Italian Polenta Casserole
Indulge in the comforting flavors of an **Italian Polenta Casserole**, a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. This layered casserole showcases creamy, buttery polenta as the base, topped with a savory mix of browned Italian sausage, fragrant garlic, and rich marinara sauce. Melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses add a decadent, bubbly finish, while a sprinkle of fresh basil provides the perfect herby garnish. With its satisfying textures and bold, classic Italian flavors, this casserole is easy to prepare and sure to impress. Whether you're feeding a family or entertaining guests, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup polenta
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, ground
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the salt and gradually whisk in the polenta.
Reduce the heat to low and cook the polenta, stirring frequently, for about 10-15 minutes until thickened and smooth.
Remove the polenta from heat and stir in the butter. Spread the cooked polenta evenly into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish and set aside to cool slightly.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, then add the ground Italian sausage. Cook, breaking up the sausage with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes.
Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Spread half of the sausage and marinara mixture over the polenta layer in the casserole dish.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce layer.
Repeat with the remaining sausage mixture, then top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the grated parmesan cheese.
Bake the casserole in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
492 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.1 g | 50% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.7 g | 84% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 90 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 1392 mg | 61% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12.9 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.7 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.0 g | ||
| Protein | 24.5 g | 49% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 393 mg | 30% | |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 250 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
