Description
Spicy Taco Polenta Bake is a bold, cheesy, and easy dinner layered with taco-seasoned beef, black beans, and creamy polenta—perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package pre-cooked polenta
- 1 lb ground beef (90/10 or 96/4)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup diced white onion
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 3 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1/2 tbsp avocado oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings (optional):
- Sliced green onion
- Fresh cilantro
- Diced avocado
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Crumble the polenta into a greased 9×9 baking dish. Season with salt and pepper, press into an even layer, and bake for 15 minutes.
- Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 1–2 minutes.
- Add ground beef, diced green chiles, and taco seasoning. Cook until beef is browned and fully cooked.
- Remove polenta from oven. Layer with cooked beef mixture, black beans, mozzarella cheese, and sliced olives.
- Return to oven and bake for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Top with green onions, cilantro, and avocado before serving.
Notes
- For extra spice, add jalapeños or chili flakes.
- Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Bake polenta a few extra minutes for a crispier base.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg