Skip to main content

Cheesy Polenta Pie

Dinner in an hour! This quick recipe can be easily customized to meet everyone's taste preferences.
Photo of Cheesy Polenta Pie
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Makes: 12 Cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

FILLING
½ pound lean ground beef (15% fat)
½ medium onion, chopped (about ½ cup)
1 can (15.5 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
1 ½ cups corn (canned and drained, frozen, or fresh cooked)
1 Tablespoon chili powder
½ teaspoon cumin 
1 teaspoon garlic powder or 4 cloves of garlic, minced
½ teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon each salt and black pepper
 
TOPPING
1 cup yellow cornmeal
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 ½ cups water
1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. Brown meat and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees F in an electric skillet). Drain fat (see Notes).
  4. Add the rest of the filling ingredients.
  5. Reduce heat to low (250 degrees F in an electric skillet) and cover the pan.
  6. As the filling heats, mix cornmeal, salt, sugar and 1 teaspoon chili powder with water in a small saucepan.
  7. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in cheese.
  8. Spread topping over the filling.
  9. Cover and cook over low heat, with lid slightly ajar, until topping is set, about 10 minutes.
  10. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Substitute 1-2 Tablespoons taco seasoning mix for the last 6 ingredients in the filling.
  • Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 ½ to 1 ¾ cups drained beans.
  • One large ear of corn makes about 1 cup of cut corn.
  • Pour fat from cooked meat into a metal container. Let it cool, then dispose of it into a garbage can.

Comments

My family really liked this. I did make a few changes to the recipe.  I added one diced green bell pepper and started by sauteing the diced pepper and onion in a little oil to soften them before adding the rest of the ingredients. I used a 15 oz can of drained black beans in place of the ground beef.  I didn't have cornmeal so I used masa harina in its place and it worked out great.

Very hearty meal! Made vegetarian as well. Took longer to make than I anticipated but well worth the wait!

SUCH a great recipe!  For sure a Food Hero fav and super easy and all the kids loved it!  We served it with low fat sour cream and hot sauce.  Oh, and we made it vegetarian by substituting the meat for 1 cup of black beans.

This is a great way to feed a lot of people! Delicous and a lot of food for your money!

This is my favorite dinner recipe!!! My friends all love it too!

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Turkey Ginger Rice Lettuce Wraps
Plate of lettuce boats filled with a turkey and carrot mix.

Turkey Ginger Rice Lettuce Wraps

Fresh and filling meal with a warm blend of rice, vegetables and a savory sauce.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Brown Rice with Corn and Beans
A seasoned mix of brown rice, black beans and corn is shown in a serving bowl.

Brown Rice with Corn and Beans

This kid-approved recipe filled with whole grains, veggies and beans is flavorful, filling and perfect for any meal.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Peanut Butter Cereal Bars
Platter of oat and peanut butter squares with raisins.

Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

Whole grain oats, peanut butter and dried fruit make a crispy, chewy treat that is great for when you are on-the-go.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
16 bars (2x2-inch)
Rhubarb Muffins
Platter of muffins with small pink rhubarb pieces.

Rhubarb Muffins

Easy to make muffins with bites of sweet and tart rhubarb.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
12 muffins
Tomato Melt
Plate of english muffin halves with cheese and a tomato slice.

Tomato Melt

Warm and toasty English muffins make this a quick and satisfying meal.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
6 to 8 minutes
Makes:
4 muffin halves
Overnight Oatmeal
Ceramic bowl with creamy oatmeal topped with raspberries and blueberries.

Overnight Oatmeal

Quick and easy make-ahead breakfast recipe that can be easily customized with your favorite fruit.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
6-12 hours
Makes:
4 cups