Tuscan Beef Stew & Italian Polenta

roasted beef & vegetables in a burgundy wine bone broth with creamy parmesan polenta

Our Tuscan inspired beef stew is loaded with lean, grass-fed roast beef and a medley of garden veggies: sweet carrots, whole kernel corn, red ripe tomatoes, diced potatoes and green beans simmered in a beef stock, basil and red wine broth.  We pair it, Italian countryside-style, with a dollop of creamy parmesan polenta.

The result is a delicious, filling, nutrient-rich stew sure to please any backcountry diner!

5.0 Fork Rating

28 Fork Ratings
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$15.99
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UPC:
811355030013

About Our TUSCAN BEEF STEW & italian POLENTA

  • 1 Serving Backpacking Meal
     
  • Dietary Considerations:  meat dish (roasted beef)
    • all-natural dehydrated and freeze-dried ingredients
    • 560 calories
    • 41 g protein
       
  • Meal Net Weight:  5.0 oz | 145 g    
     
  • Meal Includes: seasoned beef stew mix;  seasoned polenta
     
  • Required:  boiling water
     
  • Recommended:  long handled spoon;  Cook-in-Cozy

Remove

all interior polenta pouch and natural desiccants (2 total) from main meal pouch and polenta pouch.

Add

1-1/4 cups (10 oz / 296 ml) of boiling water to the main meal pouch and stir. Now add 1/2 cup (4 oz / 118 ml) of boiling water to the polenta pouch and stir.

Press

air from both pouches; seal and shake. Handle with care, pouch gets very HOT!

Steep-Cook

15 minutes.

Cook-in-Cozy™ recommended but not required.

SHAKE
occasionally to blend.

 

Top

your Beef Stew with dollops of Parmesan Polenta.

DIG IN!

to your Tuscan Beef Stew & Italian Polenta!

Ingredients & Nutrition

 

 

Ingredients:

Polenta, Roasted Beef (cooked beef, salt), Whole Milk, Organic Whole Kernel Yellow Corn, Potatoes, Beef Stock, Organic Carrots, Spices, Potato Starch, Red and Green Bell Peppers, Organic Carrot Granules, Tomatoes, Parmesan Cheese, Sweet Corn Puree, Green Beans, Organic Tomatoes, White Onion, Zucchini Squash, Tomato Pepper (garlic salt, organic tomato, annatto, garlic granules, cilantro), Celery, Salted Butter, Beet Puree, Sea Salt, Mushrooms, Lemon Juice, Red Burgundy Wine, Shallots, Spice, Sweet Basil, Organic Chives, Green Onions

Special Notes:

CONTAINS: Milk

PROCESSED IN A FACILITY THAT HANDLES WHEAT, EGG, MILK, SOYBEAN, PEANUT AND TREE NUT PRODUCTS.

Press Articles

 

The polenta is so much more satisfying than the typical mashed potatoes one would expect with stew. It is hardy, filling and doesn’t upset the stomach when hiking. It’s simply comfort food, but with spices and lots of flavor. A solid 2 thumbs up and we highly recommend it.


— Trail Cooking, April 2019

 
"The best meal I've ever had on the trail," says one tester. "If I was served this at a restaurant, I would have complimented the chef." Unlike so many camp stews, this one actually looks good - full of colorful vegetables like corn and carrots and tomatoes - and it's served atop creamy polenta. With the protein punch of the beef, it's also satisfyingly hearty after a long trail day.


— Backpacker Magazine Editors' Choice/Gear Guide, Spring 2011

frequently asked questions

Why is a Cook–in–Cozy™ recommended?
 

We recommend that all of our hot meals spend time "steep-cooking" while snuggled in a Cook-in-Cozy. We find this method promotes a more consistent temperature and steady cook time for Cook-in-Bag preparation; and results in a better serving temperature for your meal. When not in use, our Cook-in-Cozy folds away nicely in your pack for storage and weighs in at only 1.4oz.

Reviews (28)

  • 5

    5.0 Fork Rating

    by

    This was simply excellent -- tried it at home, and it was great by any standard, not just trail food. Prep was pretty painless, and I liked the combination of stew and polenta.

  • 5

    5.0 Fork Rating

    by

    This didn't taste like a freeze dried meal. It was like a home cooked meal. The only difference was it was like a soup. Otherwise, this is so much better than the run of the mill FD meals.

  • 5

    5.0 Fork Rating

    by

    Just had the Tuscan beef stew for dinner. It was excellent! Not excellent for backpacking food, but simply excellent.

  • 5

    5.0 Fork Rating

    by

    This was a great dinner. It tasted better than almost anything I have ever had. Buy this meal it is worth it.

