Sausage and Vegetable Polenta Casserole

Layered, Slow, and Deeply Satisfying

There is something quietly ceremonial about building a casserole in layers — the patient repetition of it, the faith that time and heat will do the rest. This dish belongs to that unhurried tradition. Polenta rounds, rich with their soft give, alternate with a savory depth that fills the kitchen with warmth long before the table is set. A spoonful of whipped ricotta at the end brings a gentle lift, the kind of finishing touch that makes the whole thing feel considered, abundant, and utterly worth the wait.

Ingredients

• • Casserole • •
• 1/2 tablespoons Alessi Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 pound Italian turkey sausage
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Alessi Tuscan Seasoning
• 16 ounces pre-cooked polenta (in tube), sliced into thin rounds
• 3 tablespoons Alessi Pesto, divided
• 24 ounces Alessi Marinara Sauce
• • Whipped Ricotta • •
• 1 container (15 ounces) whole milk ricotta cheese
• juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 teaspoon Alessi Garlic Puree
• Alessi Sea Salt and Fresh Peppercorns
• • Toppings • •
• grated Parmesan cheese
• freshly chopped parsley
• Extra Alessi Pesto

Instructions

1. Cook the sausage and veggies.
2. If you’re using the Instant Pot , press the Sauté button and add the Alessi Olive Oil to the pot.
3. A dd in the sausage and cook until browned.
4. Then, stir in the onion, garlic, zucchini, red bell pepper, and Alessi Tuscan Seasoning.
5. Cook for a few minutes until the veggies have softened.
6. Keep 1/3 of the sausage mixture in the Instant Pot and transfer the rest to a bowl.
7. If you’re using the Slow Cooker : h eat the oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat.
8. A dd in the sausage and cook until browned.
9. Then, stir in the onion, garlic, zucchini, red bell pepper, and Alessi Tuscan Seasoning.
10. Cook for a few minutes until the veggies have softened.
11. Layer 1/3 of the sausage mixture on the bottom of a slow cooker.
12. Layer: Over the sausage mixture, layer the following: 1/3 of the polenta rounds, a drizzle of pesto (1 tablespoon), and 1 cup sauce.
13. Then, repeat with the sausage mixture, 1/3 of the polenta rounds, a drizzle of pesto (1 tablespoon), and 1 cup sauce.
14. Finish with the final group of polenta rounds and 1 cup sauce.
15. Cook the casserole.
16. For the Instant Pot, press the manual button, and set the timer to cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
17. Naturally, release pressure for 10 minutes.
18. Remove the lid.
19. If there is excess liquid pooling on the sides, press the Sauté button again and bring the excess liquid to a low simmer, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
20. This will allow the liquid to evaporate.
21. For the Slow cooker, cook on high for 2-4 hours or on low for 4-6 hours.
22. If there is excess liquid pooling on the sides, keep the slow cooker cooking and remove the cover for a half hour to let the liquid evaporate.
23. Make the whipped ricotta: Add the ricotta, lemon juice, garlic puree, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to a food processor.
24. Process until ingredients reach a smooth texture.
25. To serve: Spoon the casserole into bowls and top with whipped ricotta, parmesan, fresh parsley, and pesto.