Indulge in a culinary journey with our tantalizing Baked Polenta Beef Casserole, a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will delight your palate. This hearty casserole features layers of creamy polenta, savory beef, and a medley of vegetables, all enveloped in a rich and flavorful sauce. The polenta, made from cornmeal, provides a soft and creamy foundation, while the tender beef adds a satisfying meaty texture. The vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and onions, contribute a delightful crunch and sweetness. Finally, the sauce, made with a combination of beef broth, tomato sauce, and herbs, brings everything together, infusing the casserole with a symphony of flavors. Our recipe provides step-by-step instructions, ensuring that you can recreate this delightful dish in your own kitchen. Additionally, we offer variations of the recipe, including a vegetarian version, a slow-cooker version, and a gluten-free version, catering to various dietary preferences and cooking methods. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this comforting and versatile casserole, perfect for any occasion.
Let's cook with our recipes!
BAKED POLENTA
Provided by Giada De Laurentiis
Categories side-dish
Time 35m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Grease an 11 by 17-inch baking sheet pan with oil. Line pan with waxed paper. The oil will secure the waxed paper onto the pan.
- In a large pot bring to a boil 2 quarts of salted water. Stir in extra-virgin olive oil. When water has reached a boil, reduce heat to medium high and slowly add the polenta, whisking constantly for 3 minutes. When polenta is thick and smooth, pour it into the prepared pan. Spread the polenta evenly.
- Bake in oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool in pan. Note: the polenta will not brown or change in color. When cool enough to handle, cut into any shape you desire. I like to cut out 2-inch circles.
OLE POLENTA CASSEROLE
With plenty of ground beef and cheese, this layered bake goes over big on the dinner table. Adjust the amount of hot pepper sauce to suit your taste.-Angela Biggin, Lyons, Illinois
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h45m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- For polenta, in a small bowl, whisk cornmeal, salt and 1 cup water until smooth. In a large saucepan, bring remaining water to a boil. Add cornmeal mixture, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 3 minutes. , Reduce heat to low; cover and cook for 15 minutes. Divide mixture between 2 greased 8-in. square baking dishes. Cover and refrigerate until firm, about 1-1/2 hours., In a large skillet, cook the beef, onion, green pepper and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato sauce, mushrooms, herbs and hot pepper sauce; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until thickened., Loosen 1 polenta from sides and bottom of dish; invert onto a waxed paper-lined baking sheet and set aside. Spoon half of the meat mixture over the remaining polenta. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan cheese. Top with reserved polenta and remaining meat mixture., Cover and bake at 350° until heated through, 40 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake until cheese is melted, 5 minutes longer. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 345 calories, Fat 14g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 62mg cholesterol, Sodium 874mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 25g protein.
ITALIAN BEEF AND POLENTA CASSEROLE
This Italian inspired layered casserole recipe of ground beef and polenta goes over big on a Thanksgiving dinner table.
Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Side Dish
Time 45m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 11x7-inch (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cut zucchini in half lengthwise; cut diagonally crosswise into 1/4-inch slices. Set aside. Cut polenta crosswise into 8 slices; coat both sides of each slice with cooking spray.
- Heat 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add polenta slices; cook 6 minutes, turning once, until lightly browned. Arrange polenta slices in baking dish.
- In same skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked. Drain, if necessary. Set beef aside. Add zucchini to skillet; cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Add beef, pasta sauce and pepper; cook 1 to 2 minutes until thoroughly heated. Spoon beef mixture over polenta; sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake uncovered 18 to 20 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 260, Carbohydrate 26 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 24 g, SaturatedFat 3 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 780 mg
CHEESY POLENTA CASSEROLE
A fairly quick and simple recipe that utilizes store bought sauce and polenta to save time for busy folks. This casserole is VERY rich, so use small servings. Feel free to add more ingredients to the simmering sauce to suit your own tastes.
Provided by DOCTOR KITTEN
Categories Side Dish Grain Side Dish Recipes Polenta Recipes
Time 50m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly oil a 8x8-inch casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in green pepper, garlic, and green onions; cook until the pepper softens, about 3 minutes. Pour in marinara sauce and simmer 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Mix together fontina and provolone in a bowl. Spread a thin layer of sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange 1/3 of the polenta slices in the dish, top with 1/3 the fontina and provolone mixture. Spread a thin layer of sauce over cheese. Repeat layers twice. Top casserole with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven until cheese is bubbly and golden brown, about 25 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 233.2 calories, Carbohydrate 22.3 g, Cholesterol 25.2 mg, Fat 10.8 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 11.5 g, SaturatedFat 5.7 g, Sodium 808.7 mg, Sugar 7.4 g
BEEF AND POLENTA BAKE
This filling ground beef casserole with a cornmeal-based crust comes together quick and will have everyone asking for seconds.
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 1h
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
- In 3-quart saucepan, heat milk, broth and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt to boiling over medium heat. Gradually stir in polenta with whisk. Cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Stir in 1/2 cup of the cheese and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper. Spread polenta in baking dish.
- In 12-inch skillet, cook beef over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Remove beef; set aside. Add onion and mushrooms to skillet; cook 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Add spinach; cook 1 minute or until wilted. Stir in beef, pasta sauce and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Spoon mixture over polenta.
