There are some comfort foods that are surprisingly simple to make and become easy favorites. This recipe for Sausage Ragu and Polenta is one of those meals that is a perfect quick dinner all while being a delicious comfort food. Make sure to try my other polenta recipes such as my Creamy Parmesan Polenta or my Roasted Mushrooms and Creamy Polenta.
What is a ragu
A Ragu is a sauce made up of ground meat, vegetables and tomato sauce. There are many interpretations of Ragu, once famous iteration is a bolognese sauce. Ragus are usually served over pasta traditionally however I found it to be delicious when served over polenta.
what is polenta
Polenta is cornmeal boiled in stock so that it gets a delicious, thick, creamy texture. You can use yellow or white cornmeal to make it (there’s no difference in taste) and it’s a great way to use up the cornmeal in your cupboard that you got that one time you made cornbread from scratch. I like to serve my polenta warm so that it has a porridge like consistency. But you can also let it cool and solidify into a loaf that can be baked, fried or grilled.
tips for cooking polenta
Polenta can be a bit tricky to make but here are the tips I found that worked the best through trial and error
- Cook with chicken or vegetable stock for the most flavor, don’t use plain old water
- Bring liquid to a boil before adding cornmeal. Once cornmeal is added bring down to a simmer
- Use a sifter to slowly stir in the cornmeal. It will clump if not added in slowly.
- Stir constantly while adding cornmeal
- Mise en place is key, grate cheese and garlic while water is boiling and premeasure the cornmeal
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make it a meal
- Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots
- Balsamic Bacon Roasted Brussel Sprouts
- Roasted Broccoli and Garlic
- Other Side Options
other great beef dinners
Sausage Ragu and Polenta
Equipment
Ingredients
Polenta
- 4 Cups Chicken Stock
- 1 Cup Cornmeal
- Salt
- Pepper
- 1 Cup Parmesan Cheese Grated
- 3 Cloves Garlic Minced
- ¼ Cup Heavy Cream
- 2 Tbs Butter
Ragu
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Pound Italian Pork Sausage Meat Not in casings
- 1 Onion Diced
- 2 Carrots Diced
- 3 Cloves Garlic Smashed
- Salt
- pepper
- 15 Oz Tomato Sauce
- Parmesan Cheese for topping
Instructions
Polenta
- Bring stock to a boil in a saucepan. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer.
- Using a sifter slowly add in the cornmeal, stirring continuously. Once all of the cornmeal is added let simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in parmesan cheese, garlic, cream and butter. season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve warm for porridge consistency polenta or let cool to have a firm loaf like consistency.
Ragu
- In a large pan, heat oil on medium-high heat. Add in sausage and cook until browned. While cooking break sausage apart into small crumbles. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Add onion, carrot and garlic to pan. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until onion is translucent and carrots has softened.
- Return sausage to pan. Stir in tomato sauce and mix to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve ragu over polenta and enjoy!
Nutrition
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Arya's Corner
Kitten or squirrel? With a tail like that it's hard to tell!
About Michelle
Hello! I'm Michelle Boulé. I'm a photography nerd, cat mom and all around foodie. Join me in making some of my favorite comfort foods!
Beth says
Such a delicious and pack with flavor dish! My family and I love this recipe! Perfect for quick dinner nights!
Jessica Formicola says
Now this is my kind of comfort food! I love polenta, and when paired with ragu, it's divine!
Carrie says
Now this is my kind of comfort food! Looks hearty & delicious. 🙂
Anjali says
Yum! This recipe is so hearty and comforting!! Perfect for an easy weekend dinner!
Sara Welch says
Adding this to my dinner line up for the week; looks too good to pass up! My kind of comfort food, indeed!