  • 4

    4.0 Fork Rating

    by

    Was excited to try the Tuscan beef stew. The polenta was excellent. The (stew) even though I simmered it for twice the time suggested was still more like soup. Added the correct amount of water per instructions. It never boiled down to what I consider stew. Possibly needs a thickening agent?? Although the flavor was impressive. I will continue to try different products from Packit gourmet.

  • 5

    5.0 Fork Rating

    by

    Served this to two friends on a cold, wet night in the Wallowas after a 15 mile day. They LOVED it, as did I. I made two of these for the three of us and that was plenty. Will get this one again for sure.

  • 5

    5.0 Fork Rating

    by

    I took this on a BWCA trip. I have never had polenta with beef stew before (and it is optional) but I thought the combination was excellent. The serving size was perfect for one person. I will be choosing this meal for the next trip.

  • 5

    5.0 Fork Rating

    by

    Flavor of this meal was great. I may have been a little hungry and rushed the rehydration of it a little being that the green beans were a little under hydrated. Overall though, the meal was pretty good. I will second one of the reviews above, mine did turn out a little soup. I will have to remember to reduce the amount of water the next time.

  • 5

    5.0 Fork Rating

    by

    Pack it gourmet has done it again. This dinner was outstanding. The polenta was a perfect pair for the stew. I may pack some dried rosemary and thyme to add a little more flavor but this may be my new favorite backpacking meal.

Cooking Method

just add water

Water Required

14 ounces

Temperature

boiling water

Cook time

15 minutes

Serving

16 Ounces

  • About
  • About Our TUSCAN BEEF STEW & italian POLENTA

    • 1 Serving Backpacking Meal
       
    • Dietary Considerations:  meat dish (roasted beef)
      • all-natural dehydrated and freeze-dried ingredients
      • 560 calories
      • 41 g protein
         
    • Meal Net Weight:  5.0 oz | 145 g    
       
    • Meal Includes: seasoned beef stew mix;  seasoned polenta
       
    • Required:  boiling water
       
    • Recommended:  long handled spoon;  Cook-in-Cozy

    Remove

    all interior polenta pouch and natural desiccants (2 total) from main meal pouch and polenta pouch.

    Add

    1-1/4 cups (10 oz / 296 ml) of boiling water to the main meal pouch and stir. Now add 1/2 cup (4 oz / 118 ml) of boiling water to the polenta pouch and stir.

    Press

    air from both pouches; seal and shake. Handle with care, pouch gets very HOT!

    Steep-Cook

    15 minutes.

    Cook-in-Cozy™ recommended but not required.

    SHAKE
    occasionally to blend.

     

    Top

    your Beef Stew with dollops of Parmesan Polenta.

    DIG IN!

    to your Tuscan Beef Stew & Italian Polenta!

    Ingredients & Nutrition

     

     

    Ingredients:

    Polenta, Roasted Beef (cooked beef, salt), Whole Milk, Organic Whole Kernel Yellow Corn, Potatoes, Beef Stock, Organic Carrots, Spices, Potato Starch, Red and Green Bell Peppers, Organic Carrot Granules, Tomatoes, Parmesan Cheese, Sweet Corn Puree, Green Beans, Organic Tomatoes, White Onion, Zucchini Squash, Tomato Pepper (garlic salt, organic tomato, annatto, garlic granules, cilantro), Celery, Salted Butter, Beet Puree, Sea Salt, Mushrooms, Lemon Juice, Red Burgundy Wine, Shallots, Spice, Sweet Basil, Organic Chives, Green Onions

    Special Notes:

    CONTAINS: Milk

    PROCESSED IN A FACILITY THAT HANDLES WHEAT, EGG, MILK, SOYBEAN, PEANUT AND TREE NUT PRODUCTS.

    Press Articles

     

    The polenta is so much more satisfying than the typical mashed potatoes one would expect with stew. It is hardy, filling and doesn’t upset the stomach when hiking. It’s simply comfort food, but with spices and lots of flavor. A solid 2 thumbs up and we highly recommend it.


    — Trail Cooking, April 2019

     
    "The best meal I've ever had on the trail," says one tester. "If I was served this at a restaurant, I would have complimented the chef." Unlike so many camp stews, this one actually looks good - full of colorful vegetables like corn and carrots and tomatoes - and it's served atop creamy polenta. With the protein punch of the beef, it's also satisfyingly hearty after a long trail day.


    — Backpacker Magazine Editors' Choice/Gear Guide, Spring 2011

    frequently asked questions

    Why is a Cook–in–Cozy™ recommended?
     

    We recommend that all of our hot meals spend time "steep-cooking" while snuggled in a Cook-in-Cozy. We find this method promotes a more consistent temperature and steady cook time for Cook-in-Bag preparation; and results in a better serving temperature for your meal. When not in use, our Cook-in-Cozy folds away nicely in your pack for storage and weighs in at only 1.4oz.

