Why not try this large batch of ragout? Not only is it a perfect meal for those January winter nights; but once made you can make any one of the following from it: cottage pie, beef chilli and beef ragout lasagne.

Ingredients                          

 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, peeled and finely
chopped
1 red chilli, deseeded and thinly
sliced
1 tsp ground cinnamon
794g/1lb 12oz extra lean minced beef
198g/7oz cherry tomatoes, halved
400g can chopped tomatoes
624g/1lb 6oz swede, peeled and cut
into bite-sized pieces
1tbsp concentrated beef stock
8tbsp finely chopped basil
1tsp artificial sweetener
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Basil leaves, to garnish (optional)

Method

 1. Spray a large, non-stick frying pan with low calorie cooking spray and place over a medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and red chilli and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. 

2. Add the cinnamon and mince and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, drain away any excess liquid. Stir in the tomatoes, swede, concentrated stock, chopped basil and sweetener and bring to the boil. Season well, cover tightly and cook over a low heat for 20-25 minutes.

3. Serve garnished with basil leaves, if desired