Skip to content
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
Source: dirtygourmet.com
Backpacking Skillet Tamale Pie
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

  1. 1In a large, deep skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until cooked through.
  2. 2Add the beans and salsa and stir to combine.
  3. 3Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  4. 4Reduce heat to low and layer the polenta slices over the beef mixture.
  5. 5Top with cheese.
  6. 6Cover and cook until cheese is melted and polenta is heated through.

Planning a trip? Open the Trip Planner — your saved favorite meals can be pulled into the generated menu.

More backpacking stove recipes

All backpacking stove recipes →