    Reviews (28)

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      This was simply excellent -- tried it at home, and it was great by any standard, not just trail food. Prep was pretty painless, and I liked the combination of stew and polenta.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      This didn't taste like a freeze dried meal. It was like a home cooked meal. The only difference was it was like a soup. Otherwise, this is so much better than the run of the mill FD meals.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      Just had the Tuscan beef stew for dinner. It was excellent! Not excellent for backpacking food, but simply excellent.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      This was a great dinner. It tasted better than almost anything I have ever had. Buy this meal it is worth it.

    • 4

      4.0 Fork Rating

      by

      Was excited to try the Tuscan beef stew. The polenta was excellent. The (stew) even though I simmered it for twice the time suggested was still more like soup. Added the correct amount of water per instructions. It never boiled down to what I consider stew. Possibly needs a thickening agent?? Although the flavor was impressive. I will continue to try different products from Packit gourmet.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      Served this to two friends on a cold, wet night in the Wallowas after a 15 mile day. They LOVED it, as did I. I made two of these for the three of us and that was plenty. Will get this one again for sure.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      I took this on a BWCA trip. I have never had polenta with beef stew before (and it is optional) but I thought the combination was excellent. The serving size was perfect for one person. I will be choosing this meal for the next trip.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      Flavor of this meal was great. I may have been a little hungry and rushed the rehydration of it a little being that the green beans were a little under hydrated. Overall though, the meal was pretty good. I will second one of the reviews above, mine did turn out a little soup. I will have to remember to reduce the amount of water the next time.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      Pack it gourmet has done it again. This dinner was outstanding. The polenta was a perfect pair for the stew. I may pack some dried rosemary and thyme to add a little more flavor but this may be my new favorite backpacking meal.

    Cooking Method

    just add water

    Water Required

    14 ounces

    Temperature

    boiling water

    Cook time

    15 minutes

    Serving

    16 Ounces

  • Instructions
  • About Our TUSCAN BEEF STEW & italian POLENTA

    • 1 Serving Backpacking Meal
       
    • Dietary Considerations:  meat dish (roasted beef)
      • all-natural dehydrated and freeze-dried ingredients
      • 560 calories
      • 41 g protein
         
    • Meal Net Weight:  5.0 oz | 145 g    
       
    • Meal Includes: seasoned beef stew mix;  seasoned polenta
       
    • Required:  boiling water
       
    • Recommended:  long handled spoon;  Cook-in-Cozy

    Remove

    all interior polenta pouch and natural desiccants (2 total) from main meal pouch and polenta pouch.

    Add

    1-1/4 cups (10 oz / 296 ml) of boiling water to the main meal pouch and stir. Now add 1/2 cup (4 oz / 118 ml) of boiling water to the polenta pouch and stir.

    Press

    air from both pouches; seal and shake. Handle with care, pouch gets very HOT!

    Steep-Cook

    15 minutes.

    Cook-in-Cozy™ recommended but not required.

    SHAKE
    occasionally to blend.

     

    Top

    your Beef Stew with dollops of Parmesan Polenta.

    DIG IN!

    to your Tuscan Beef Stew & Italian Polenta!

    Ingredients & Nutrition

     

     

    Ingredients:

    Polenta, Roasted Beef (cooked beef, salt), Whole Milk, Organic Whole Kernel Yellow Corn, Potatoes, Beef Stock, Organic Carrots, Spices, Potato Starch, Red and Green Bell Peppers, Organic Carrot Granules, Tomatoes, Parmesan Cheese, Sweet Corn Puree, Green Beans, Organic Tomatoes, White Onion, Zucchini Squash, Tomato Pepper (garlic salt, organic tomato, annatto, garlic granules, cilantro), Celery, Salted Butter, Beet Puree, Sea Salt, Mushrooms, Lemon Juice, Red Burgundy Wine, Shallots, Spice, Sweet Basil, Organic Chives, Green Onions

    Special Notes:

    CONTAINS: Milk

    PROCESSED IN A FACILITY THAT HANDLES WHEAT, EGG, MILK, SOYBEAN, PEANUT AND TREE NUT PRODUCTS.

    Press Articles

     

    The polenta is so much more satisfying than the typical mashed potatoes one would expect with stew. It is hardy, filling and doesn’t upset the stomach when hiking. It’s simply comfort food, but with spices and lots of flavor. A solid 2 thumbs up and we highly recommend it.


    — Trail Cooking, April 2019

     
    "The best meal I've ever had on the trail," says one tester. "If I was served this at a restaurant, I would have complimented the chef." Unlike so many camp stews, this one actually looks good - full of colorful vegetables like corn and carrots and tomatoes - and it's served atop creamy polenta. With the protein punch of the beef, it's also satisfyingly hearty after a long trail day.