- Bake uncovered 20 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese. Bake 5 to 10 minutes longer or until cheese is golden brown. Sprinkle with basil.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 350, Carbohydrate 31 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 25 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1190 mg
MEATBALL AND POLENTA CASSEROLE
Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 1h50m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 23
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- For the polenta: Heat the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the oregano, garlic and onions. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Pour in the chicken stock along with 1 cup of water and bring to a boil.
- Slowly add the cornmeal while whisking constantly to avoid clumping. Cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 20 minutes. Stir in the cream, ricotta and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and set aside off the heat.
- For the meatballs: Add the beef and pork to a large mixing bowl. Add the breadcrumbs, milk, parsley, eggs, 3/4 cup of the Parmesan, half the garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and some pepper. Using clean hands, mix together until well combined. Use a scoop or your hands to form 20 evenly sized meatballs. Set them aside on a plate or baking sheet.
- Add the tomatoes, olive oil, basil, oregano and remaining garlic to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish and give everything a quick stir. Transfer the meatballs to the baking dish and bake until browned, about 15 minutes. Transfer the meatballs and any pan juices to a large bowl.
- For the casserole: Transfer the reserved polenta to the baking dish you just used to bake the meatballs. Place the meatballs on top of the polenta, reserving any liquid or tomatoes in the bowl. Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup Parmesan over the top of the casserole and bake until bubbly and golden brown, about 40 minutes.
- When you are just about ready to serve, pour the pan juices into a saucepan and warm over medium heat.
- Sprinkle the casserole with more grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve with the warmed pan sauce on the side.
- Freezer directions: Once the casserole is assembled, do not bake it. Allow the casserole to cool completely and allow the reserved sauce and tomatoes from cooking the meatballs to do the same in a separate container. This will take 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Wrap the casserole in plastic wrap and then foil. Put the sauce in a separate freezer-safe container. Label, date and freeze both until ready to eat.
- To cook, allow both the casserole and sauce to thaw completely in the refrigerator, preferably overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Bake the unwrapped casserole until bubbly and golden brown, about 40 minutes. Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through.
POLENTA AND BLACK BEAN CASSEROLE
Categories Bean Cheese Bake Vegetarian Dinner Casserole/Gratin Winter Monterey Jack Hominy/Cornmeal/Masa Bon Appétit
Yield Makes 6 main-course servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Position rack in middle of oven and preheat to 450°F. Oil 11x7x2-inch glass baking dish. Mix 1/2 cup cilantro, chilies, salsa verde, garlic, and cumin in medium bowl. Arrange 9 polenta rounds in bottom of dish, spacing evenly. Drizzle 1/4 cup cream over. Top with half of beans, half of hominy, and half of chili mixture. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups cheese. Repeat layering. Cover with foil. Bake 20 minutes. Increase oven temperature to 475°F; uncover casserole and bake until top is golden brown, about 15 minutes longer. Let stand 5 minutes; sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cilantro and serve.
POLENTA CHILI CASSEROLE
Our Test Kitchen created this delicious vegetarian bean and polenta bake that combines spicy chili, mixed veggies and homemade polenta. It's a warm and comfy casserole that is sure to please everyone, vegetarian or not.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 55m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°. In a large heavy saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Reduce heat to a gentle boil; slowly whisk in cornmeal. Cook and stir with a wooden spoon 15-20 minutes or until polenta is thickened and pulls away cleanly from sides of pan. , Remove from heat. Stir in 1/4 cup cheddar cheese until melted., Spread into a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, 20 minutes. Meanwhile, heat chili according to package directions. , Spread vegetables over polenta; top with chili. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 12-15 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 297 calories, Fat 7g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 20mg cholesterol, Sodium 556mg sodium, Carbohydrate 43g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 12g fiber), Protein 19g protein.
ITALIAN POLENTA CASSEROLE
Cheesy polenta layered with thinly sliced zucchini and marinara sauce makes a delicious side dish to steak, pork chops, or chicken!
Provided by Kim's Cooking Now
Categories Side Dish Vegetables Squash Summer Squash
Time 1h15m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Combine cherry tomatoes, basil, garlic, red wine, and 1/8 teaspoon salt for marinara in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse a few times to puree. Set aside.
- Bring water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in polenta slowly, whisking constantly to ensure there are no lumps. Bring back to a boil; reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Pecorino Romano cheese and butter.
- Pour half of the polenta into the prepared casserole dish. Top with half of the sliced zucchini, overlapping slices slightly. Top zucchini with half of the marinara sauce, then sprinkle with half of the Italian-style cheese. Repeat layers one more time. Cover.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue to bake until cheese on top is slightly brown, about 10 minutes more. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 317.7 calories, Carbohydrate 21.3 g, Cholesterol 54.7 mg, Fat 18.8 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 16.7 g, SaturatedFat 11.4 g, Sodium 1035.9 mg, Sugar 3.3 g
Tips:
- To ensure the polenta is cooked evenly, stir it constantly while adding the boiling water.
- If the polenta is too thick, add more water or milk until it reaches the desired consistency.
- To prevent the beef from drying out, brown it in a hot skillet before adding it to the casserole.
- Use a variety of vegetables to add flavor and texture to the casserole.
- Season the casserole to taste with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices.
- Top the casserole with grated cheese before baking for a golden crust.
- Serve the casserole hot with a side of crusty bread or salad.
Conclusion:
This baked polenta beef casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its combination of tender beef, creamy polenta, and savory vegetables, this casserole is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
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