Sloppy Joes over Polenta
Okay, so this recipe I got here. I’ve put in bold any changes I made or general comments.
- 2 Teaspoons Grapeseed or Olive Oil (I used evoo)
- 1 Medium Onion, Diced
- 1 20-ounce Package Lean Ground Turkey (I used ground beef)
- 2 to 3 Teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce (optional) (didn’t use)
- 1 8-ounce Can Tomato Sauce (like Hunt’s or a generic) (Target generic)
- 2 Medium Tomatoes (around 3/4 to 1 lb), diced (At first I didn’t realize I even had tomatoes in the fridge – D got some yesterday – so I would have just used one can of tomatoes.)
- 1 Batch Alisa’s Homemade Taco Seasoning, black pepper omitted (can sub 1 packet of premade taco seasoning, but if you ask me, mine’s better) (I used the recipe and it’s really, really good!!)
- 1 Cup Frozen Corn (I forgot to get some when I was at the store, but I would add it in for sure if I was making this with polenta again, but not if it was going on buns)
- 1 Chub Prepared Polenta
- About 1 Dozen Black Olives, sliced (I also didn’t use these, but they would have been fine)
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, and sauté for two minutes. Add the turkey, and sprinkle with the Worcestershire if using. Sauté, breaking up the turkey as you go, until it is cooked through (no pink!). Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and corn. Stir until everything is well combined. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and allow it to simmer for a few minutes or longer if you prefer.
While that is simmering, slice the polenta into 1/2-inch thick slices, and heat it in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat, flipping once. Divide the polenta between four plates, and top with the turkey mixture. Sprinkle with olives and serve. (I don’t think I will EVER make these on the stovetop again. It was a mess! Next time I would either bake them or use the griddle, for sure!)
Flavorful Taco Seasoning (I made three batches and I’m glad I did. 
)
This recipe is from Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook for Milk Allergies, Lactose Intolerance, and Casein-Free Living
We use a mild chili powder, as we prefer to control the heat of our meals after the fact, with hot sauce or salsa to taste, but you can use a medium or hot one if you prefer. This recipe is Vegan, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Soy-Free, Gluten-Free, Wheat-Free, Sugar-Free, and Non-Fat.
- 1 Tablespoon Mild Chili Powder
- 1-1/2 Teaspoons Ground Cumin
- 1/2 Teaspoon Paprika
- 1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/4 Teaspoon Dried Crushed Oregano
- 1/8 Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (increase if you like spicier) (I actually decreased this because I didn’t want Paul to refuse to eat the whole thing if it was “too spicy”…he ate it just fine!)
- 1/2 to 1 Teaspoon Salt (I use the full amount)
- Up to 1/2 Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper (optional) [I often omit] (I also did not include any, but I am not opposed to it. Right now the jar of pepper that we have genuinely is spicy, even I won’t eat it easily.)
In a small bowl, stir all of the ingredients together. If not using immediately, store in an airtight container.
To Prepare: Add the full batch of this seasoning mix to 1 lb of almost cooked ground meat, cubed chicken, vegan “meat” crumbles, cubed tofu, or chopped vegetables. Finish cooking with the seasoning incorporated to help the flavors meld. (This is so TRUE! This stuff is good and I would definitely try it on a few different things….like lentils.)
Yields 2-1/2 Tablespoons or the Equivalent of a 1/4-Ounce Packet of Store-Bought
I had bought the already cooked kind and so already had this on hand.
This is where the mess came in…I used too much oil at first and didn’t cook them long enough. So I tried to put them back in the pan, made an even bigger mess, and then tried them in my non-stick pan. The non-stick was better, but still a total pain. So, yes, these will probably be baked next time.
Lunch.
Something that I will probably do to make this more of a quick dinner (this one took me OVER AND HOUR TO MAKE–ugh) is to make the sloppy joes and freeze them, then thaw starting the night before. That way all I have to do is BAKE the polenta and cook some kind of veggie to go with it.
Funny story…when Derek got home after a 7 hour bike outing, he was trying the leftovers. He pointed at the carrots and asked, “What are those?”