    — Backpacker Magazine Editors' Choice/Gear Guide, Spring 2011

    frequently asked questions

    Why is a Cook–in–Cozy™ recommended?
     

    We recommend that all of our hot meals spend time "steep-cooking" while snuggled in a Cook-in-Cozy. We find this method promotes a more consistent temperature and steady cook time for Cook-in-Bag preparation; and results in a better serving temperature for your meal. When not in use, our Cook-in-Cozy folds away nicely in your pack for storage and weighs in at only 1.4oz.

    Reviews (28)

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      This was simply excellent -- tried it at home, and it was great by any standard, not just trail food. Prep was pretty painless, and I liked the combination of stew and polenta.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      This didn't taste like a freeze dried meal. It was like a home cooked meal. The only difference was it was like a soup. Otherwise, this is so much better than the run of the mill FD meals.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      Just had the Tuscan beef stew for dinner. It was excellent! Not excellent for backpacking food, but simply excellent.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      This was a great dinner. It tasted better than almost anything I have ever had. Buy this meal it is worth it.

    • 4

      4.0 Fork Rating

      by

      Was excited to try the Tuscan beef stew. The polenta was excellent. The (stew) even though I simmered it for twice the time suggested was still more like soup. Added the correct amount of water per instructions. It never boiled down to what I consider stew. Possibly needs a thickening agent?? Although the flavor was impressive. I will continue to try different products from Packit gourmet.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      Served this to two friends on a cold, wet night in the Wallowas after a 15 mile day. They LOVED it, as did I. I made two of these for the three of us and that was plenty. Will get this one again for sure.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      I took this on a BWCA trip. I have never had polenta with beef stew before (and it is optional) but I thought the combination was excellent. The serving size was perfect for one person. I will be choosing this meal for the next trip.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      Flavor of this meal was great. I may have been a little hungry and rushed the rehydration of it a little being that the green beans were a little under hydrated. Overall though, the meal was pretty good. I will second one of the reviews above, mine did turn out a little soup. I will have to remember to reduce the amount of water the next time.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      Pack it gourmet has done it again. This dinner was outstanding. The polenta was a perfect pair for the stew. I may pack some dried rosemary and thyme to add a little more flavor but this may be my new favorite backpacking meal.

    Cooking Method

    just add water

    Water Required

    14 ounces

    Temperature

    boiling water

    Cook time

    15 minutes

    Serving

    16 Ounces

  • Ingredients & Nutrition
  • About Our TUSCAN BEEF STEW & italian POLENTA

    • 1 Serving Backpacking Meal
       
    • Dietary Considerations:  meat dish (roasted beef)
      • all-natural dehydrated and freeze-dried ingredients
      • 560 calories
      • 41 g protein
         
    • Meal Net Weight:  5.0 oz | 145 g    
       
    • Meal Includes: seasoned beef stew mix;  seasoned polenta
       
    • Required:  boiling water
       
    • Recommended:  long handled spoon;  Cook-in-Cozy

    Remove

    all interior polenta pouch and natural desiccants (2 total) from main meal pouch and polenta pouch.

    Add

    1-1/4 cups (10 oz / 296 ml) of boiling water to the main meal pouch and stir. Now add 1/2 cup (4 oz / 118 ml) of boiling water to the polenta pouch and stir.

    Press

    air from both pouches; seal and shake. Handle with care, pouch gets very HOT!

    Steep-Cook

    15 minutes.

    Cook-in-Cozy™ recommended but not required.

    SHAKE
    occasionally to blend.

     

    Top

    your Beef Stew with dollops of Parmesan Polenta.

    DIG IN!

    to your Tuscan Beef Stew & Italian Polenta!

    Ingredients & Nutrition

     

     

    Ingredients:

    Polenta, Roasted Beef (cooked beef, salt), Whole Milk, Organic Whole Kernel Yellow Corn, Potatoes, Beef Stock, Organic Carrots, Spices, Potato Starch, Red and Green Bell Peppers, Organic Carrot Granules, Tomatoes, Parmesan Cheese, Sweet Corn Puree, Green Beans, Organic Tomatoes, White Onion, Zucchini Squash, Tomato Pepper (garlic salt, organic tomato, annatto, garlic granules, cilantro), Celery, Salted Butter, Beet Puree, Sea Salt, Mushrooms, Lemon Juice, Red Burgundy Wine, Shallots, Spice, Sweet Basil, Organic Chives, Green Onions

    Special Notes:

    CONTAINS: Milk

    PROCESSED IN A FACILITY THAT HANDLES WHEAT, EGG, MILK, SOYBEAN, PEANUT AND TREE NUT PRODUCTS.

