A classic Mary Berry Bolognese Sauce is a staple for any kitchen. This rich and flavorful sauce combines the perfect balance of minced beef, vegetables, and tomatoes, all simmered to perfection. Whether you’re making spaghetti bolognese or lasagna, this sauce is versatile and easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
What is Mary Berry Bolognese Sauce?
Mary Berry Bolognese Sauce is a rich, hearty tomato-based sauce made with minced beef, vegetables, and herbs. It’s slowly simmered to create a deep, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with pasta. This traditional Italian-inspired dish is a family favorite, ideal for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Rich and hearty: Perfect for pairing with pasta or lasagna for a filling meal.
- Simple ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples, making it easy to prepare.
- Family-friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike.
- Freezes well: Make a big batch and store leftovers for easy future meals.
- Customizable: Adjust seasonings or add extra vegetables to suit your taste.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Bolognese Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing.
- 1 large onion – finely chopped.
- 2 garlic cloves – minced.
- 1 large carrot – peeled and diced.
- 1 celery stalk – diced.
- 500g (1 lb) minced beef – for the rich, meaty base.
- 400g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes – for the sauce base.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste – adds depth of flavor.
- 150ml (5 fl oz) red wine (optional) – enhances the flavor of the sauce.
- 1 tsp dried oregano – for that Italian herb flavor.
- Salt and pepper – to taste, for seasoning.
- 1 bay leaf – adds depth to the sauce.
- Fresh basil (optional) – for garnish.
Equipment
- Large frying pan or pot – for cooking the sauce.
- Wooden spoon – for stirring.
- Knife and chopping board – to prepare the vegetables.
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Bolognese Sauce
Step 1: Sauté the vegetables
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Brown the minced beef
- Add the minced beef to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes until browned all over and any excess liquid has evaporated.
Step 3: Add tomatoes and seasoning
- Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and bay leaf. If using, pour in the red wine and allow it to simmer for 3-4 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
Step 4: Simmer the sauce
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove the bay leaf and discard. Serve the Mary Berry Bolognese Sauce over your favorite pasta, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Bolognese Sauce
- Spaghetti: The classic pairing for bolognese sauce.
- Lasagna: Use the sauce in a hearty lasagna for a family meal.
- Garlic bread: Perfect for mopping up the rich sauce.
- Green salad: A fresh salad balances the richness of the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Grate fresh parmesan over the sauce for added flavor.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Bolognese Sauce
- Cook low and slow: Simmering the sauce for 30-40 minutes allows the flavors to develop fully.
- Use high-quality beef: Lean minced beef creates a richer, less greasy sauce.
- Don’t skip the wine: Red wine adds depth to the sauce, but you can omit it for a non-alcoholic version.
- Add a splash of milk: For a creamier, more authentic bolognese, stir in a little milk during the final simmer.
- Make ahead: This sauce tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it in advance.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Bolognese Sauce
- Vegetarian version: Replace the minced beef with lentils or a plant-based mince.
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- More veggies: Include mushrooms, courgettes, or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.
- Gluten-free: Serve the sauce with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free meal.
- Pork and beef blend: Use a mix of pork and beef mince for a richer flavor.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Bolognese Sauce
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: This sauce freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Portion for easy reheating: Divide the sauce into individual portions before freezing for quick, reheatable meals.
Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Bolognese Sauce
- Stovetop: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave: For individual portions, reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
How Can I Make Mary Berry Bolognese Sauce Healthier?
- Use lean beef: Opt for lean minced beef or ground turkey to reduce the fat content.
- Add more vegetables: Bulk up the sauce with extra vegetables like courgettes, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Skip the wine: Leave out the red wine for a lighter, alcohol-free version.
- Use whole wheat pasta: Serve the sauce with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for added fiber.
- Reduce the salt: Opt for low-sodium canned tomatoes and limit the added salt.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
Final Words
This Mary Berry Bolognese Sauce is a versatile, comforting, and rich dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its deep, hearty flavors and simple preparation, it’s perfect for everything from casual weeknight meals to special occasions.
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Mary Berry Bolognese Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Mary Berry Bolognese Sauce is a rich, hearty tomato-based sauce made with minced beef, vegetables, and herbs. It’s slowly simmered to create a deep, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with pasta. This traditional Italian-inspired dish is a family favorite, ideal for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing.
- 1 large onion – finely chopped.
- 2 garlic cloves – minced.
- 1 large carrot – peeled and diced.
- 1 celery stalk – diced.
- 500g (1 lb) minced beef – for the rich, meaty base.
- 400g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes – for the sauce base.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste – adds depth of flavor.
- 150ml (5 fl oz) red wine (optional) – enhances the flavor of the sauce.
- 1 tsp dried oregano – for that Italian herb flavor.
- Salt and pepper – to taste, for seasoning.
- 1 bay leaf – adds depth to the sauce.
- Fresh basil (optional) – for garnish.
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the vegetables
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Brown the minced beef
- Add the minced beef to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes until browned all over and any excess liquid has evaporated.
Step 3: Add tomatoes and seasoning
- Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and bay leaf. If using, pour in the red wine and allow it to simmer for 3-4 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
Step 4: Simmer the sauce
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove the bay leaf and discard. Serve the Mary Berry Bolognese Sauce over your favorite pasta, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
