17 Italian Polenta Casserole Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 16, 2024
If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd, then look no further than this delicious Italian polenta casserole recipe. This dish is a comforting blend of creamy polenta, savory sausage, and tangy marinara sauce, topped with a generous layer of melted cheese. It's a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish to accompany your favorite Italian dishes. So, let's dive into the details of this mouth-watering recipe.
Polenta Casserole with Meat Sauce (Polenta Pasticciata...
Main Ingredients: Water, Polenta, Salt, Unsalted Butter, Olive Oil
If you're looking for a delicious and comforting meal that's perfect for a cozy night in, look no further than this Polenta Casserole with Meat Sauce. This Italian-inspired dish is a twist on the classic polenta pasticciata and will surely become a family favorite. The creamy polenta is layered with a rich and hearty meat sauce, creating a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures.
2of 20
Polenta Pasticciata, A “Messed Up” Polenta
Main Ingredients: Water, Sea Salt, Polenta, Gruyere, Gorgonzola Dolce
Polenta pasticciata, also known as "messed up" polenta, is a traditional Italian dish that combines creamy polenta with a rich and flavorful meat sauce. It's a hearty and filling meal that's perfect for feeding a crowd or for a cozy night in with your loved ones. The name may suggest that it's a messy dish, but don't let that fool you – it's absolutely delicious.
This Italian Chicken and Rice Casserole is a delicious and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love. Tender chicken, flavorful Italian seasoning, and hearty rice come together to create a comforting and satisfying dish. It's the perfect way to switch up your usual chicken and rice routine and add some Italian flair to your dinner table.
This Italian Chicken Casserole is a one-pan meal that's easy to make and bursting with flavor. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a flavorful Italian seasoning and baked with a creamy tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. It's the perfect weeknight meal that will make you feel like you're dining in a cozy Italian trattoria.
5of 20
Italian Sausage Casserole
Main Ingredients: Milk, Chicken Broth, Polenta, Salt, Bulk Italian
If you're a fan of Italian sausage, you'll love this Italian Sausage Casserole. The combination of sausage, peppers, onions, and marinara sauce creates a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for any night of the week. Serve it over pasta or with a side of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
6of 20
Polenta Casserole with Fontina and Tomato Sauce
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Medium Onion, Chopped Celery
This Polenta Casserole with Fontina and Tomato Sauce is a creamy, cheesy, and delicious twist on traditional polenta. The fontina cheese adds a rich and nutty flavor to the creamy polenta, while the tomato sauce adds a tangy and slightly sweet element. It's a perfect side dish for any Italian-inspired meal.
7of 20
Polenta Casserole
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Water, Cornmeal, Cherry Tomatoes
This Polenta Casserole is a simple and comforting dish that's perfect for a chilly evening. The creamy polenta is topped with a flavorful meat sauce and baked until bubbly and golden brown. It's a great way to use up leftover polenta or a great excuse to make some from scratch.
No Italian-inspired meal is complete without a plate of delicious meatballs. These homemade Italian Meatballs are a classic and versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, on top of spaghetti, or as a main course with a side of polenta or pasta. They're easy to make and bursting with flavor – you won't be able to resist going back for seconds.
9of 20
Italian Polenta Turkey Casserole
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Baby Bella Mushrooms, Garlic, Ground
This Italian Polenta Turkey Casserole is a healthier twist on the classic polenta pasticciata. Ground turkey is used in place of beef, and the dish is loaded with veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers. The result is a delicious and nutritious meal that's perfect for those trying to watch their waistlines.
10of 20
Italian Meatballs {Great Big Italian Meatballs}
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs
These Great Big Italian Meatballs are a crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for feeding a hungry group. They're made with a combination of ground beef and pork, as well as plenty of herbs and spices for a burst of Italian flavor. Serve them up with your favorite pasta and sauce for a hearty and comforting meal.
11of 20
Italian Sausage Penne Casserole
Main Ingredients: Penne Pasta, Hot Italian Sausage, Mozzarella Cheese
This Italian Sausage Penne Casserole is a delicious and easy weeknight meal that's perfect for busy families. Penne pasta is baked with a rich and flavorful meat sauce and topped with mozzarella cheese for a cheesy and comforting dish. It's a great way to use up leftover sausage or a convenient way to satisfy your Italian food cravings.
