Good things are coming to you! How they appear might not always be obvious, unless it’s in the form of Good Fortune Casserole. Then it’s very obvious indeed! This joyful, charming bake features a summery sweet, zesty, and cheesy corn base atop which is piled savory beef and fresh, tender garden vegetables. There are notes of brightness and herbaceous flavor that are sure to lift your spirits and convince you that things are looking up! Good Fortune Casserole heralds the good times to come, starting with a big slice for yourself!
Ingredients
- 3 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup plain yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 teaspoon Montreal steak seasoning
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
- 1 pound ground chuck
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, cut in half lengthwise and sliced
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans petite diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2 –Lightly grease a 7×11-inch baking dish.
Step 3 –In a 2-quart saucepan, combine the water and the salt.
Step 4 –Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 5 –Whisk the cornmeal into the salt water.
Step 6 –Reduce the heat to low and simmer, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 3 minutes.
Step 7 –Transfer the saucepan from the heat.
Step 8 –Stir the steak seasoning and 1/4 cup of the cheddar into the cornmeal mixture.
Step 9 –Spread the cornmeal mixture in the prepared baking dish.
Step 10 –In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground chuck, stirring often, until the meat crumbles and is no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes.
Step 11 –Drain the fat from the meat and transfer the meat to a bowl.
Step 12 –In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Step 13 –Add the onion and the zucchini to the oil and sauté until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.
Step 14 –Stir the beef, the tomatoes, and the tomato paste into the onion mixture.
Step 15 –Simmer the mixture, stirring often, until thickened, about 10 minutes.
Step 16 –Pour the beef mixture over the cornmeal crust.
Step 17 –Sprinkle the casserole with the remaining cheese.
Step 18 –Bake until bubbly, about 30 minutes.
Step 19 –Sprinkle the casserole with the parsley.
Step 20 –Serve.