    Press Articles

     

    The polenta is so much more satisfying than the typical mashed potatoes one would expect with stew. It is hardy, filling and doesn’t upset the stomach when hiking. It’s simply comfort food, but with spices and lots of flavor. A solid 2 thumbs up and we highly recommend it.


    — Trail Cooking, April 2019

     
    "The best meal I've ever had on the trail," says one tester. "If I was served this at a restaurant, I would have complimented the chef." Unlike so many camp stews, this one actually looks good - full of colorful vegetables like corn and carrots and tomatoes - and it's served atop creamy polenta. With the protein punch of the beef, it's also satisfyingly hearty after a long trail day.


    — Backpacker Magazine Editors' Choice/Gear Guide, Spring 2011

    frequently asked questions

    Why is a Cook–in–Cozy™ recommended?
     

    We recommend that all of our hot meals spend time "steep-cooking" while snuggled in a Cook-in-Cozy. We find this method promotes a more consistent temperature and steady cook time for Cook-in-Bag preparation; and results in a better serving temperature for your meal. When not in use, our Cook-in-Cozy folds away nicely in your pack for storage and weighs in at only 1.4oz.

    Reviews (28)

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      This was simply excellent -- tried it at home, and it was great by any standard, not just trail food. Prep was pretty painless, and I liked the combination of stew and polenta.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      This didn't taste like a freeze dried meal. It was like a home cooked meal. The only difference was it was like a soup. Otherwise, this is so much better than the run of the mill FD meals.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      Just had the Tuscan beef stew for dinner. It was excellent! Not excellent for backpacking food, but simply excellent.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      This was a great dinner. It tasted better than almost anything I have ever had. Buy this meal it is worth it.

    • 4

      4.0 Fork Rating

      by

      Was excited to try the Tuscan beef stew. The polenta was excellent. The (stew) even though I simmered it for twice the time suggested was still more like soup. Added the correct amount of water per instructions. It never boiled down to what I consider stew. Possibly needs a thickening agent?? Although the flavor was impressive. I will continue to try different products from Packit gourmet.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      Served this to two friends on a cold, wet night in the Wallowas after a 15 mile day. They LOVED it, as did I. I made two of these for the three of us and that was plenty. Will get this one again for sure.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      I took this on a BWCA trip. I have never had polenta with beef stew before (and it is optional) but I thought the combination was excellent. The serving size was perfect for one person. I will be choosing this meal for the next trip.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      Flavor of this meal was great. I may have been a little hungry and rushed the rehydration of it a little being that the green beans were a little under hydrated. Overall though, the meal was pretty good. I will second one of the reviews above, mine did turn out a little soup. I will have to remember to reduce the amount of water the next time.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      Pack it gourmet has done it again. This dinner was outstanding. The polenta was a perfect pair for the stew. I may pack some dried rosemary and thyme to add a little more flavor but this may be my new favorite backpacking meal.

    Cooking Method

    just add water

    Water Required

    14 ounces

    Temperature

    boiling water

    Cook time

    15 minutes

    Serving

    16 Ounces

  • Reviews (28)
  • About Our TUSCAN BEEF STEW & italian POLENTA

    • 1 Serving Backpacking Meal
       
    • Dietary Considerations:  meat dish (roasted beef)
      • all-natural dehydrated and freeze-dried ingredients
      • 560 calories
      • 41 g protein
         
    • Meal Net Weight:  5.0 oz | 145 g    
       
    • Meal Includes: seasoned beef stew mix;  seasoned polenta
       
    • Required:  boiling water
       
    • Recommended:  long handled spoon;  Cook-in-Cozy

    Remove

    all interior polenta pouch and natural desiccants (2 total) from main meal pouch and polenta pouch.

    Add

    1-1/4 cups (10 oz / 296 ml) of boiling water to the main meal pouch and stir. Now add 1/2 cup (4 oz / 118 ml) of boiling water to the polenta pouch and stir.

    Press

    air from both pouches; seal and shake. Handle with care, pouch gets very HOT!

    Steep-Cook

    15 minutes.

    Cook-in-Cozy™ recommended but not required.

    SHAKE
    occasionally to blend.

     

    Top

    your Beef Stew with dollops of Parmesan Polenta.

    DIG IN!

    to your Tuscan Beef Stew & Italian Polenta!

