Creamy Polenta with Spiced Ground Beef - Winter Comfort
A soul-warming Mediterranean classic: smooth, creamy polenta topped with expertly spiced ground beef. Ready in 30 minutes, this hearty and comforting dish is perfect for winter evenings.
🛒 Ingredients
4 servings
- 3/4 cup cornmeal (polenta)
- 2 cups water
- 1 pinch fine salt
- 9 oz ground beef
- 1 small white onion
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 oz fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/3 oz fresh chives
- 1 oz grated cheese (Parmesan or Pecorino, optional)
Watch the original video
Watch on TikTokDirections
- 1
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil with a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan.
- 2
Pour the polenta in a thin stream while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to avoid lumps. Reduce heat to medium-low.
- 3
Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring regularly, until you reach a smooth and creamy texture. The polenta should not stick to the bottom. Keep warm.
- 4
Meanwhile, peel and finely chop the onion and garlic.
- 5
In a non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- 6
Sauté the onion for 2-3 minutes until translucent, then add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- 7
Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Brown well for 5-7 minutes over high heat until nicely colored.
- 8
Season the meat with salt, ground black pepper, and paprika. Mix well and cook for 1 minute to allow the flavors to develop.
- 9
Pour the hot polenta into shallow bowls. Gently spoon the ground beef on top.
- 10
Sprinkle generously with fresh parsley and chives. Top with a little grated cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
💡 Chef's Tip
For an ultra-creamy polenta, replace 3/4 cup of water with beef broth. You can also enrich it at the end of cooking with a knob of butter. Tip: Prepare the meat in advance and refrigerate; reheat just before serving for added convenience.
