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    Savoury Mince Cobbler

    Published: Sep 25, 2020 · Modified: Apr 29, 2021 by Jacqueline Bellefontaine ·

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    savoury mince cobbler in baking dish with recipe name overlaid on serving spoon.
    savoury mince cobbler in baking dish with text overlay.

    A simple mince beef and onion filling topped with Cobblers (cheesy scones) make this savoury mince cobbler a delicious and economical family dinner.

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    What is a (food) cobbler?

    A cobbler in food terms is the name of a dish which has a sweet or savoury filling topped with scones or dumplings and it is said to have originated in the British American colonies. English settlers unable to make traditional suet puddings due to lack of European ingredients and cooking equipment, instead covered a stewed filling with a layer of uncooked plain scones (biscuits) or dumplings, fitted together to cover the top. 

     The origin of the name cobbler is uncertain but it may be due to the topping having the visual appearance of a ‘cobbled’ stone pathway rather than the ‘smooth’ paving of a rolled out pastry topping.

    Cobblers evolved to take different forms and in the UK, a scone-topped cobbler has become the most common. It is found in both sweet and savoury versions and sometimes with just a simple ring of cobbles around the edge, rather than a complete layer.

    As a Brit my cobblers have always been made with a scone mixture. When making savoury cobblers I will usually add some herbs, (soft leaf herbs such as parsley or chives or some dried herbs) or cheese as in this recipe here.

    savoury mince cobbler with spoon lifting out a portion.

    A cheap and easy family meal

    • Cheap and cheerful
    • Family Favourite
    • Freezer friendly
    • Easy

    This savoury mince dish is one that I used to make a lot especially when money was tight. Somehow it slipped off my list of regular dishes until I made it again a couple of weeks ago.

    As soon as I made it again, I knew it was ideal for Recipes Made Easy, because its about as simple as it gets. Yet is incredibly tasty. Much easier than a pie but with that same degree of filling comfort food.

    I don't know if it is just the fun name but kids seem to like this dish too.

    Most of the ingredients you need to make the filling apart from the mince you will likely to already have at home and the same goes for the cobbler topping.

    To keep time in the kitchen down to a minimum I always get the beef filling cooking first then make the cobbler topping. By the time they are made the meat is cooked so its just a matter of putting it into the oven to bake the topping.

    portion of savoury mince cobbler on a plate with vegetables.

    Top Tip

    The cobbler is similar to a scone. The trick to getting a light and fluffy cobbler is to just knead the dough sufficiently to bring the ingredients together. If you overwork the dough the cobblers will become tough.

    You can roll out the dough and cut out with round discs with a cookie cutter if you wish but I find it is easiest just to shape into a ball then flatten into a disc 2cm (1in) thick with your hands before cutting into wedges

    Left overs

    Can be reheated and served the next day. Unlike the pastry on a pie I find that the cobbler topping reheats well in the microwave.

    How to Freeze

    The cobbler can be frozen before or after baking. Defrost fully before baking or reheating.

    fork breaking into a cobbler.

    Serving suggestion

    Serve with fresh vegetables such as carrots, peas, beans sugar snap peas or sweetcorn. For bigger appetites add some potatoes, mash goes really well.

    More mince beef recipes made easy

    • Spicy beef tacos
    • Really easy beef and tomato pie
    • Savoury mince and green beans
    • Spicy Mexican soup
    • Easy chilli
    • Bolognese sauce

    How to make savoury mince cobbler step by step

    • mince beef and onion in frying pan
      Cook the onion, add the mince beef.
    • flour added to frying pan.
      Cook the beef until browned then sprinkle in the flour.
    • adding stock to mince.
      Stir in the stock and flavourings and cook.
    • rubbing butter into flour.
      Rub the butter into the flour and add the cheese.
    • dough in mixing bowl.
      Add enough milk to bring together to form a soft dough.
    • patting out dough with hand.
      Form into a ball and flatten then cut into wedges.
    • savoury mince in dish, adding cobblers.
      Arrange the wedges on top of the savoury mince in an oven proof dish.
    • uncooked savoury mince cobbler.
      Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake.
    savoury mince cobbler in a baking dish.