    Ingredients & Nutrition

     

     

    Ingredients:

    Polenta, Roasted Beef (cooked beef, salt), Whole Milk, Organic Whole Kernel Yellow Corn, Potatoes, Beef Stock, Organic Carrots, Spices, Potato Starch, Red and Green Bell Peppers, Organic Carrot Granules, Tomatoes, Parmesan Cheese, Sweet Corn Puree, Green Beans, Organic Tomatoes, White Onion, Zucchini Squash, Tomato Pepper (garlic salt, organic tomato, annatto, garlic granules, cilantro), Celery, Salted Butter, Beet Puree, Sea Salt, Mushrooms, Lemon Juice, Red Burgundy Wine, Shallots, Spice, Sweet Basil, Organic Chives, Green Onions

    Special Notes:

    CONTAINS: Milk

    PROCESSED IN A FACILITY THAT HANDLES WHEAT, EGG, MILK, SOYBEAN, PEANUT AND TREE NUT PRODUCTS.

    Press Articles

     

    The polenta is so much more satisfying than the typical mashed potatoes one would expect with stew. It is hardy, filling and doesn’t upset the stomach when hiking. It’s simply comfort food, but with spices and lots of flavor. A solid 2 thumbs up and we highly recommend it.


    — Trail Cooking, April 2019

     
    "The best meal I've ever had on the trail," says one tester. "If I was served this at a restaurant, I would have complimented the chef." Unlike so many camp stews, this one actually looks good - full of colorful vegetables like corn and carrots and tomatoes - and it's served atop creamy polenta. With the protein punch of the beef, it's also satisfyingly hearty after a long trail day.


    — Backpacker Magazine Editors' Choice/Gear Guide, Spring 2011

    frequently asked questions

    Why is a Cook–in–Cozy™ recommended?
     

    We recommend that all of our hot meals spend time "steep-cooking" while snuggled in a Cook-in-Cozy. We find this method promotes a more consistent temperature and steady cook time for Cook-in-Bag preparation; and results in a better serving temperature for your meal. When not in use, our Cook-in-Cozy folds away nicely in your pack for storage and weighs in at only 1.4oz.

    Reviews (28)

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      This was simply excellent -- tried it at home, and it was great by any standard, not just trail food. Prep was pretty painless, and I liked the combination of stew and polenta.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      This didn't taste like a freeze dried meal. It was like a home cooked meal. The only difference was it was like a soup. Otherwise, this is so much better than the run of the mill FD meals.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      Just had the Tuscan beef stew for dinner. It was excellent! Not excellent for backpacking food, but simply excellent.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      This was a great dinner. It tasted better than almost anything I have ever had. Buy this meal it is worth it.

    • 4

      4.0 Fork Rating

      by

      Was excited to try the Tuscan beef stew. The polenta was excellent. The (stew) even though I simmered it for twice the time suggested was still more like soup. Added the correct amount of water per instructions. It never boiled down to what I consider stew. Possibly needs a thickening agent?? Although the flavor was impressive. I will continue to try different products from Packit gourmet.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      Served this to two friends on a cold, wet night in the Wallowas after a 15 mile day. They LOVED it, as did I. I made two of these for the three of us and that was plenty. Will get this one again for sure.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      I took this on a BWCA trip. I have never had polenta with beef stew before (and it is optional) but I thought the combination was excellent. The serving size was perfect for one person. I will be choosing this meal for the next trip.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      Flavor of this meal was great. I may have been a little hungry and rushed the rehydration of it a little being that the green beans were a little under hydrated. Overall though, the meal was pretty good. I will second one of the reviews above, mine did turn out a little soup. I will have to remember to reduce the amount of water the next time.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      Pack it gourmet has done it again. This dinner was outstanding. The polenta was a perfect pair for the stew. I may pack some dried rosemary and thyme to add a little more flavor but this may be my new favorite backpacking meal.

    Cooking Method

    just add water

    Water Required

    14 ounces

    Temperature

    boiling water

    Cook time

    15 minutes

    Serving

    16 Ounces

  • Press
  • About Our TUSCAN BEEF STEW & italian POLENTA

    • 1 Serving Backpacking Meal
       
    • Dietary Considerations:  meat dish (roasted beef)
      • all-natural dehydrated and freeze-dried ingredients
      • 560 calories
      • 41 g protein
         
    • Meal Net Weight:  5.0 oz | 145 g    
       
    • Meal Includes: seasoned beef stew mix;  seasoned polenta
       
    • Required:  boiling water
       
    • Recommended:  long handled spoon;  Cook-in-Cozy

    Remove

    all interior polenta pouch and natural desiccants (2 total) from main meal pouch and polenta pouch.

    Add

    1-1/4 cups (10 oz / 296 ml) of boiling water to the main meal pouch and stir. Now add 1/2 cup (4 oz / 118 ml) of boiling water to the polenta pouch and stir.

    Press

    air from both pouches; seal and shake. Handle with care, pouch gets very HOT!

    Steep-Cook

    15 minutes.

    Cook-in-Cozy™ recommended but not required.

    SHAKE
    occasionally to blend.

