dehydrated strawbeeries and potatoes in a jar

13 Dehydrated Meal in a Jar Recipes for Any Adventure

Adventures often call for convenience without compromising on nutrition or taste, whether you’re scaling mountains, preparing for unforeseen circumstances, or simply navigating a hectic day. Meals in a jar are a fantastic solution, offering shelf-stability and simplicity, while also catering to the palates of outdoor enthusiasts, preppers, and busy families. In this blog, we introduce thirteen dehydrated meal in a jar recipes that balance ease of preparation with satisfying flavors. To maintain the freshness and quality of these meals, it is essential to store them in an airtight container.

Introduction

Meals in a jar are a convenient and innovative way to prepare and store food for later use. They offer a perfect solution for busy individuals who want to enjoy healthy and delicious meals without spending too much time in the kitchen. With meals in a jar, you can prepare a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, salads, and even desserts, and store them in airtight containers for later use. This method of food preparation is not only time-saving but also cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

Benefits of Meals in a Jar

Meals in a jar offer several benefits, including:

  • Convenience: Meals in a jar are quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy individuals who want to enjoy healthy meals without spending too much time in the kitchen.
  • Cost-effectiveness: Meals in a jar can be made with affordable ingredients, making them a cost-effective option for meal prep.
  • Environmentally friendly: Meals in a jar reduce food waste and minimize the use of single-use containers, making them an environmentally friendly option.
  • Customization: Meals in a jar can be customized to suit individual tastes and dietary needs, making them a great option for people with specific dietary requirements.

Understanding Dehydrated Foods

Dehydrated foods are a key component of meals in a jar. Dehydrating foods involves removing the water content from the food to preserve it for later use. Dehydrated foods can be stored for long periods of time without refrigeration, making them a great option for meal prep. Some common dehydrated foods used in meals in a jar include dehydrated vegetables, freeze-dried meats, and dried herbs.

Dehydrating Techniques

There are several dehydrating techniques that can be used to preserve foods for meals in a jar. Some common techniques include:

  • Air drying: This involves drying foods in the air, either by hanging them or laying them out in a single layer.
  • Dehydrator: This involves using a dehydrator to dry foods quickly and evenly.
  • Freeze-drying: This involves freezing foods and then removing the water content using a vacuum pump.
  • Sun drying: This involves drying foods in the sun, either by laying them out in a single layer or using a solar dehydrator.

Essential Ingredients for Dehydrated Meal in a Jar Recipes

Some essential ingredients for dehydrated meal in a jar recipes include:

  • Dehydrated vegetables: These can include carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, and onions.
  • Freeze-dried meats: These can include chicken, beef, and turkey.
  • Dried herbs: These can include basil, oregano, and thyme.
  • Bouillon powder: This is a seasoning made from dehydrated vegetables and meats that can be used to add flavor to meals in a jar.
  • Pantry staples: These can include rice, pasta, and canned goods.

1. Trail Mix

A photo of a woman with blonde hair, sitting at a wooden table with a bowl of mixed nuts, dried fruits, and other ingredients. She is wearing a red jacket and an orange beanie. The background reveals a scenic outdoor setting with a hazy view of mountains and vegetation. The focus is on the close-up of the bowl of trail mix and the woman in the background. The photo is taken during the day with soft, natural lighting.

Trail mix is a quintessential snack that provides a healthy, energy-boosting blend of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and sometimes a dash of something sweet, like chocolate chips or caramel bits. It is exemplary in its flexibility; you can customize it according to dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

To prepare your DIY trail mix, combine a choice of nuts, such as almonds and walnuts, seeds like pumpkin or sunflower, with dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. Add some dehydrated yogurt drops or chocolate-covered raisins for a touch of indulgence. This mix doesn’t require rehydration – just shake and enjoy straight from the jar. Trail mix jars can be conveniently stored on a pantry shelf, adding both convenience and aesthetic value.

Dehydrated Foods Soup

A photo of a rustic kitchen scene featuring a bowl of soup with various ingredients. The soup is served in a large, round, green-glazed bowl on a checkered red and white cloth placed on a wooden table. The table is surrounded by wooden furniture, including cabinets and a wooden countertop. There are multiple wooden elements, including a cutting board and a series of drawers. The background shows a typical kitchen environment with various kitchen accessories and ingredients. The image is a photo with a warm, inviting ambiance.