12of 20
Creamy Italian Pasta Casserole
Main Ingredients: Penne Pasta, Half And Half, Heavy Cream, Red Pepper
This Creamy Italian Pasta Casserole is a delicious and indulgent dish that's perfect for a special occasion or when you just need some comfort food. The creamy sauce is made with a combination of cream cheese, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, creating a rich and flavorful coating for the pasta. You won't be able to resist going back for seconds (or thirds).
This Classic Italian Wedding Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for a chilly evening. Tender meatballs, veggies, and pasta are simmered in a flavorful broth for a delicious and filling soup that will warm you up from the inside out. It's a great way to use up any leftover meatballs or a perfect excuse to make some from scratch.
14of 20
Italian Bake Casserole
Main Ingredients: Diced Chicken, Italian Sausage Links, Spaghetti Sauce
This Italian Bake Casserole is a simple and delicious dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. It combines all the flavors of a classic Italian meal – pasta, sausage, peppers, and onions – into one easy and satisfying dish. Serve it up with a side of garlic bread and a green salad for the ultimate Italian feast.
15of 20
Keto Stuffed Peppers – Italian Style
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Olive Oil, Bell Peppers, Onion
If you're on a keto diet, you don't have to miss out on the deliciousness of Italian cuisine. These Keto Stuffed Peppers – Italian Style are low-carb, gluten-free, and bursting with flavor. They're stuffed with a combination of ground beef, Italian seasoning, and cheese for a satisfying and filling meal that won't derail your diet.
16of 20
Italian Venison Stew With Polenta – Capriolo Alla...
Main Ingredients: Venison Roast, Red Wine, Garlic, Pepper, Pork Bacon
This Italian Venison Stew with Polenta is a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for those who love to cook with game meats. The tender and flavorful venison is slow-cooked with tomatoes, herbs, and red wine, creating a rich and hearty stew. Serve it over creamy polenta for a traditional Italian meal that will impress your family and friends.
This Italian Baked Polenta is a simple and versatile dish that can be served as a side or as a main course. The polenta is baked with a flavorful tomato sauce and topped with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, creating a delicious and satisfying dish. It's a great way to add some Italian flair to your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen.
Braciole is a classic Italian dish that's perfect for a special occasion or when you want to impress your dinner guests. Thinly sliced beef is rolled up with a flavorful filling of breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese, and then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Serve it up with your favorite pasta and a glass of red wine for a truly authentic Italian experience.
19of 20
Italian Almond Paste Cookies
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Almond Paste, Granulated Sugar, Salt
These Italian Almond Paste Cookies are a delicious and unique treat that's perfect for any occasion. The almond paste adds a nutty and slightly sweet flavor to the cookies, and the powdered sugar gives them a beautiful snowy appearance. They're easy to make and perfect for sharing with your loved ones.
20of 20
Homemade Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Grated Romano Cheese, Garlic, Fresh
If you've never made homemade Italian Meatballs before, now's the time to start. These meatballs are easy to make and bursting with flavor, making them a great addition to any Italian-inspired meal. Serve them up with your favorite pasta and sauce, or use them as a topping for pizza. Once you try these homemade meatballs, you'll never want to go back to store-bought again.
Ingredients You Will Need:
Polenta:
Coarse polenta - 1 cup
Water - 4 cups
Salt - 1 tsp
Butter - 2 tbsp
Shredded parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup
Sausage and Marinara Sauce:
Italian sausage - 1 lb
Onion - 1, chopped
Garlic cloves - 2, minced
Marinara sauce - 2 cups
Red wine - 1/4 cup
Fresh basil leaves - 1/4 cup, chopped
Cheese Topping:
Shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup
Shredded parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup
Fresh parsley - 2 tbsp, chopped
Instructions:
Prepare the polenta: In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Slowly add in the polenta, stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the polenta is thick and creamy. Stir in the salt, butter, and shredded parmesan cheese.
Prepare the sausage and marinara sauce: In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until softened. Add the marinara sauce, red wine, and chopped basil leaves, and bring to a simmer. Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet and let it simmer for a few more minutes.
Assemble the casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the polenta on the bottom. Next, pour the sausage and marinara sauce mixture on top of the polenta. Finally, top it with the remaining polenta. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top and bake for 25 minutes.
Garnish and serve: Once the casserole is done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Why You Should Try This Recipe:
If you're a fan of Italian cuisine, then this polenta casserole is a must-try for you. It's a perfect blend of creamy polenta, flavorful sausage, and tangy marinara sauce. The combination of different textures and flavors in this dish will leave your taste buds wanting more. Plus, it's a filling and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special family gathering. So, gather your ingredients and give this delicious Italian polenta casserole recipe a try today!
