Savory Polenta Casserole with Bell Peppers and Italian Sausage
This delightful Savory Polenta Casserole offers a comforting layer of creamy, ready-cooked polenta topped with a flavorful medley of sautéed sweet Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic garlic. With hints of thyme, a splash of red wine vinegar, and a sprinkle of asiago cheese, this dish not only pleases the palate but also warms the heart. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this casserole is a convenient and hearty option that comes together in under an hour for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
437.5
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ready-cooked polenta
1 package (24 ounces) (sliced into half-inch slices)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Red bell peppers
3 medium (stemmed, seeded and sliced into 1/4-inch thick strips)
Red onion
1 large (halved and thinly sliced)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Sweet Italian sausage
1 1/2 lbs (removed from its casing)
Garlic cloves
6 medium (minced)
Fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons (minced (or about 2/3 teaspoon dried))
Red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (for heat)
Diced tomatoes
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) (with juice)
Red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons (for acidity)
Black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Asiago cheese
2 ounces (grated (about 1 cup))
Fresh parsley leaves
2 tablespoons (minced for garnishing)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the ready-cooked polenta into half-inch slices and evenly cover the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish, pressing the slices together to form one solid layer.
2
In a large 12-inch skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced red bell peppers, red onion, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the peppers become tender.
3
Add the sweet Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes until the sausage is no longer pink.
4
Stir in the minced garlic, fresh thyme, and red pepper flakes; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
5
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juice and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and mix in the red wine vinegar, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6
Spread the sausage and vegetable mixture evenly over the layer of polenta in the casserole dish. Top with the grated asiago cheese.
7
Bake in the middle rack of the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8
Allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Finish by sprinkling the fresh parsley on top for added flavor and fresh color.
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
31.25g
Carbs
18.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Polenta Casserole with Bell Peppers and Italian Sausage?
It is a comforting, hearty dish featuring layers of ready-cooked polenta, sautéed sweet Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and melted asiago cheese.
What type of polenta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 24-ounce package of ready-cooked polenta, typically found in a tube.
How should the polenta be prepared for the casserole?
The ready-cooked polenta should be sliced into half-inch thick slices and pressed into the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish to form a solid layer.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for baking this casserole.
How much Italian sausage is required?
You will need 1 1/2 pounds of sweet Italian sausage with the casings removed.
What kind of bell peppers should I use?
The recipe uses 3 medium red bell peppers, stemmed, seeded, and sliced into 1/4-inch thick strips.
How long do I sauté the peppers and onions?
Sauté the red bell peppers and red onion for about 5 minutes or until the peppers become tender.
What kind of onion is best for this dish?
One large red onion, halved and thinly sliced, is used for its flavor and color.
How much garlic is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 medium cloves of garlic, minced.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Yes, if you don't have 2 teaspoons of fresh minced thyme, you can substitute it with about 2/3 teaspoon of dried thyme.
Should the diced tomatoes be drained?
No, add the 14 1/2 ounce can of diced tomatoes along with their juice to the skillet.
Why is red wine vinegar added to the mixture?
Two tablespoons of red wine vinegar are added to provide acidity and balance the savory flavors of the sausage and vegetables.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
Two ounces (about 1 cup) of grated asiago cheese is used to top the casserole.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole in the middle rack of the oven for approximately 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
Is there a cooling period after baking?
Yes, allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes before serving to let it set.
What is used as a final garnish?
Two tablespoons of minced fresh parsley leaves are sprinkled on top for added color and fresh flavor.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 437.5 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
The dish contains about 25 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this polenta casserole?
There are 31.25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of this meal?
This recipe provides 18.75 grams of protein per serving.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
It has a mild kick from 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, but uses sweet Italian sausage rather than hot.
What size pan should I use for the sauce?
A large 12-inch skillet is recommended for sautéing the vegetables and cooking the sausage.
Can I use olive oil for sautéing?
Yes, the recipe specifically uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing the peppers and onions.
How thick should the polenta slices be?
The polenta should be sliced into half-inch thick rounds.
Do I need to cook the polenta before slicing?
No, use ready-cooked polenta which is firm and easy to slice directly from the package.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 14 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Can I substitute the asiago cheese?
While asiago provides a specific nutty flavor, you can substitute with parmesan or fontina if necessary.
How do I prepare the sausage?
Remove the sausage from its casing and break it apart in the skillet as it cooks.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include casserole, polenta, italian sausage, bell peppers, comfort food, easy dinner, and hearty.
Is this dish suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is a convenient and hearty option that comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for groups.