This dish is the epitome of comfort food, marrying creamy polenta – a golden canvas of cornmeal goodness – with the rich and savory flavors of a classic Bolognese sauce. What makes this dish truly special is its fusion of textures and tastes: the velvety polenta provides the perfect backdrop for the hearty, meaty sauce, resulting in a blend of flavors that are as easy to put together as they are impressive.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the polenta:
- 1 cup polenta (cornmeal)
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Bolognese:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh herbs, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the ground beef and ground pork to the pan. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Pour in the red wine and allow it to simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the salt.
- Slowly pour the polenta into the boiling water, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Reduce the heat to low and cook the polenta, stirring frequently, for about 15-20 minutes, or until it thickens and becomes creamy.
- Stir in the butter and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Spoon a generous portion of creamy polenta onto each plate.
- Top the polenta with a ladleful of the rich Bolognese sauce.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
High-quality ingredients will make this recipe shine so be sure to choose good beef and pork when possible. Bolognese sauce often tastes even better the next day, so feel free to prepare it in advance and reheat it when serving. A simple side salad with a balsamic vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with this dish, offering a fresh contrast to the rich flavors. Enjoy!
*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 33g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
