Description
Ground Beef and Mushroom Ragu with Creamy Polenta is a hearty and comforting dish featuring a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce served over smooth, buttery polenta. The earthy mushrooms enhance the savory beef, creating a rustic and deeply satisfying meal perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- For the ragu:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- For the creamy polenta:
- 1 cup polenta (coarse cornmeal)
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Stir in chopped mushrooms and cook until tender.
- Mix in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Add oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Finish with fresh parsley.
- Meanwhile, bring water or broth to a boil in a saucepan. Slowly whisk in polenta and reduce heat to low.
- Cook polenta for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until thick and creamy.
- Stir in butter, grated Parmesan, and black pepper. Spoon polenta into bowls and top with the beef and mushroom ragu. Serve warm.
Notes
- Replace half the ground beef with Italian sausage for richer flavor.
- Add finely chopped carrots or celery for extra vegetables.
- Use ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Store ragu and polenta separately for up to 4 days.
- Add a splash of water or broth when reheating polenta to restore creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
