AuthoradminCategoryCheese, Cornmeal, Dinner, Lunch, VegetablesCuisineMexicanCooking MethodBakingDifficultyBeginner
Whoever invented casseroles was a total genius. It’s such a brilliant way to feed a family and the ingredient possibilities are endless! I came up with this Mexican Polenta Casserole recipe out of my true passion for this style of cooking. Layers of polenta, seasoned veggies and meat are accented with plenty of gooey melted cheese and homemade guacamole.
Slice the polenta into 1/4 inch rounds. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Make the guacamole: Mash the avocado & lime juice with a fork. Fold in the onion and tomatoes. Season with garlic salt & pepper to taste.
Heat the olive oil in a heavy bottomed saucepan or cast iron skillet over medium heat, add the onions and sauté for 10 minutes. Mix in the pepper, zucchini, garlic, chipotle and salt. Cook 3-5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the tomato sauce. Transfer this mixture to a bowl. Add the meat to the pan. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Combine the veggies into the meat and combine well.
Layer the casserole like a lasagna. First, spoon in a layer of meat sauce to coat the bottom of the pan. Top with a layer of polenta and some cheese. Continue this until you have finished all the ingredients. Top with the rest of the cheese. Bake for 20 minutes, the cheese will be melted. Broil for 5 minutes or until cheese is browned to your liking. Remove from the oven and let cool a few minutes. Top with guacamole, cilantro, sliced olives and green onion.
Ingredients
Directions
Slice the polenta into 1/4 inch rounds. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Make the guacamole: Mash the avocado & lime juice with a fork. Fold in the onion and tomatoes. Season with garlic salt & pepper to taste.
Heat the olive oil in a heavy bottomed saucepan or cast iron skillet over medium heat, add the onions and sauté for 10 minutes. Mix in the pepper, zucchini, garlic, chipotle and salt. Cook 3-5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the tomato sauce. Transfer this mixture to a bowl. Add the meat to the pan. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Combine the veggies into the meat and combine well.
Layer the casserole like a lasagna. First, spoon in a layer of meat sauce to coat the bottom of the pan. Top with a layer of polenta and some cheese. Continue this until you have finished all the ingredients. Top with the rest of the cheese. Bake for 20 minutes, the cheese will be melted. Broil for 5 minutes or until cheese is browned to your liking. Remove from the oven and let cool a few minutes. Top with guacamole, cilantro, sliced olives and green onion.