     

    Top

    your Beef Stew with dollops of Parmesan Polenta.

    DIG IN!

    to your Tuscan Beef Stew & Italian Polenta!

    Ingredients & Nutrition

     

     

    Ingredients:

    Polenta, Roasted Beef (cooked beef, salt), Whole Milk, Organic Whole Kernel Yellow Corn, Potatoes, Beef Stock, Organic Carrots, Spices, Potato Starch, Red and Green Bell Peppers, Organic Carrot Granules, Tomatoes, Parmesan Cheese, Sweet Corn Puree, Green Beans, Organic Tomatoes, White Onion, Zucchini Squash, Tomato Pepper (garlic salt, organic tomato, annatto, garlic granules, cilantro), Celery, Salted Butter, Beet Puree, Sea Salt, Mushrooms, Lemon Juice, Red Burgundy Wine, Shallots, Spice, Sweet Basil, Organic Chives, Green Onions

    Special Notes:

    CONTAINS: Milk

    PROCESSED IN A FACILITY THAT HANDLES WHEAT, EGG, MILK, SOYBEAN, PEANUT AND TREE NUT PRODUCTS.

    Press Articles

     

    The polenta is so much more satisfying than the typical mashed potatoes one would expect with stew. It is hardy, filling and doesn’t upset the stomach when hiking. It’s simply comfort food, but with spices and lots of flavor. A solid 2 thumbs up and we highly recommend it.


    — Trail Cooking, April 2019

     
    "The best meal I've ever had on the trail," says one tester. "If I was served this at a restaurant, I would have complimented the chef." Unlike so many camp stews, this one actually looks good - full of colorful vegetables like corn and carrots and tomatoes - and it's served atop creamy polenta. With the protein punch of the beef, it's also satisfyingly hearty after a long trail day.


    — Backpacker Magazine Editors' Choice/Gear Guide, Spring 2011

    frequently asked questions

    Why is a Cook–in–Cozy™ recommended?
     

    We recommend that all of our hot meals spend time "steep-cooking" while snuggled in a Cook-in-Cozy. We find this method promotes a more consistent temperature and steady cook time for Cook-in-Bag preparation; and results in a better serving temperature for your meal. When not in use, our Cook-in-Cozy folds away nicely in your pack for storage and weighs in at only 1.4oz.

    Reviews (28)

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      This was simply excellent -- tried it at home, and it was great by any standard, not just trail food. Prep was pretty painless, and I liked the combination of stew and polenta.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      This didn't taste like a freeze dried meal. It was like a home cooked meal. The only difference was it was like a soup. Otherwise, this is so much better than the run of the mill FD meals.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      Just had the Tuscan beef stew for dinner. It was excellent! Not excellent for backpacking food, but simply excellent.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      This was a great dinner. It tasted better than almost anything I have ever had. Buy this meal it is worth it.

    • 4

      4.0 Fork Rating

      by

      Was excited to try the Tuscan beef stew. The polenta was excellent. The (stew) even though I simmered it for twice the time suggested was still more like soup. Added the correct amount of water per instructions. It never boiled down to what I consider stew. Possibly needs a thickening agent?? Although the flavor was impressive. I will continue to try different products from Packit gourmet.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      Served this to two friends on a cold, wet night in the Wallowas after a 15 mile day. They LOVED it, as did I. I made two of these for the three of us and that was plenty. Will get this one again for sure.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      I took this on a BWCA trip. I have never had polenta with beef stew before (and it is optional) but I thought the combination was excellent. The serving size was perfect for one person. I will be choosing this meal for the next trip.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      Flavor of this meal was great. I may have been a little hungry and rushed the rehydration of it a little being that the green beans were a little under hydrated. Overall though, the meal was pretty good. I will second one of the reviews above, mine did turn out a little soup. I will have to remember to reduce the amount of water the next time.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      Pack it gourmet has done it again. This dinner was outstanding. The polenta was a perfect pair for the stew. I may pack some dried rosemary and thyme to add a little more flavor but this may be my new favorite backpacking meal.

    Cooking Method

    just add water

    Water Required

    14 ounces

    Temperature

    boiling water

    Cook time

    15 minutes

    Serving

    16 Ounces

  • FAQS
  • About Our TUSCAN BEEF STEW & italian POLENTA

    • 1 Serving Backpacking Meal
       
    • Dietary Considerations:  meat dish (roasted beef)
      • all-natural dehydrated and freeze-dried ingredients
      • 560 calories
      • 41 g protein
         
    • Meal Net Weight:  5.0 oz | 145 g    
       
    • Meal Includes: seasoned beef stew mix;  seasoned polenta
       
    • Required:  boiling water
       
    • Recommended:  long handled spoon;  Cook-in-Cozy

    Remove

    all interior polenta pouch and natural desiccants (2 total) from main meal pouch and polenta pouch.

