Pie Iron Tacos: Delicious Camping Recipes Made Easy

Pie iron cooking, also known as pudgy pie or mountain pie cooking, is a fantastic way to create simple, delicious meals while camping. One of the most versatile and crowd-pleasing options? Pie iron tacos! These easy-to-make treats are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner around the campfire. This guide provides you with a detailed recipe and tips for creating the best pie iron tacos on your next outdoor adventure.

What is a Pie Iron?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s quickly discuss what a pie iron is. A pie iron (or toasting iron) is a cooking tool made of two hinged cast iron plates with long handles. You place food between the plates, close the iron, and cook it over an open fire or coals. They come in various shapes, most commonly round or square. The heavy cast iron distributes heat evenly, creating a perfectly toasted and sealed pocket of deliciousness.

Why Pie Iron Tacos are Perfect for Camping

Pie iron tacos are a camping culinary dream for several reasons:

* **Easy to Prepare:** Minimal ingredients and simple assembly make them perfect for cooking outdoors.
* **Versatile:** Fillings can be customized to suit any taste or dietary needs.
* **Portable:** The sealed nature of the pie iron taco makes it easy to eat on the go.
* **Fun:** Cooking over a campfire is an enjoyable activity for all ages.
* **Delicious:** Who doesn’t love a warm, cheesy taco?

Pie Iron Taco Recipe

Here’s a comprehensive recipe to guide you through making perfect pie iron tacos. We’ll cover everything from ingredients to cooking techniques to variations.

Ingredients:

* **Tortillas:** Flour tortillas are typically preferred because they are more pliable and less likely to tear than corn tortillas, especially when folding them into the pie iron. Look for burrito-sized tortillas. Approximately 8-10 tortillas for 4 servings.
* **Ground Meat:** 1 pound of ground beef, turkey, or sausage. You can also use shredded chicken or pulled pork.
* **Taco Seasoning:** 1 packet (1 ounce) of your favorite taco seasoning mix, or make your own.
* **Shredded Cheese:** 2 cups of your favorite shredded cheese. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend are all excellent choices.
* **Optional Fillings:**
* Diced onions
* Diced bell peppers (any color)
* Cooked rice
* Cooked black beans or pinto beans
* Diced tomatoes
* Salsa
* Sour cream
* Guacamole
* Jalapeños (pickled or fresh, diced)
* Chopped cilantro
* **Cooking Spray or Butter:** To prevent the tortillas from sticking to the pie iron.

Equipment:

* **Pie Iron:** Round or square, cast iron is best.
* **Campfire or Grill:** A source of heat for cooking.
* **Heat-Resistant Gloves:** To handle the hot pie iron.
* **Spatula:** For flipping the pie iron (optional).
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For prepping ingredients.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For combining ingredients.
* **Long-Handled Tongs:** To handle the pie iron and add/remove it from the fire.
* **Paper Towels:** For cleanup.

Instructions:

**1. Prepare the Meat:**

* If using ground meat, brown it in a skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
* Add the taco seasoning and water (as directed on the seasoning packet) to the browned meat. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the meat is well-seasoned.
* If using pre-cooked shredded chicken or pulled pork, simply warm it up. You can add a little taco seasoning for extra flavor.

**2. Prepare the Optional Fillings:**

* Dice any vegetables you plan to use, such as onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
* If using rice or beans, make sure they are cooked and heated through.

**3. Assemble the Pie Iron Tacos:**

* Spray or butter the inside of both sides of the pie iron. This will prevent the tortillas from sticking and help them brown evenly.
* Place one tortilla over one side of the pie iron, allowing the edges to overhang slightly. Gently press the tortilla into the pie iron.
* Layer the fillings onto the tortilla. Start with a layer of cheese, then add the seasoned meat, followed by any other desired fillings (onions, bell peppers, rice, beans, etc.). Don’t overfill the taco, as it will be difficult to close the pie iron and prevent the fillings from spilling out.
* Top with another layer of cheese. The cheese acts as a “glue” to hold the fillings together.
* Carefully fold the overhanging edges of the tortilla over the fillings. Place the second tortilla on top, covering the fillings completely. The tortilla should be centered over the filings. If the tortillas are large you may need to trim them so they don’t extend too far past the edge of the pie iron. This is to prevent the tortilla from burning.
* Close the pie iron securely, latching it shut.

