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Creamy Polenta & Meatballs Recipe

Creamy Polenta & Meatballs Recipe
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A warm and comforting dish that pairs creamy, buttery polenta with tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and fresh staples to create a delicious, soul-satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Polenta

  • 1 cup coarse cornmeal
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground meat (beef, pork, turkey, or a mix)
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or oregano), chopped
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 egg
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Additional fresh herbs for garnish (parsley, basil)
  • Optional: red pepper flakes or chili peppers for spice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: Combine ground meat with finely chopped garlic, onion, fresh herbs, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, and egg in a bowl. Mix gently to combine and shape the mixture into small, even-sized meatballs for uniform cooking.
  2. Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a golden crust, locking in the juices and enhancing flavor. Do this in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  3. Simmer Meatballs in Tomato Sauce: Transfer the browned meatballs to a saucepan with tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. Let them simmer gently for 20–25 minutes so they cook through and absorb the sauce’s flavors.
  4. Cook the Polenta: In a separate pot, bring the broth to a boil. Gradually whisk in the coarse cornmeal, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for about 20 minutes until thick and creamy, then stir in butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve with Love: Plate a generous scoop of creamy polenta, top with juicy meatballs and sauce, and garnish with fresh herbs or extra Parmesan. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting blend of flavors.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for the meatball mixture to ensure consistent texture.
  • Continuously stir polenta while cooking to avoid lumps and achieve smooth creaminess.
  • Brown meatballs in batches to get a perfect crust without steaming them.
  • Let meatballs rest briefly after cooking to retain juiciness.
  • If polenta thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy polenta, meatballs, comfort food, Italian recipe, gluten free, easy dinner, homemade sauce

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/creamy-polenta-meatballs-recipe/