Ingredients

  • 1 cup quick-cooking polenta
  • 3/4 cup (3 ounces) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese or mascarpone
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves

Method

  • Cook polenta in a medium saucepan according to package directions.
  • At the end, stir in 1/3 cup cheese and cream cheese.
  • Meanwhile, heat oil in a large frying pan over high heat.
  • Cook beef, onion, and garlic, stirring often to break up meat, until meat is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
  • Transfer beef mixture to a plate using a slotted spoon and discard excess fat.
  • Return meat to the pan and add rosemary, oregano, red pepper, 1/8 teaspoon salt; cook for 4 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Add tomatoes, simmer on low heat to meld flavors, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Divide polenta evenly among 4 shallow bowls.
  • Top each serving with beef mixture, a sprinkling of basil, and the remaining cheese.