Backpacking Stove
Dinner
Gluten-Free
Backpacking Skillet Tamale Pie
This hearty backcountry tamale pie is a satisfying one-pot dinner, perfect for fueling up after a long day on the trail.
Community rating
Added August 14, 2026

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 20 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- •1 pound ground beef
- •2 15-ounce cans pinto beans
- •1 16-ounce jar salsa
- •1 1-pound tube polenta
- •2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
Equipment
- • skillet
- • spatula
Instructions
- 1In a large, deep skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until cooked through.
- 2Add the beans and salsa and stir to combine.
- 3Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- 4Reduce heat to low and layer the polenta slices over the beef mixture.
- 5Top with cheese.
- 6Cover and cook until cheese is melted and polenta is heated through.
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