How to boost flavour in my bolognese?

[JonSnowKnowsNowt]

I have been making bland bolognese for years in order that the DC will eat it. It is nice, healthy, but a bit ... bland. They're getting more adventurous in their tastes now, so I think I can have a go at boosting flavour. What should I add?

I make it with

• good quality mince (lamb or beef)
• onions/leeks & garlic
• mushrooms
• red peppers
• carrots
• a small amount of pasta
• a small amount of stock (with a stock cube or homemade if I happen to have it)
• black pepper (not salt)

What should I add?

Mince
Onion
Garlic
Oregano
Thyme
Passata
Spoon of sugar

Buy the passata with pepper & chilli or basil.
Agree stick of celery adds something.

Interesting thread. All I can add to the proceedings is to add chopped and fried chorizo.
Not at all authentic, but delicious.

I read somewhere that chorizo is so yummy, it should be added to everything except custard.

I feel sad for unseasoned ragu.

Me too squoosh.

I drive my (very foody) BF mad by underseasoning so I'm no salting fiend. But no salt at all will make any dish bland

OP read this Guardian article about why we add salt to food. Including the line "because we need it to live."

If you want to cut down salt in your diet I suggest reducing processed foods and not removing salt altogether from your home cooking - because it will be bland, and probably make you crave salt!