**4. Cook the Pie Iron Tacos:**

* Place the pie iron over hot coals or a low flame on a campfire or grill.
* Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Use heat-resistant gloves to handle the hot pie iron and flip it occasionally to ensure even cooking.
* Be careful not to burn the tacos. The cooking time will vary depending on the heat of your fire.
* You can lift the pie iron slightly to check the progress of the browning. It’s better to cook them slightly slower than to burn them.

**5. Remove and Serve:**

* Carefully open the pie iron. The taco will be hot, so use a spatula to gently remove it.
* Let the taco cool slightly before eating. Add your favorite toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or chopped cilantro.
* Repeat the process to make more pie iron tacos until all the ingredients are used.

Tips for Perfect Pie Iron Tacos

* **Don’t Overfill:** Overfilling the pie iron is the most common mistake. It makes it difficult to close the iron and can cause the fillings to spill out during cooking. Keep the fillings to a reasonable amount to ensure the tortillas seal properly.
* **Use Enough Cheese:** The cheese acts as a binder, holding all the fillings together. Don’t skimp on the cheese!
* **Spray or Butter the Pie Iron:** This is essential to prevent the tortillas from sticking and ensures they brown evenly.
* **Cook Over Medium Heat:** Cooking over high heat can cause the tortillas to burn before the cheese melts. Aim for medium heat for even cooking.
* **Flip Frequently:** Flipping the pie iron every few minutes helps to ensure that both sides of the taco cook evenly.
* **Experiment with Fillings:** Don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings. Try different meats, cheeses, vegetables, and sauces to create your own unique pie iron taco recipes.
* **Pre-Cook Ingredients:** Pre-cooking ingredients like meat and vegetables can speed up the cooking process at the campsite and reduce the risk of undercooked food.
* **Use Heavy-Duty Pie Irons:** Invest in high-quality, heavy-duty pie irons. They will distribute heat more evenly and last longer.
* **Clean Your Pie Iron Properly:** After each use, clean your pie iron thoroughly with hot, soapy water. Dry it completely and season it with a thin layer of oil to prevent rusting.
* **Consider using Parchment Paper:** Cut parchment paper to the shape of your pie iron and line the inside before assembling. This makes for incredibly easy cleanup and prevents sticking.

Variations on Pie Iron Tacos

Here are some ideas for different pie iron taco variations:

* **Breakfast Tacos:** Fill with scrambled eggs, sausage or bacon, cheese, and salsa.
* **Pizza Tacos:** Use marinara sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings.
* **Hawaiian Tacos:** Fill with cooked ham, pineapple, cheese, and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce.
* **BBQ Chicken Tacos:** Use shredded BBQ chicken, coleslaw, and cheddar cheese.
* **Vegetarian Tacos:** Fill with black beans, corn, salsa, cheese, and your favorite vegetables.
* **Dessert Tacos:** Although technically not a taco, you can use a pie iron to create dessert treats. Try Nutella and sliced bananas, apple pie filling and cinnamon, or peanut butter and chocolate chips.
* **Philly Cheesesteak Tacos:** Use thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions and peppers, and provolone cheese.

Making Pie Iron Tacos Ahead of Time

To save time at the campsite, you can assemble the pie iron tacos ahead of time. Wrap each assembled taco tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a cooler. When you’re ready to cook, simply unwrap the tacos and cook them in the pie iron as directed.

Serving Suggestions

Pie iron tacos are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a variety of sides, such as:

* **Salsa and Chips:** A classic combination.
* **Guacamole:** A creamy and flavorful dip.
* **Sour Cream:** Adds a tangy coolness.
* **Spanish Rice:** A hearty and flavorful side dish.
* **Black Beans:** A simple and healthy side.
* **Corn on the Cob:** Grilled or boiled.
* **Salad:** A refreshing contrast to the richness of the tacos.

Safety Precautions

* Always wear heat-resistant gloves when handling a hot pie iron.
* Use long-handled tongs to add and remove the pie iron from the fire.
* Be careful when opening the pie iron, as the contents will be very hot.
* Never leave a campfire unattended.
* Ensure the fire is completely extinguished before leaving the campsite.

Conclusion

Pie iron tacos are a fun, easy, and delicious camping meal that everyone will enjoy. With a little preparation and creativity, you can create a wide variety of taco variations to suit any taste. So, pack your pie iron, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a memorable campfire cooking experience. Happy camping and happy cooking!