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Spicy Taco Polenta Bake Recipe

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4.1 from 90 reviews

This Spicy Taco Polenta Bake is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring a crispy polenta base topped with seasoned ground beef, black beans, diced green chiles, olives, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfectly spiced with taco seasoning and finished with fresh green onions, cilantro, and creamy avocado, this casserole offers a delicious twist on traditional taco flavors in a hearty bake.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Base

  • 1 package polenta (Trader Joe’s recommended)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Cooking spray, for greasing

Meat and Toppings

  • 1 lb ground beef (96/4 or 90/10 lean)
  • 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1/2 cup diced white onion
  • 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
  • 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (e.g., Primal Palate)
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives
  • Green onions, for topping
  • Cilantro, for topping
  • Avocado, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while you prepare the polenta base.
  2. Prepare Polenta Base: Remove the polenta from its packaging and crumble it by hand into small pieces. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Grease a 9×9-inch casserole dish with cooking spray, then press the crumbled polenta firmly into the bottom to form an even layer. Bake this base for 15 minutes to let it set and slightly crisp.
  3. Sauté Onions: While the polenta bakes, heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced white onion and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  4. Cook Ground Beef Mixture: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in the diced green chiles and taco seasoning. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and cooked through.
  5. Assemble Layers: Remove the baked polenta base from the oven. Layer the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the polenta, then add rinsed black beans, shredded mozzarella cheese, sliced olives, and diced green onions on top.
  6. Bake Until Melted: Return the assembled casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  7. Add Fresh Toppings & Serve: Once baked, garnish with fresh green onions, cilantro, and slices of avocado. Serve warm and enjoy your spicy taco polenta bake!

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
  • Use your favorite brand of taco seasoning, or make your own for more control over the spice level.
  • To make it vegetarian, swap ground beef for plant-based meat or extra beans and vegetables.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Adding a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime juice complements the flavors well.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/spicy-taco-polenta-bake-recipe/