Instructions

1. Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of polenta, 4 cups of beef broth, 1 pound of ground beef, 1/2 pound of Italian sausage, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 can of diced tomatoes, and salt and pepper to taste.
2. In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
4. Next, add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Once the meat is cooked, drain any excess fat if necessary. Then, add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot. Stir well to combine.
6. Pour in the 4 cups of beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the stew to simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. While the stew is simmering, prepare the polenta. In a separate saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or additional beef broth to a boil. Once boiling, slowly whisk in 1 cup of polenta, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
8. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook the polenta, stirring frequently, for about 15-20 minutes until it thickens and becomes creamy. If the polenta becomes too thick, you can add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
9. Once the polenta is cooked, remove it from the heat and stir in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of olive oil for added richness, if desired.
10. To serve, spoon a generous portion of the creamy polenta onto each plate and top with the beef and sausage stew. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.
11. Enjoy your delicious Polenta with Beef and Sausage Stew, perfect for a comforting meal!