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- Sloppy Joes over Polenta (via Living in a Chicago Neighborhood…) « Mr. Manley
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- Flashback favourite – Sloppy Joes « The Savoury Starving Student
yummy
Dang it…now I am hungry…really hungry and it’s not even close to lunch yet!
http://www.wutevs.wordpress.com
This look unhealthy but extremely delicious. Definately will try for dinner tonight after a long day in the water. I have one question what is evoo? Thanks. HeatherNRamirez.wordpress.com
evoo is short for extra virgin olive oil
This recipe really fired me up! I adore polenta, and any fresh excuse to cook up a batch is welcome. I will also forward your site address to my Chicago-lovin’, Chicago-livin’ friend.
Sounds great!
This was my first time making polenta and I’m looking forward to trying other things with it!
So glad you enjoyed the recipes and love your modifications! I use that taco seasoning all the time – and it isn’t too spicy on purpose. We like a little spice, but prefer to add heat with hot sauce or something when in the mood.
oh my goodness! I seriously could not believe how good this was! It will now be a pantry staple!
Do you cook your polenta stovetop? Does it get messy when you cook it?
Thanks!!
yum
http://hcfashion.wordpress.com/
That looks delicious! I am going to try your recipe Sunday for dinner! Thanks!
Yum, sounds delish! I’ll have to try this!
Good call skipping the ground turkey, unless it is really excellent ground turkey ( not your typical grocery store fare ) it can be unbelievable dry. The addition of Polenta to such a childhood classic is a great call.
I looove sloppy joes. We just had them this week using soy meat. I’m going to give your version a try, thanks!
MMMMMmmmmmm…Sloppy Joes. I’m not so sure about the polenta. I’ll have to try it.
Crystal
http://www.crystalspins.com
I can’t believe people eat polenta too. I like it a lot, but not too many people seem to know what it is.
Man, that looks good. I am going to have to try this one.
Sounds good to me! Shows the versatility of polenta!
That’s damn delicious! Yumm, polenta is so tasty!
Sounds great!
But you shouldn’t put tomatoes in the fridge. The cold ruins them!
Really? Does it change the taste?
Wow, that looks good. I don’t have many Sloppy Joes. Time to make an exception!
Looks awesome! I’m so glad you found an easy sloppy joe recipe.
We should get together one weekend and cook a bunch of freezer stuff.
Yummy
I saw polenta being mentioned and came to find out how you made yours cause
I love making it as home. Can add a bit of extra butter and cheese to make it
more flavourful.
See if you like anything on my recipe blog
http://rodas-recipes.blogspot.com
Sounds Promising ! I’ll definitely try this out when during my spare time.
nice recipe! i think i’d try this fried grits instead of polenta. but definitely a good idea either way. thanks!
Want. Some. Now.
cool!
Tomatoes should NEVER be refridgerated. It somehow changes the chemistry and a LOT of flavor is lost. The same with potatoes… it kills me when I see them in the fridge!!
Interesting use of polenta.
Sarah,
moonmooring.wordpress.com
We are planning another trip to Chicago in August. There is no city on earth like Chicago! Every time we go (twice a year) we discover new eateries, delicious food, and top notch entertainment. We can’t wait to get back to Banderas for Crab Cakes!!! Actually crab cakes on polenta sounds yummy…..
I think it’s a comfort food and unbelievably makes an interesting twist with the polenta.
I love polenta.
We are SO excited to try this recipe as my son is allergic to egg, dairy and nuts. Perfect! Thanks for posting.
K of IAFN
http://www.itsafullnest.com
Interesting take! This site makes for very good reading! I have some recipes up at my blog, too.
Ed Wozniak
Balladeer’s Blog
http://www.glitternight.com
That looks delicious. Hello, fellow Chicago folks!
Never even thought of using polenta! Thanks for the tip- will try!
Saw this title and had to check it out. Great combination, making me hungry already…and I just ate!
Sounds interesting, yummy, yet interesting. Gonna have to try it sometime.
That sounds delicious, going to make some tonight.