Hearty Italian Beef Ragu Served over Cheesy Polenta

Hearty Italian Beef Ragu Served over Cheesy Polenta

Swappingpasta for something heartier? Look no further than this delectable Italian-Style Beef Ragu with Cheesy Polenta. This insanely simple, mouthwatering meal is sure to be a favorite.

Yield: 4 servingsSkill level: EasyPrep time: 10 minutesCook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients (13)

• 1 cup quick-cooking polenta
• 3/4 cup (3 ounces) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup cream cheese or mascarpone
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Instructions

1. Cook polenta in a medium saucepan as per package instructions, stirring in 1/3 cup cheese and cream cheese at the end.
2. In a large frying pan, heat oil over high heat. Cook beef, onion, and garlic, breaking up meat until it's no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Transfer the beef mixture to a plate using a slotted spoon, discarding excess fat. Return beef to the pan and stir in rosemary, oregano, red pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon salt; cook for 4 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Add tomatoes, simmer on low heat for 8 to 10 minutes to blend flavors.
4. Divide polenta among 4 shallow bowls. Top each serving with beef ragu, basil, and the remaining cheese.

Alternative:

Ramp up your beef ragu game by experimenting with additional ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef mince (or 1 lb beef, 1 lb lamb, or pork)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 stalks celery, finely diced
• 2 carrots, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup red wine (or white, as preferred)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 400g crushed San Marzano tomatoes
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup whole milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cook meat in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until browned. Add diced vegetables, garlic, and tomato paste. Stir together and cook until vegetables soften. Deglaze the pan with red wine before adding tomatoes, broth, bay leaves, milk, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 2 hours or more until thickened. Stir in fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme before serving.

Serve this lip-smacking beef ragu over the creamy, cheesy polenta. Amplify the meal further by sprinkling on extra Parmesan, a dollop of ricotta, or even trying a non-dairy milk alternative for a vegan-friendly twist. Bon appétit!

1. The delectable Italian-Style Beef Ragu, a key component of this hearty meal, can benefit from the addition of grated Reggiano cheese.
2. The alternative beef ragu recipe suggested calls for various ingredients, including a cup of quick-cooking polenta, to complement the flavors of the beef and teaspoonfuls of fresh herbs like oregano.
3. This Italian-Style Beef Ragu with Cheesy Polenta yields a satisfying 4 servings, making it perfect for a family dinner or a dinner party.

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