Crock Pot Mexican Ragu And Grilled Polenta Recipes

CROCKPOT BRAISED BEEF RAGU WITH POLENTA

Steps:

• Optional, but for best tasting results: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep frying pan. Add the beef in one whole piece and fry on each side for about 5 minutes, turning until the whole exterior is golden brown. I had some splattering issues so I covered the pan with a lid.
• Place all remaining ingredients with the beef in a crockpot or slow cooker (5 quart size worked for me). Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours. When the beef falls apart easily when pulled at with two forks, it is ready. Shred the beef into pieces and give it a good stir.
• For the polenta, boil the water and add the salt. Slowly add the cornmeal, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. The polenta will start to thicken quickly. Continue whisking or stirring for 2-3 minutes before removing from heat. Stir in the butter until melted (you can also add cheese I'M JUST SAYING). For solid and chewy polenta, pour into a rectangular dish, let cool for 15-20 minutes, and cut into pieces. For softer polenta (my preference), serve scoops of polenta immediately before it has hardened.

SLOW-COOKER POLENTA

Steps:

• In a 6-qt. slow cooker, combine 12 cups broth, cornmeal, onion, garlic, bay leaves and salt. Cook, covered, on low , 6-8 hours, until liquid is absorbed and polenta is creamy. Remove bay leaves. Stir in cream, cheese, butter, pepper and remaining broth. If desired, serve with additional cheese.

CROCK POT MEXICAN RAGU AND GRILLED POLENTA

Steps:

• This couldn't be easier -- just add everything except the scallions, polenta, butter and oil into the crock pot and cook on low 8-10 hours. At the end of cooking, make sure you taste for any additional seasoning.
• Polenta -- There are many flavors of polenta all very unique these days. Cheese, herb, plain, sundried, onion, you name it. You can use whatever you like. I happen to like the plain best, but don't be afraid to try something else.
• In a medium sauce pan add the olive oil and butter and bring to medium high heat. Add the polenta slices and saute until lightly golden brown. Flip and saute the other side until golden brown as well.
• Serve -- Plate the polenta and top with the ragu over top. Garnish with the scallions and Monterey Jack cheese. serve with a nice salad for an easy dinner.
• NOTE: Chipoltes are spicy. Start out with 1-2 small chipoltes.You could add a little more half way through cooking for a little more heat, but go easy.

SLOW-COOKER BEEF RAGU

Steps:

• In a 5-to-6-quart slow cooker, combine onion, garlic, tomato paste, and oregano. Season roast with salt and pepper and place on top of onion mixture.
• Add 2 cups water, cover, and cook on high until meat is tender and can easily be pulled apart with a fork, 4 1/2 hours (or 9 hours on low). Let cool 10 minutes, then shred meat in slow cooker with 2 forks and stir in vinegar to taste.