    Add

    1-1/4 cups (10 oz / 296 ml) of boiling water to the main meal pouch and stir. Now add 1/2 cup (4 oz / 118 ml) of boiling water to the polenta pouch and stir.

    Press

    air from both pouches; seal and shake. Handle with care, pouch gets very HOT!

    Steep-Cook

    15 minutes.

    Cook-in-Cozy™ recommended but not required.

    SHAKE
    occasionally to blend.

     

    Top

    your Beef Stew with dollops of Parmesan Polenta.

    DIG IN!

    to your Tuscan Beef Stew & Italian Polenta!

    Ingredients & Nutrition

     

     

    Ingredients:

    Polenta, Roasted Beef (cooked beef, salt), Whole Milk, Organic Whole Kernel Yellow Corn, Potatoes, Beef Stock, Organic Carrots, Spices, Potato Starch, Red and Green Bell Peppers, Organic Carrot Granules, Tomatoes, Parmesan Cheese, Sweet Corn Puree, Green Beans, Organic Tomatoes, White Onion, Zucchini Squash, Tomato Pepper (garlic salt, organic tomato, annatto, garlic granules, cilantro), Celery, Salted Butter, Beet Puree, Sea Salt, Mushrooms, Lemon Juice, Red Burgundy Wine, Shallots, Spice, Sweet Basil, Organic Chives, Green Onions

    Special Notes:

    CONTAINS: Milk

    PROCESSED IN A FACILITY THAT HANDLES WHEAT, EGG, MILK, SOYBEAN, PEANUT AND TREE NUT PRODUCTS.

    Press Articles

     

    The polenta is so much more satisfying than the typical mashed potatoes one would expect with stew. It is hardy, filling and doesn’t upset the stomach when hiking. It’s simply comfort food, but with spices and lots of flavor. A solid 2 thumbs up and we highly recommend it.


    — Trail Cooking, April 2019

     
    "The best meal I've ever had on the trail," says one tester. "If I was served this at a restaurant, I would have complimented the chef." Unlike so many camp stews, this one actually looks good - full of colorful vegetables like corn and carrots and tomatoes - and it's served atop creamy polenta. With the protein punch of the beef, it's also satisfyingly hearty after a long trail day.


    — Backpacker Magazine Editors' Choice/Gear Guide, Spring 2011

    frequently asked questions

    Why is a Cook–in–Cozy™ recommended?
     

    We recommend that all of our hot meals spend time "steep-cooking" while snuggled in a Cook-in-Cozy. We find this method promotes a more consistent temperature and steady cook time for Cook-in-Bag preparation; and results in a better serving temperature for your meal. When not in use, our Cook-in-Cozy folds away nicely in your pack for storage and weighs in at only 1.4oz.

    Reviews (28)

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      This was simply excellent -- tried it at home, and it was great by any standard, not just trail food. Prep was pretty painless, and I liked the combination of stew and polenta.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      This didn't taste like a freeze dried meal. It was like a home cooked meal. The only difference was it was like a soup. Otherwise, this is so much better than the run of the mill FD meals.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      Just had the Tuscan beef stew for dinner. It was excellent! Not excellent for backpacking food, but simply excellent.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      This was a great dinner. It tasted better than almost anything I have ever had. Buy this meal it is worth it.

    • 4

      4.0 Fork Rating

      by

      Was excited to try the Tuscan beef stew. The polenta was excellent. The (stew) even though I simmered it for twice the time suggested was still more like soup. Added the correct amount of water per instructions. It never boiled down to what I consider stew. Possibly needs a thickening agent?? Although the flavor was impressive. I will continue to try different products from Packit gourmet.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      Served this to two friends on a cold, wet night in the Wallowas after a 15 mile day. They LOVED it, as did I. I made two of these for the three of us and that was plenty. Will get this one again for sure.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      I took this on a BWCA trip. I have never had polenta with beef stew before (and it is optional) but I thought the combination was excellent. The serving size was perfect for one person. I will be choosing this meal for the next trip.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      Flavor of this meal was great. I may have been a little hungry and rushed the rehydration of it a little being that the green beans were a little under hydrated. Overall though, the meal was pretty good. I will second one of the reviews above, mine did turn out a little soup. I will have to remember to reduce the amount of water the next time.

    • 5

      5.0 Fork Rating

      by

      Pack it gourmet has done it again. This dinner was outstanding. The polenta was a perfect pair for the stew. I may pack some dried rosemary and thyme to add a little more flavor but this may be my new favorite backpacking meal.

    Cooking Method

    just add water

    Water Required

    14 ounces

    Temperature

    boiling water

    Cook time

    15 minutes

    Serving

    16 Ounces