Zesty Tex-Mex Polenta Pie
This Zesty Tex-Mex Polenta Pie combines the hearty flavors of seasoned ground beef with protein-rich red beans and a zesty salsa filling, all topped with soft, delightful rounds of polenta and melty cheddar cheese. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbling, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Easily adaptable for vegetarian diets by substituting soy crumbles, this quick and easy recipe is sure to please any crowd.
6
Servings
390
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
12 ounces (browned and crumbled)
red beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
salsa
1 (16 ounce) jar (none)
refrigerated prepared polenta
1 (16 ounce) roll (sliced into 1/2 inch rounds)
cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded (can use Monterey jack))
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
2
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart until fully cooked.
3
3. Stir in the drained red beans and the jar of salsa, mixing until well combined and heated through.
4
4. Transfer the hearty beef and bean mixture into a lightly greased 8-inch square baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
5
5. Carefully arrange the sliced polenta over the meat mixture, overlapping the rounds as necessary to ensure full coverage.
6
6. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey jack) generously over the top of the polenta.
7
7. Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the cheese is lightly golden brown.
8
8. Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes, then serve warm.
Nutrition Information
16g
Fat
33g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Tex-Mex Polenta Pie?
It is a hearty dish combining seasoned lean ground beef, red beans, and salsa, topped with polenta rounds and melted cheddar cheese.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature for this dish?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The ingredients include lean ground beef, red beans, salsa, refrigerated polenta, and cheddar cheese.
How much ground beef is required?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of lean ground beef, browned and crumbled.
Can this recipe be adapted for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with soy crumbles to make it a vegetarian-friendly dish.
What type and amount of beans are used?
The recipe uses one 15-ounce can of drained red beans.
How much salsa is needed for the filling?
You will need one 16-ounce jar of salsa.
What size polenta roll is used?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce roll of refrigerated prepared polenta.
How should the polenta be sliced?
The polenta roll should be sliced into 1/2 inch thick rounds.
What type of cheese can be used for the topping?
You can use 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey jack cheese.
What size baking pan should I use?
A lightly greased 8-inch square baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
How long does the polenta pie need to bake?
The dish should bake for approximately 25 minutes.
What are the visual signs that the dish is done?
The pie is ready when the edges are bubbly and the cheese on top is lightly golden brown.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 390 calories per serving.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving contains 25 grams of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 16 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving contains 33 grams of carbohydrates.
Should the baking pan be greased?
Yes, the 8-inch square baking pan should be lightly greased before adding the mixture.
How do you prepare the beef for the filling?
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart until it is fully cooked.
When do I add the beans and salsa?
Stir the drained red beans and salsa into the browned beef and mix until well combined and heated through.
How do I arrange the polenta on top?
Carefully arrange the sliced polenta rounds over the meat mixture, overlapping them as needed to ensure full coverage.
Is this considered a quick dinner recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and an easy recipe suitable for weeknights.
What are some tags that describe this dish?
Tags include Tex-Mex, savory pie, polenta, comfort food, and beef.
Should the red beans be drained before use?
Yes, the instructions specify to use drained red beans.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
The recipe suggests letting it cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving warm.
How many main ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: beef, beans, salsa, polenta, and cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for casual gatherings?
Yes, the description notes it is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Can I use a different size pan?
The recipe is optimized for an 8-inch square baking pan for even distribution.
What is the flavor profile of the filling?
The filling is described as zesty and hearty, combining seasoned beef with salsa and beans.