There’s something magical about the familiar flavours of classic comfort foods. Whether it’s a hearty bolognese or a juicy burger, these dishes bring people together and make every meal feel special. But what if you could take those favourites and add a little twist? A bit of flair that makes them your own?
We’ve put together five beloved classics, each with a fresh spin, plus easy recipes so you can recreate them at home. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these tasty ideas!
Bolognese is a universal favourite, but everyone adds their own touch. Our version is richer, heartier, and bursting with flavour. Slow-cooked with fresh herbs, a splash of red wine, and a hint of spice, it’s the perfect pasta sauce to warm your soul.
Recipe Highlights:
Use quality beef mince
Add finely chopped carrot, celery, and onion for depth
Simmer with tomato paste, garlic, and herbs for at least 1 hour
Finish with a splash of cream or milk for a silky texture
Serve over your favourite pasta
Ingredients:
500g quality beef mince
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
400g canned crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup red wine (optional)
1/2 cup milk or cream
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking
Pasta of your choice
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened.
Add beef mince and cook until browned.
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
Pour in crushed tomatoes and red wine (if using). Add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Reduce heat and simmer gently for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Stir in milk or cream for a rich finish. Adjust seasoning.
Serve over cooked pasta with grated Parmesan.
Burgers are the ultimate kid-friendly meal — quick and fun! But here’s a way to impress everyone with a gourmet twist: the Juicy Lucy. It’s a cheese-stuffed patty that oozes flavour in every bite.
Recipe Highlights:
Mix your beef mince with seasoning, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce
Stuff each patty with your favourite melting cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work great)
Cook on a hot grill or pan until the cheese is deliciously melted inside
Serve with fresh buns, lettuce, tomato, and your favourite sauces
Ingredients:
500g beef mince
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
100g cheddar or mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
Burger buns and toppings of choice (lettuce, tomato, sauce, etc.)
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix beef mince, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Divide mince into 4 equal portions. Flatten each into a patty.
Place a few cheese cubes in the center of 2 patties. Top with the remaining patties and seal edges well.
Cook patties on a hot grill or pan for about 4-5 minutes per side, until cooked through and cheese melts inside.
Serve on buns with your favourite toppings.
Whether you call them rissoles or keftedes, these traditional Greek meatballs bring the sunny flavours of the islands to your kitchen. Fresh herbs and spices give them a light, fragrant character perfect for sharing.
Recipe Highlights:
Combine beef or lamb mince with onion, garlic, parsley, and mint
Add breadcrumbs soaked in milk for tenderness
Season generously with cinnamon and oregano
Shape into small balls and fry until golden brown
Serve with tzatziki or a simple salad
Ingredients:
500g beef or lamb mince
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for frying
Tzatziki for serving
Instructions:
Soak breadcrumbs in milk until softened.
In a large bowl, combine mince, onion, garlic, parsley, mint, soaked breadcrumbs, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Shape mixture into small balls (about walnut-sized).
Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry meatballs until golden and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
Drain on paper towels. Serve warm with tzatziki.
Tacos don’t have to be complicated. Mix your seasoned beef mince with classic Mexican spices and load it into soft tortillas for a quick and tasty meal that’s perfect any night of the week.
Recipe Highlights:
Brown your beef mince with taco seasoning (chili, cumin, paprika, garlic powder)
Warm soft tortillas or taco shells
Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole
Add a squeeze of lime for freshness
Ingredients:
500g beef mince
1 packet taco seasoning or homemade mix (chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder)
Soft tortillas or taco shells
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 tomato, diced
1 cup shredded cheese
Sour cream or guacamole
Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions:
Brown beef mince in a pan over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
Add taco seasoning and a splash of water, stir well, and simmer for 5 minutes.
Warm tortillas or taco shells as per package instructions.
Fill tortillas with beef mixture, then top with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.
Serve with lime wedges.
Shepherd’s pie is comfort food at its best. But we’ve kicked it up a notch by slow-cooking tender lamb shanks into the filling, adding richness and depth to this English favourite.
Recipe Highlights:
Slow cook lamb shanks with onion, carrot, garlic, and herbs until the meat falls off the bone
Shred the lamb and mix with cooked peas and carrots
Spread into a baking dish and top generously with creamy mashed potatoes
Bake until golden and bubbling
Ingredients:
2 lamb shanks
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas
3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Heat olive oil in a large pot. Brown lamb shanks on all sides. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, and garlic until soft.
Return lamb shanks to pot, add rosemary, salt, pepper, and enough water to cover halfway. Simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours until meat is tender.
Remove shanks, shred the meat, and discard bones. Mix meat with peas and vegetables from the pot.
Place the meat mixture in a baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes evenly on top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Serve warm.
These five recipes prove that classic dishes don’t have to stay the same. With just a few twists, you can create meals that feel both comforting and exciting. Try them out and let us know which one becomes your new family favourite!
Skip the queues, cook with confidence, and enjoy restaurant-quality meals at home.