Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
1 onion , chopped
3 cloves garlic , minced
3 carrots , finely chopped
2 stalks celery , chopped
2 cups chopped mushrooms
1 tablespoon Italian herb seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup red wine or 1/2 cup beef stock
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 can tomatoes
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
5 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
Beef and Polenta Bake is a classic comfort food that is sure to warm you up on a cold winter evening. The dish is a combination of ground beef, vegetables, and a creamy polenta layer. The recipe is easy to customize, depending on your taste preferences. You can add more or less cheese, adjust the seasonings, or even add some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. This meal is perfect for a cozy night in with family or friends, and it will leave you feeling full and satisfied.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 375F.
2.Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, using a wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces.
3.Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, mushrooms, Italian herb seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the meat is fully cooked.
4.Add the red wine or beef stock, tomato paste, canned tomatoes, and minced fresh parsley. Stir to combine and cook for another 5 minutes.
5.While the meat sauce is cooking, bring 5 cups of water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a boil in a large saucepan. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal, stirring constantly, and continue cooking for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
6.Pour half of the cornmeal mixture into the bottom of a large baking dish. Pour the meat sauce on top of the polenta. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce. Pour the remaining polenta mixture over the cheese and smooth it out with a spatula.
7.Sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the top of the polenta and bake for 30-40 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

PROS

This Beef and Polenta Bake is a hearty and filling meal that is perfect for a cold winter evening.
The combination of beef, polenta, and cheese is rich and satisfying.

Leftovers can be easily reheated in the microwave or oven for a quick and easy lunch or dinner the next day.

CONS

This dish is a bit time-consuming to make, with several steps involved.
It requires some preparation and planning ahead of time to ensure that all of the ingredients are on hand.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While this recipe is not particularly healthy, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Lean ground beef is a good source of protein, and the vegetables provide important vitamins and minerals. Polenta is a good source of complex carbohydrates, which can help to provide sustained energy.

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