Mincemeat is a mixture of chopped dried fruit, distilled spirits and spices, and sometimes beef suet, beef, or venison. Originally, mincemeat always contained meat. Many modern recipes contain beef suet, though vegetable shortening is sometimes used in its place.

What is considered minced meat?

Minced meat is meat that has been very finely chopped. In some countries, it can also be put through a meat grinder, but without any additional ingredients – meat only. ... The meat cannot be bulked up with fat or water, and therefore has a much more authentic and deeper meaty flavor.

Why is it called mince meat?

The reason mincemeat is called meat is because that's exactly what it used to be: most often mutton, but also beef, rabbit, pork or game. Mince pies were first served in the early middle ages, and the pies were quite sizeable, filled with a mixture of finely minced meat, chopped up fruit and a preserving liquid.