce and thicken.

3. Can I add wine to the sauce? Yes, you can deglaze the pan with a splash of red or white wine after browning the meat. This will add depth and richness to the sauce.

4. How do I prevent the meat from becoming dry? To prevent the minced meat from drying out, make sure to cook it on medium heat and avoid overcooking. Adding a splash of broth or water while simmering can also help retain moisture in the dish.

5. What can I serve with this dish? This Italian-style minced meat pairs well with pasta (spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni), rice, mashed potatoes, or even as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or lasagna.

Conclusion:

This Italian-Style Minced Meat with Vegetables is a quick and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether served over pasta, rice, or stuffed into vegetables, the rich combination of minced meat, sautéed vegetables, and Italian herbs makes it a versatile and satisfying meal. The addition of fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness, balancing the richness of the meat and tomato puree. Easy to make, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and meal prep, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this classic comfort dish with your family or friends for a delicious and hearty meal!