Sneaky Polenta Casserole
Do you ever get stuck in a rut with your dinner making? I tend to serve lots of tacos, spaghetti, hot dogs/chicken sausages (with fruit and veggies on the side, so it’s not a total waste of a meal!), and rotisserie chicken. The other day I decided to mix things up a bit and remake one of my old favorites in a newer, healthier way. I used to make this Polenta Casserole with plain old spaghetti sauce, which was still pretty tasty. This time, however, I decided to make my own sauce and cram it full of veggies that the kids wouldn’t even know they were eating…that’s why it’s sneaky!! The casserole was a huge hit!
For the sauce I put a large can of organic diced tomatoes in my blender, with some veggies and sea salt, and let it go to town on the hot setting. I’ve told you a few times that I’m totally loving this hot setting on my NutriBullet
After using the sauce for the polenta casserole I had about half a cup left over. It smelled really good, so instead of pouring it out I drank it. Something magical must have happened in the blending/heating process, because I felt SO good after drinking it! I didn’t mention that to my husband when I invited him to finish the sauce off, and he told me it gave him a rush of energy. How cool is that? This is serious health food, and you won’t believe the flavor! Blending veggies down to a very fine liquid state extracts more nutrients by breaking down the cell walls. It also makes the fiber easier to digest, so your system will be very happy! Even if you don’t want to make this casserole, I highly recommend drinking the sauce as a soup! By the way, I don’t usually like tomato soup…this one wasn’t overly acidic, though.
Before we get to the recipe for the Sneaky Polenta Casserole, I want to invite you to join with others who are making healthy changes. I’d love to walk alongside you in your journey towards wholeness and health! Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full!” Freedom from food addictions is part of having a truly full life.
| Servings | Prep Time |
| 8-10 People | 25 Minutes |
| Cook Time |
| 45 Minutes |
|
|
|
|
This Sneaky Polenta Casserole is a healthy, delicious dinner, that is packed with veggies your kids will never know are there! (Gluten Free)
|
- 2 Cans Organic Diced Tomatoes (14.5 Oz each)
- 2 Medium Carrots (roughly chopped)
- 1 Small Onion (roughly chopped)
- 2 Garlic Cloves (roughly chopped)
- 1 Small Zucchini (roughly chopped)
- 1-2 Tsp Sea Salt (to taste)
- 1/2 Tsp Freshly Ground Pepper
- 1 Lb Ground Turkey (not fat free)
- 1 Tsp Sea Salt
- 1/2 Tsp Freshly Ground Pepper
- 1/2 Tsp Organic Garlic Powder
- 1/2 Tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 Tbsp Organic Italian Seasoning
- 2 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 2-3 Cups Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 Can Black Olives (3.8 Oz, sliced))
- 2-3 Cups Polenta (see note)
- Start by making your sauce. The easiest way is to simply combine all of the ingredients in your NutriBullet and run it on the heat setting. Otherwise heat the ingredients in a large pot over medium heat.
- When the veggies become soft turn the heat off. You can either purée it with a handheld blender, or put it in your blender. Set the sauce aside until you're ready to layer the casserole.
- Combine all of the ingredients for the meat, except balsamic vinegar, in a large ceramic non stick skillet. Cook it over medium heat until the meat is cooked through. Stir often and break up the meat into small chunks with your spatula.
- Add balsamic vinegar for the last couple minutes of cooking. Set the meat aside until you're ready to assemble the casserole.
- Slice your polenta into thin disks. Cover the bottom of a large baking dish with the sauce. Place a layer of polenta disks on top of the sauce. Sprinkle the turkey meat, olives, and more sauce over the polenta, then cover that with a thin layer of cheese.
- Place another layer of polenta disks on top of the cheese. Cover it with more meat, then sauce, then cheese. Bake the casserole for 40-50 minutes, or until it is bubbling and the cheese is melted. Enjoy warm!
I use the organic polenta that is already prepared from Trader Joe's. It comes in a log form, and I needed 1 1/2 logs for this casserole. Of course you can use more, or less, depending on how thinly you slice it. Here is a picture and link of it (it's less expensive to buy at Trader Joe's than Amazon).