    Savoury Mince Cobbler

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    A savoury mince and onion filling topped with cheese scones to make an easy and economical dish ideal for a midweek meal.
    Course Dinner,
    Cuisine British
    Keyword economical, family favouirite, mince beef
    Skill Level Easy
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 40 mins
    Servings 4
    Calories 689
    Author Jacqueline Bellefontaine

    Equipment

    • shallow baking dish

    Ingredients

    Savoury mince

    • 2 teaspoon olive oil
    • 1 onion chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic chopped
    • 500 g minced beef
    • 2 tablespoon plain flour
    • 300 ml beef stock
    • 1 tablespoon tomato puree
    • 1 teaspoon dried mixed herbs
    • 1 teaspoon Worcesteshire sauce (optional)

    Cobbler topping

    • 175 g self-raising flour
    • 50 g butter cut into cubes
    • 50 g cheddar cheese finely grated
    • 5 tablespoon milk
    metric - US cups

    Instructions

    To make the savoury mince filling

    • Heat 2tsp oil in a frying pan and gently fry 1 chopped onion until softened and begining to colour. Add 2 chopped garlic cloves and cook for another minute or two.
    • Add 500g (1lb2oz) minced beef and cook over a medium high heat until browned, breaking up the mince with the side of the spoon as it cooks.
    • Sprinkle over 2tbsp flour and stir in, then add 300ml (½pint) stock and bring to a simmer stirring. Add 1 tablespoon tomato puree and 1 teaspoon herbs. Sprinkle with Worchestershire sauce if using and cook gently while preparing the topping, stopping to stir occasionally.

    To make the Cobbler

    • Preheat the oven to 200℃ (180℃ fan)/400°F/gas mark 6. Place 175g (6oz) flour in a bowl and add 50g (oz)butter. Rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir 50g (2oz) cheese leaving a little to sprinkle on top and add enough milk (about 5 tbsp) to bring the mixture together to form a soft dough.
    • On a lightly floured work surface form the dough into a ball then flatten with your hand into a circle until about 2cm (1in) thick. Cut into 8 wedges.

    To complete

    • Pour the mince mixture into an oven proof dish and arrange the cobblers on top. Sprinkle with the reserved cheese. Bake for 20 minutes until the cobblers have risen and are golden.

    Video

    Notes

    Nutrition information is calculated using an online nutrition database - is approximate and is meant as a guideline only.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 689kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 131mg | Sodium: 426mg | Potassium: 639mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 505IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 174mg | Iron: 4mg
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment or Mention @recipecrumbs or tag #RecipesMadeEasy

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    About Jacqueline Bellefontaine

    Jacqueline is a member of the Guild of Food Writers and has been a cookery writer and food stylist for over 25 years. She has written over 15 cookery books, in addition to writing for several major magazines. She likes to champion good basic home cooking and as the daughter of a master baker, she is passionate about home baking.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ivoor

      February 05, 2021 at 9:35 am

      5 stars
      The cobblers are lovely. Tweaked them a little by adding half teaspoon mixed herbs and a tablespoon of onion granules. Super light and delicious.

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Bellefontaine

        February 11, 2021 at 11:39 am

        Thank you I like the fact that you can tweak and vary the recipes by adding extra flavours to the cobblers. Have you tried some wholegrain mustard? Also dleicous!

        Reply
    2. Anne

      December 17, 2020 at 10:46 pm

      Made this tonight. Very well received. I had forgotten all about cobblers. Think I’ll make an apple one tomorrow!

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Bellefontaine

        December 18, 2020 at 2:43 pm

        Really pleased you liked it funny how we can forget dishes. You mentioned Apple cobbler which reminds me I must share a recipe for a sweet cobbler too. Meanwhile can I come to yours for dessert? Thank you for leaving a comment always lovely to get feedback If ever you have a moment to rate the recipe too that would be fab as it lets google know you liked it and that helps it get seen by more people.

        Reply
    3. Sam N

      November 26, 2020 at 7:05 pm

      5 stars
      Just made this. Nice easy to follow recipe.
      I have only 3 words to leave your readers....YUM YUM YUM.
      Thank you Jaqueline.

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Bellefontaine

        November 30, 2020 at 3:46 pm

        I'm so pleased you like it. It really is surprisingly yummy for such a simple dish. Im going to add it to menu again this week.

