Homemade Bologna: A Classic Deli Meat Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs of ground beef
  • 1/2 cup of onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup of celery, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup of green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups of ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of mustard
  • 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain the fat and return the beef to the skillet.
  2. Add the onion, celery, green bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the bologna cool slightly before serving.

Tools for making

  • Skillet - A large skillet is needed to brown the ground beef and cook the vegetables.
  • Utensil - A utensil for stirring and mixing the ingredients.
  • Knife - A knife for chopping the onion, celery, and green bell pepper.
  • Garlic press - A garlic press to mince the garlic cloves.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Add diced tomatoes and tomato paste for a richer tomato flavor.
  • Include some chopped mushrooms for added depth of flavor.
  • Experiment with different spices such as paprika, cumin, or chili powder to give it a unique twist.
  • Try using different types of bell peppers like red or yellow instead of green.
  • Sauté some bacon or pancetta with the vegetables for a smoky flavor.
  • For a spicier version, add chopped jalapenos or crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Replace the ketchup with tomato sauce or passata for a less sweet taste.
  • Include some grated Parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella on top for a cheesy variation.

Recipe overview

This homemade Bologna recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for a comforting family meal. Made with ground beef and a variety of vegetables that are simmered in a rich ketchup-based sauce, it's a savory dish that's sure to satisfy. The cooking process is relatively straightforward, requiring you to simply brown the meat, sauté the vegetables, and simmer everything together in a tangy-sweet sauce. This homemade Bologna is best served warm, making it a great option for a cozy dinner at home. Expect a delicious, meaty dish that's packed with flavor and easy to make - a recipe that might just become a family favorite.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can use ground turkey or ground chicken as a substitute for ground beef in this recipe.
  2. Can I adjust the amount of spices? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar, mustard, salt, and black pepper according to your taste preferences.
  3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make the bologna ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it before serving.
  4. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
  5. What can I serve with bologna? Bologna is often served as a sandwich filling, but you can also enjoy it alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Skillet - A large skillet is needed for browning the ground beef and cooking the vegetables.
  • Spatula - A spatula is useful for stirring and flipping the ground beef while browning.
  • Knife - A knife is required for finely chopping the onion, celery, and green bell pepper.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board provides a surface for safely chopping the vegetables.
  • Measuring cups - Measuring cups are needed to accurately measure the ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are necessary for measuring smaller quantities of ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.

Origin stories

Bologna, or baloney as it's known in the United States, has a rich history that dates back to the city of Bologna, Italy. Nestled in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region, this city is renowned for its delectable cuisine. The authentic Italian Bologna, also known as "Mortadella," is a finely ground pork sausage with cubes of pork fat. It is delicately spiced, typically with myrtle berries, and often studded with pistachios. However, the Bologna we know today in the U.S. is a much simpler, finely ground sausage product that bears more similarity to a hot dog than its Italian ancestor. It's interesting to note that this simple meat product has taken on such different forms as it moved from the old world to the new.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.