Polenta Pasticciata with Mushrooms and Bechamel
Layers of creamy set polenta, garlicky mushrooms and tomato sauce, with bechamel and cheese on top.
Made with Basic tomato sauce and White bechamel sauce. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time1 hr plus 1 hr setting
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £1.07 a head
- Oven200°C (180°C fan)
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Make the bechamel and tomato sauce first (see the base recipes). Boil 1 litre of salted water and slowly whisk in the polenta. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes until thick. Pour into a lined 30 x 20 cm tray, smooth the top and leave to set for 1 hour.
5 min - 2
Heat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the mushrooms for 8 minutes until golden. Add the garlic and thyme for 1 minute.
8 min - 3
Cut the set polenta into 2 cm thick slices. Lay half in an oiled baking dish.
- 4
Cover with the mushrooms and your ready made tomato sauce, then add the rest of the polenta slices.
- 5
Warm the bechamel and pour over the top. Scatter with the cheese.
- 6
Bake for 30 minutes until golden and bubbling. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
30 min
Tips
- Polenta sets firm as it cools, so give it a full hour, or make the tray the day before.
- Use well browned mushrooms, as they give most of the flavour.
- If your cheese is not labelled vegetarian, check before serving to vegetarian guests.
Storing and freezing
Keeps up to 3 days in the fridge once cooled within 2 hours. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through. Freezes for 2 months.
Questions
Can I use instant polenta?
Yes, quick cook or instant polenta is perfect and takes only 5 minutes. Traditional polenta needs 40 minutes of stirring.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, cover and chill, then bake for an extra 10 minutes.
Is it gluten free?
Polenta is naturally gluten free, but the bechamel is made with wheat flour. Use a gluten free bechamel to make it fully gluten free.
More made with basic tomato sauce
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.