        Reply
    4. Nic | Nic's Adventures & Bakes

      October 06, 2020 at 10:36 am

      5 stars
      Thanks for sharing, this looks a perfect comfort meal that will suit everybody 🙂

      Nic | Nic's Adventures & Bakes

      Reply
    5. Joanna

      October 02, 2020 at 5:35 pm

      5 stars
      This looks like the perfect autumn comfort food. I am making a lot of dumplings at the moment but I've never made a cobbler - it looks fantastic!

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Bellefontaine

        October 03, 2020 at 4:44 pm

        They are similar to dumplings but I think nicer because of the crusty outside.

        Reply
    6. Beth Sachs

      October 02, 2020 at 7:02 am

      5 stars
      Proper comfort food for this time of year!

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Bellefontaine

        October 03, 2020 at 4:54 pm

        Yes indeed!

        Reply
    7. Veronica

      October 01, 2020 at 2:23 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so yummy - perfect for the colder weather. I often made cobblers when my kiddies were younger, but I haven't made one for years. I'd forgotten how delicious they are. Definitely going to try this recipe soon.

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Bellefontaine

        October 03, 2020 at 4:54 pm

        I think we all forget great dishes from time to time then its a pleasant surprise when we remember them again!

        Reply
        • Sharon

          November 02, 2021 at 4:36 pm

          5 stars
          My grandmother taught me to make this many years ago. I myself have a large family and this is one of those meals which can make a little go a long way. You can also add vegetables to the mince and add a little more liquid to make a gravy. Mustard is also lovely in the cobbler

          Reply
          • Jacqueline Bellefontaine

            November 03, 2021 at 10:40 am

            How lovely that you learnt to cook some recipes from your grandmother - precious memories! I agree this recipe does make a little go a long way and can be stretched even further with the addition of veggies in the mixture I'm glad you liked the recipe .

            Reply
    8. Cat | Curly's Cooking

      September 29, 2020 at 7:53 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so comforting and delicious. I love these kind of recipes when the weather is getting colder. Haven't made a cobbler though and it looks great.

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Bellefontaine

        October 03, 2020 at 4:50 pm

        I think they are great and so easy i wish I remembered to make them more often than I do.

        Reply
    9. Pam

      September 29, 2020 at 7:04 pm

      5 stars
      I made this today and we loved it. Gave it 10 out of 10. Thank you for a great recipe.

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Bellefontaine

        October 03, 2020 at 4:51 pm

        WOw fabulous news so pleased you liked it that much Can't ask for more 🙂

        Reply
    10. Helen - Cooking with my kids

      September 29, 2020 at 1:11 pm

      5 stars
      This looks delicious. I've never had a savoury cobbler before, but this looks perfect for this time of year.

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Bellefontaine

        September 29, 2020 at 1:47 pm

        It is perfect for this time of the year. they are similar to dumplings but crisp on the outside. I much prefer them myself.

        Reply
    11. Jhuls @ The Not So Creative Cook

      September 29, 2020 at 10:53 am

      This looks so tasty, Jacqui! I am drooling! Thanks for hosting #CookBlogShare this week and for sharing this lovely dish!

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Bellefontaine

        September 29, 2020 at 1:48 pm

        Thank you Jhuls its a pleasure as always.

        Reply
    12. Chloe Edges

      September 29, 2020 at 9:48 am

      5 stars
      Oooh I've been meaning to make a cobbler for ages, I live the contrast of textures! Thanks for the reminder they exist!

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Bellefontaine

        September 29, 2020 at 1:52 pm

        Yes, you are right its the contrast in texture which makes them so good. Much better than dumplings!

        Reply
    13. Corina Blum

      September 29, 2020 at 9:31 am

      5 stars
      I'm not sure why but I've never actually made a savoury cobbler. It's definitely something that should change especially now that we are eating more comfort food meals!

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Bellefontaine

        September 29, 2020 at 1:53 pm

        Try it Corina you will not be disappointed and this one is so quick and easy.

        Reply

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    Jacqueline Bellefontaine.

    Hello I'm Jacqui
    I believe that great tasting home cooking need not be hard work, so I like to write and cook recipes that are as easy as they can be. But I won't compromise on taste!

    This blog is written and photographed by me at home and it's all about my favourite recipes, that I make for family, for friends and for fun. I hope you like them too.

    More about me →

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