Middlesbrough forward Tuncay Sanli's first-half strike gave Gareth Southgate's side all three points.
Sanli's goal all but banished any lingering relegation fears for Middlesbrough.
The Turkish striker breezed across the Rams' back-line in the 32nd minute before firing past Roy Carroll from the edge of the box to secure his sixth Barclays Premier League goal of the season.
Middlesbrough have had a slump in form recently, But 1 -0 at Derby....
