The simple spag bol sauce I told you about yesterday can be turned into several other meals so it’s worth making more than you need just for topping spaghetti.

Instant chilli con carne
Add mild chilli powder to taste and stir in some drained, rinsed red kidney beans. Heat through with a couple of tablespoons of water. You could also fry some sliced (even frozen) peppers and add those too. Good with a baked potato and a dollop of sour cream and a green salad

Quick keema curry
Add a teaspoon or two of curry paste, a handful of frozen peas and a couple of tablespoons of water and heat through. Add some chopped fresh coriander and a squeeze or squirt of lemon. Serve with boiled or pilau rice and plain yoghurt or onion raita (chopped or grated onion, mixed with yoghurt)

Cottage pie
Add a teaspoon or two of Marmite or Bovril diluted with one or two tablespoons of boiling water and a dash of Worcestershire sauce if you have some. Add some lightly cooked sliced carrots and top with mashed potato. Bake for 25 minutes in a moderate oven (190°C/375°F/Gas 5) or heat the mince and added ingredients first, top with freshly made mash and flash under the grill to save time.

Three different meals from one batch of mince. Easy peasy.

Next: soups, sauces and how to cook a simple roast

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