Ingredients and Weight:
- Grits: 500g
- Cheddar Cheese: 200g, shredded
- Butter: 50g
- Milk: 2 cups
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground beef or chicken: 200g (optional)
- Onion, diced: 1 small
- Green bell peppers, diced: 1 small
- Breadcrumbs: 50g (for topping)
Preparation Time: 45 minutes (including preparation and cooking time)
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil and cook grits according to package instructions.
- While grits are cooking, in a separate pan, melt butter and add diced onion and green bell peppers. Saute until softened.
- Add ground beef or chicken (if using) and cook until no longer raw. Season with salt and pepper.
- When grits are cooked, stir in the milk and cheese until well combined and creamy.
- Mix the cooked meat or chicken mixture into the grits.
- Transfer the grits casserole into a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbling and golden brown on top.
- Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve.
Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 servings in total)
Calories: Approximately 450 calories per serving (depending on ingredients used)
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
Dish Characteristics:
- Creamy and rich texture due to the combination of grits and cheese.
- Meaty flavor with the addition of ground beef or chicken (optional).
- Topped with breadcrumbs for a crunchy contrast.
- Ideal for a comforting meal or as a side dish for a special occasion.
User Comments:
- "This dish was so delicious! The combination of grits and cheese was creamy and satisfying."
- "Added ground beef made it even more flavorful. A great dish for a family gathering."
- "Easy to make and came out perfectly. A must-try for cheese lovers."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Make sure to follow the package instructions for cooking grits properly to achieve the best texture.
- Adjust seasoning according to preference.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and increase the vegetables for additional flavor and texture.