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Delia Bolognese Recipe

Delia Bolognese Recipe

Olivia Brooks
Try Delia Bolognese Recipe with minced beef, garlic, onions, and tomatoes for a hearty, slow-cooked sauce full of comforting flavor.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-inspired British
Servings 6
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottom saucepan or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sharp knife
  • Chopping board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Ladle
  • Pasta pot (if serving with pasta)

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 2 carrots finely diced
  • 2 celery sticks finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 500 g minced beef
  • 2 tbsp tomato purée
  • 1 can 400g chopped tomatoes
  • 150 ml beef stock
  • 100 ml red wine optional but recommended
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 bay leaf

Optional for serving:

  • Fresh basil
  • Grated Parmesan
  • Spaghetti or tagliatelle

Instructions
 

Step 1: Build the base

  • Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook gently for 8–10 minutes until softened.
  • This step is essential in the Delia Bolognese Recipe because it builds the aromatic foundation of the sauce.

Step 2: Add garlic and beef

  • Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add minced beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
  • Let the meat develop a little color—this adds depth to the sauce.

Step 3: Add tomato paste and liquids

  • Stir in tomato purée and cook for 2 minutes to remove acidity.
  • Then add chopped tomatoes, stock, and red wine (if using). Mix well.

Step 4: Season and simmer

  • Add oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
  • Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook uncovered for 1 to 1.5 hours.
  • Stir occasionally and watch the sauce slowly transform into something rich and thick.

Step 5: Final adjustment

  • Once the sauce has thickened, taste and adjust seasoning. Remove the bay leaf.
  • If it feels too thick, add a splash of water or stock.

Step 6: Serve

  • Serve hot over spaghetti, tagliatelle, or use it in lasagna.
  • Finish with Parmesan and fresh basil if you like.

Notes

  • Always cook vegetables slowly for best flavor
  • Don’t rush the browning of meat
  • Let the sauce simmer uncovered
  • Stir occasionally but not constantly
  • Make it a day ahead for even better taste
Keyword Delia Bolognese Recipe