Italian Polenta Casserole

Indulge in the comforting flavors of an **Italian Polenta Casserole**, a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. This layered casserole showcases creamy, buttery polenta as the base, topped with a savory mix of browned Italian sausage, fragrant garlic, and rich marinara sauce. Melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses add a decadent, bubbly finish, while a sprinkle of fresh basil provides the perfect herby garnish. With its satisfying textures and bold, classic Italian flavors, this casserole is easy to prepare and sure to impress. Whether you're feeding a family or entertaining guests, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup polenta
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage, ground
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the salt and gradually whisk in the polenta.

Step 2

Reduce the heat to low and cook the polenta, stirring frequently, for about 10-15 minutes until thickened and smooth.

Step 3

Remove the polenta from heat and stir in the butter. Spread the cooked polenta evenly into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 4

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.

Step 5

Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, then add the ground Italian sausage. Cook, breaking up the sausage with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 7

Spread half of the sausage and marinara mixture over the polenta layer in the casserole dish.

Step 8

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce layer.

Step 9

Repeat with the remaining sausage mixture, then top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the grated parmesan cheese.

Step 10

Bake the casserole in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2629 grams (2629.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3066

Total Fat 245.00g	314%
Saturated Fat 101.60g	508%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.40g
Cholesterol 627mg	209%
Sodium 9280mg	403%
Total Carbohydrate 66.90g	24%
Dietary Fiber 9.20g	33%
Total Sugars 20.60g
Protein 140.60g	281%

Vitamin D 5IU	24%
Calcium 2531mg	195%
Iron 12mg	66%
Potassium 1490mg	32%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 72.7%

Protein: 18.5%

Carbs: 8.8%