Classic Italian Comfort with Tender Wine-Braised Beef and Cheesy Polenta

Ingredients

• 3 pounds boneless chuck roast, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup dry red wine (such as Cabernet or Chianti)
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup coarse cornmeal (polenta)
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 ounces Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled