One-Pot Beef and Tomato Ragù with Parmesan Polenta
A hearty one-pot beef ragù simmered in rich tomato sauce, served over creamy Parmesan-infused polenta for comforting Italian flavors. This italian-inspired quick meals ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground beef, olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup quick-cooking polenta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, for 6-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
- Step 3: Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to thicken.
- Step 4: While sauce simmers, bring 4 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in 1 cup quick-cooking polenta, reduce heat to low, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently until thickened.
- Step 5: Remove polenta from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Step 6: Spoon the beef ragù over the Parmesan polenta and serve hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Beef and Tomato Ragù with Parmesan Polenta take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Beef and Tomato Ragù with Parmesan Polenta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Beef and Tomato Ragù with Parmesan Polenta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Beef and Tomato Ragù with Parmesan Polenta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Beef and Tomato Ragù with Parmesan Polenta?
Italian quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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