Italian Grandmas Make Soft, Perfect Polenta with Meat Sauce

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground pork is often less expensive.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free, and pecorino can be less expensive.

Bring water to a boil in a large pot and add salt.

Gradually whisk in polenta, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 30-40 minutes.

In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Add diced onion, carrot, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.

Pour in red wine and let it simmer until reduced by half.

Stir in tomato paste, canned tomatoes, bay leaves, and thyme; bring to a simmer.

Reduce heat to low and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Season sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.

Once polenta is cooked, stir in butter and parmesan cheese until creamy.

Serve polenta topped with meat sauce, garnished with additional parmesan if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens