Smoky Chilli Beef Mince and Cheese Toasties

, from Issue #66. May, 2016
Photography by Manja Wachsmuth.
Smoky Chilli Beef Mince and Cheese Toasties

The mince is a little spicy but if you want an extra chilli kick, add slices of jalapeño peppers instead of the pickles.

Serves: 6

INGREDIENTS

8 slices wholegrain sandwich bread
soft butter for spreading
American mustard
Smoky Chilli Beef Mince, recipe below
sliced zucchini pickles, sliced gherkins or jalapeño peppers
2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese


Smoky Chilli Beef Mince
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
500 grams beef mince
1½ teaspoons each smoked paprika and ground cumin
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon each soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce
1 cup crushed tinned tomatoes
⅓ cup smoky barbecue sauce (I used Culley’s Hickory sauce)
½ teaspoon chilli flakes or a good dash of chilli sauce 
1 teaspoon cornflour mixed with 1 tablespoon water
sea salt and ground pepper

METHOD

Spread each slice of bread with butter then turn over and spread the other side with mustard.

Place buttered side down in a toastie machine. 

Spoon in the mince then top with the pickles and a pile of cheese. Top with another slice of bread, mustard side down.

Close the machine and cook until golden and crispy. Makes 4 sandwiches 


Smoky Chilli Beef Mince

Heat the oil in a large sauté pan, add the onion and cook for 5 minutes. 

Add the mince, breaking it up with the back of a wooden spoon and stir until cooked through and there are no lumps of meat.  Season generously with salt and pepper. 

Add all the remaining ingredients, except cornflour mixture, and bring to the boil then simmer until reduced and thick. Stir in the cornflour mixture and cook for 2 minutes. Cool.