Delicious Beef and Polenta Bake Recipe
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Description: A comforting, hearty dish perfect for family gatherings, this Beef and Polenta Bake is a delightful blend of savory ground beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy polenta, all topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. This recipe is perfect for sharing and is sure to become a favorite at your table.
Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
Keywords: European, Oven, Less than 4 Hours
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lean ground beef | 1 pound |
| Onion | 1 large |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Carrots | 3 medium |
| Celery | 2 stalks |
| Mushrooms | 1 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Red wine | 1 cup |
| Tomato paste | 1/2 cup |
| Tomatoes (diced) | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Fresh parsley | 1/4 cup |
| Mozzarella cheese | 2 cups |
| Water | 5 cups |
| Salt (for polenta) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cornmeal | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 249.4 |
| Total Fat | 9.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 45.1 mg |
| Sodium | 524.2 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 22.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.9 g |
| Sugars | 6 g |
| Protein | 17.6 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Polenta: In a large saucepan, combine 5 cups of water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, and gradually whisk in 1 cup of cornmeal. Continue to cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until the polenta thickens and can mound on the spoon, which should take about 10 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until well combined, and then spoon the polenta into a greased 13 x 9 inch glass baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Set aside to cool and firm up.
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Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large pot, over medium heat, add 1 pound of lean ground beef. Break the meat up with a spoon and cook until it’s no longer pink, approximately 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pot. Next, add 1 chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 chopped carrots, 2 chopped celery stalks, and 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the pot. Sauté this mixture over medium heat until the onion is softened, which should take about 4 minutes.
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Add Flavorings: Pour in 1 cup of red wine, and add 1/2 cup of tomato paste and 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), breaking up the tomatoes with a potato masher as you mix. Bring this combination to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until thickened, about 20 minutes. Finally, stir in 1/4 cup of freshly chopped parsley to add a burst of flavor.
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Assemble the Bake: Once the beef mixture is ready, spoon it generously over the prepared polenta in the baking dish. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the beef mixture, creating a delightful, cheesy layer.
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Make-Ahead Tip: If you prefer to prepare this dish ahead of time, allow it to cool for about 30 minutes after assembling, then cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted and golden brown, resulting in a beautifully bubbly top.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the Beef and Polenta Bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is delightful on its own or paired with a simple green salad for a complete meal. Enjoy the rich flavors and the warm, comforting embrace of this hearty bake with family and friends.
This Beef and Polenta Bake is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that combines the robust flavors of ground beef and fresh vegetables with the creamy texture of polenta, all harmoniously tied together with melted cheese. Perfect for gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy!
