Cheesy Mexican Polenta Bake
This Cheesy Mexican Polenta Bake is a comforting fusion of hearty flavors featuring savory ground beef, zesty spices, and rich cheddar cheese. Inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine, this dish is enhanced with the robustness of mixed beans and the tanginess of chopped tomatoes. The topping of creamy polenta adds a refined touch, making this bake both a simple yet gourmet delight. Ideal for those seeking a wholesome meal with a mild kick, this dish can easily be spiced up with added chili flakes, perfect for family meals or gatherings.
4
Servings
450
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
350 g (none)
oil
2 teaspoons (none)
garlic clove
1 (crushed)
mixed beans
125 g (drained)
chopped tomatoes
400 g (none)
tomato paste
2 tablespoons (none)
red chili
1 (chopped (optional))
cumin
1 teaspoon (none)
cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (none)
polenta
3/4 cup (none)
boiling water
1/2 cup (none)
evaporated milk
375 ml (light and creamy)
egg
1 (none)
cheddar cheese
3/4 cup (low fat)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit).
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the oil and crushed garlic. Cook until fragrant, then add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned.
3
To the beef mixture, add mixed beans, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, chopped red chili (if using), cumin, and cinnamon. Stir until well combined and bring the mixture to a boil.
4
Once boiling, reduce heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, prepare the polenta topping.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the polenta with boiling water, stirring until smooth. Add evaporated milk, egg, and cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly and let it stand for 10 minutes.
6
When the meat mixture is ready, spoon it into four individual ovenproof bowls (or one large ovenproof baking dish).
7
Evenly distribute the polenta mixture over the beef mixture.
8
Place the bowls or dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the polenta is golden brown and set.
9
Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, cheesy Mexican polenta bake.
Nutrition Information
20 g
Fat
35 g
Carbs
25 g
Protein
7.5 g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Mexican Polenta Bake?
It is a comforting fusion dish featuring savory ground beef, zesty spices, mixed beans, and a creamy cheddar polenta topping.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the main nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains 450 calories, 20g of fat, 35g of carbohydrates, and 25g of protein.
What is the fiber content of this dish?
This dish provides 7.5g of fiber per serving.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit).
How long does the beef mixture need to simmer?
The beef and bean mixture should simmer for 15 minutes.
How do I prepare the polenta topping?
Combine polenta with boiling water, then mix in evaporated milk, an egg, and cheddar cheese, letting it stand for 10 minutes.
How long is the final baking time?
The dish should bake for 15-20 minutes until the polenta is golden brown and set.
Can I bake this in individual portions?
Yes, you can use four individual ovenproof bowls or one large baking dish.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from cumin and optional red chili, but you can add more chili flakes to increase the heat.
What type of beef is used?
The recipe calls for 350g of lean ground beef.
What spices are included in the beef mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with cumin and cinnamon.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the topping?
Low-fat cheddar cheese is recommended for this recipe.
What type of milk is used for the polenta?
Light and creamy evaporated milk (375 ml) is used for the polenta topping.
Do the mixed beans need any preparation?
Yes, the 125g of mixed beans should be drained before being added to the skillet.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 14 ingredients in this recipe.
Does this recipe contain garlic?
Yes, it uses one crushed garlic clove.
Is the red chili mandatory?
No, the chopped red chili is optional depending on your heat preference.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Beans.
What is the texture of the polenta topping?
The polenta topping is described as creamy, refined, and cheesy.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The provided nutritional data indicates that there is no recorded sugar content.
What tags are associated with this meal?
Tags include Mexican, polenta, cheese, beans, baking, comfort food, spicy, protein-rich, and family meal.
How much oil is needed for sautéing?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of oil.
Can this be served as a family meal?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a family meal and is suitable for gatherings.
What is the sodium content?
The sodium content for this specific recipe is not provided in the nutritional breakdown.
How much tomato paste is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
Is there an egg in the recipe?
Yes, one egg is mixed into the polenta topping to help it set.
How much polenta is required?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of polenta.
How much boiling water is added to the polenta?
1/2 cup of boiling water is used to start the polenta preparation.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius.