Fiesta Polenta Bake
This is a great way to use up left over polenta. Double the recipe and it will feed a crowd.
Equipment
Ingredients
For the polenta
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 serrano chili seeded and chopped
- 1 cup grated Mexican cheese mix
The ground beef
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2¼ tsp sea salt
- ¼ cup white onion chopped
- 1 Jalapeno seeded and chopped
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1¼ tsp Cayenne pepper
- ¼ cup fresh squeezed lime juice about 2 limes
The casserole
- 2 cups grated Mexican cheese mix
- 1 cup pico de gallo
- 2 oz sliced black olives 1 can, drained
Instructions
The polenta
- In a 3 quart Dutch oven, bring the 4 cups of water and 1 tsp of salt to a boil.
- When the water is boiling, add the polenta, whisking vigorously.
- Add the chopped serrano chili and turn down to a simmer, whisking regularly for 20 minutes. Adding more water if nessessary.
- When the polenta is ready add the cheese and pour into a prepared casserole dish.
Ground beef
- Heat the oil in a non-stick skillet and add the onions and jalapenos. Sauté for 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef, salt, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne powder, and scramble until just cooked through.
- Add the lime juice. Cook 1 minute.
Assemble
- Pour the ground beef over the top of the polenta.
- Top with with 2 cups cheese, pico de gallo, and olives.
- Bake in a 350° oven for 25 minutes.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
This is a total crowd pleaser! Great for parties and pot lucks.
Press the "easy button" and use taco seasoning mix, pre-made pico, and canned chilies. Have fun with this one!!!!
Nutrition
Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 23gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 1579mgPotassium: 316mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 753IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 305mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!