This comforting dish combines creamy, firm polenta with a robust meat sauce, all prepared conveniently in the microwave. The cornmeal is cooked with boiling water until thick and smooth, then set to create a stable base for slicing. The topping features lean ground beef or turkey sausage sautéed with green onions, sweet cream-style corn, crisp green peppers, and diced pimentos for a burst of color and flavor. Seasoned with Italian herbs and black pepper, this meal offers a satisfying texture contrast between the soft polenta and the chunky, savory sauce. ItâÂÂs a perfect weeknight dinner that delivers home-style comfort food flavors without the hassle of stovetop monitoring. Serve warm for a hearty, satisfying experience.
Polenta With Chunky Meat Sauce (Microwave
Description
This comforting dish combines creamy, firm polenta with a robust meat sauce, all prepared conveniently in the microwave. The cornmeal is cooked with boiling water until thick and smooth, then set to create a stable base for slicing. The topping features lean ground beef or turkey sausage saut&# 195;©ed with green onions, sweet cream-style corn, crisp green peppers, and diced pimentos for a burst of color and flavor. Seasoned with Italian herbs and black pepper, this meal offers a satisfying texture contrast between the soft polenta and the chunky, savory sauce. ItâÂÂs a perfect weeknight dinner that delivers home-style comfort food flavors without the hassle of stovetop monitoring. Serve warm for a hearty, satisfying experience.Ingredients
Directions
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In a 2-quart microwave-safe casserole, combine the cornmeal, 1 cup cold water, and salt.
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Slowly pour the boiling water into the cornmeal mixture, stirring constantly until well blended.
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Cook, uncovered, on 100% power (high) for 6-8 minutes, stirring every minute, until very thick.
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Spray a 12x8x2 inch baking dish with nonstick coating.
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Spread the hot polenta evenly into the prepared dish.
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Cover and cool for 45 minutes, or chill overnight until firm.
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While polenta sets, combine the meat and sliced green onions in a 2-quart microwave-safe casserole.
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Cook, covered, on high for 5-7 minutes, stirring once, until no pink remains.
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Drain any excess fat from the meat mixture and set aside.
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In the same casserole, combine the cream-style corn, green pepper strips, Italian seasoning, and pepper.
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Cook, covered, on high for 5-6 minutes until the green pepper is crisp-tender.
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Stir the cooked meat mixture and drained pimentos into the vegetable mixture.
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Turn the cooled polenta out onto a cutting board and cut into 24 squares.
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Arrange the polenta squares on a microwave-safe platter.
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Cover the platter with wax paper and cook on 70% power (medium-high) for 4-5 minutes until heated through.
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Transfer the heated polenta to serving plates.
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Cook the meat and vegetable sauce, covered, on high for 1.5-2.5 minutes until hot.
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Serve the hot sauce over or alongside the polenta slices.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 217.2kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 2.4g4%
- Saturated Fat 0.5g3%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 4884.6mg204%
- Total Carbohydrate 45.0g15%
- Dietary Fiber 4.4g18%
- Sugars 1.4g
- Protein 4.9g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For best texture, chill the polenta overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and reheating.
You can substitute lean ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter version.
Ensure the microwave-safe dish is large enough to prevent boiling over when cooking the polenta.
If the meat sauce seems too dry, add a splash of water or broth before the final heating step.
