Polenta Pie

Ingredients:

2 T Olive Oil

1 lb Ground Beef

1/2 Onion, chopped

2 Garlic Cloves, minced

2 14 oz Cans Diced or Crushed Tomatoes

1 Small Zucchini, diced

1 Small Yellow Squash, diced

1 Medium Red Bell Pepper, diced

1/8 t Fennel Seed

1/2 t Dried Basil

1/4 t Dried Oregano

Pinch of Crushed Red Pepper

Pinch of Salt and Pepper

1 C Instant Polenta

1 C Milk

2 C Water

2 T Butter

1/4 t Salt

1 C Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Directions:

In a large saucepan, brown ground beef in olive oil. 

Add onion and garlic and cook until onion is translucent. 

Add tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, red pepper, fennel, basil, oregano, crushed red pepper, salt and pepper. Simmer for at least 30 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally. 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish. 

In a separate medium-large saucepan bring milk, water and butter to a low simmer. 

Slowly whisk in polenta and continue stirring constantly until mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in salt. 

Scoop polenta into baking dish and create an even layer. 

Spoon on sauce mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. 

Bake for 30-35 minutes. 

Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving. 

* Adapted from http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/baked-polenta-pie/#_a5y_p=1647313