Dehydrated soups are a staple for anyone preparing meals with minimal fuss, offering practical make-ahead options that can be stored in jars. A popular choice is dehydrated vegetable soup, brimming with nutrient-dense ingredients. Layer dried vegetables like carrots, peas, and green beans with seasonings such as garlic powder, dried basil, and a pinch of salt. When you’re ready to eat, pour hot water into the jar, stir, and allow it to steep until the vegetables rehydrate and the flavors meld.

3. Overnight Oats

A photo of a table setting with a breakfast parfait in a jar, featuring granola, berries, and sliced fruit on top of a creamy base. The jar is prominently displayed in the foreground, with a spoon nearby. Additional ingredients and similar food items are present in the background. The background consists of a wooden surface and a tiled wall. The overall style of the image is a high-resolution, close-up photograph with a focus on food presentation.

Overnight oats are the ultimate breakfast for adventurers on the go. For a basic mix, layer oats with dehydrated fruits (apples or berries), a sprinkle of cinnamon, and chia seeds for added texture and nutrients. Pour in your choice of milk or a milk substitute and refrigerate overnight. The result is a creamy, satisfying breakfast that’s ready to fuel your day.

Taco Soup in a Jar

A still life photo featuring a jar of ingredients with a label reading 'Just Add Water And Simmer,' a white bowl with a medley of dried fruits and berries, and a plate with a stack of golden-brown crackers on a rustic wooden table. The photo has a warm, inviting tone and a focus on the ingredients and simple, home-style presentation. The textures of the ingredients and the crackers are evident. The lighting is soft and diffused.

Layers of dehydrated beans, freeze-dried corn, dehydrated tomatoes, peppers, onions, and spices. Just add water and simmer to enjoy a comforting soup. For the best texture and flavor, bake any accompanying crackers until they are lightly browned.

Chicken Noodle Skillet Meal in a Jar

A photograph of a culinary scene featuring a skillet with a variety of ingredients, including chunks of white meat, red peppers, and a mix of spices. The skillet is on a wooden cutting board on a table, and there is a bottle with a label and a bundle of fresh herbs in the background. The overall color palette is warm, with the golden-brown tones of the pasta, the rich colors of the ingredients, and the earthy tones of the wooden cutting board. The lighting is soft and natural.

Combine dehydrated chicken, freeze-dried vegetables, and dried pasta. A separate packet of seasonings adds flavor. Cook in a skillet with water for a quick meal.

Meals in jars are as practical as freezer meals, offering convenient solutions for busy nights.

Bean & Rice Fajita Casserole in a Jar

A photo of a meal setup with a jar of rice and various ingredients on a wooden cutting board. The jar is filled with a mixture of rice, beans, and a medley of colorful vegetables including bell peppers and onions. A spoonful of rice is on the board and there are some individual beans scattered around. The cutting board is on a wooden surface, and there are hints of an informal, home-cooked meal aesthetic. The image is a close-up, high-resolution photograph.

Layers of dehydrated beans, rice, freeze-dried peppers and onions, and fajita seasoning. Add water and bake for an easy casserole dish.

Mac & Cheese in a Jar

A photo of a close-up of a macaroni and cheese dish served in a glass jar. The creamy, cheesy macaroni is garnished with fresh parsley and breadcrumbs on top. A spoonful of the macaroni is being lifted out of the jar with a spoon. The background shows a casual meal setup with a bready crumb topping and a bluish cloth on the table. The image style is a high-resolution, close-up photograph.

Dried macaroni with a cheese powder mix, including dehydrated milk and spices. Boil the pasta and mix in the cheese powder for a classic comfort dish.

One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta Meal Prep-in-a-Jar

A combination of freeze-dried chicken, dried pasta, and dehydrated vegetables. Includes a creamy sauce mix for a rich and easy one-pot dinner.

Easy Taco Soup in a Jar Recipe

Similar to the first, this variation includes different beans, dehydrated corn, and a unique blend of spices for a customizable taco taste.

Chicken Noodle Soup for One (Mini Meal-in-a-Jar)

Perfect for single servings, this jar includes dehydrated chicken, dried noodles, and freeze-dried vegetables with a flavorful broth mix.

Hot Cocoa Mix (in-a-jar)

A photo of a kitchen scene with a focus on a jar of hot cocoa mix. The jar, made of clear glass with a metal lid, is labeled with a brown paper tag that reads 'HOT COCOA MIX'. A wooden spoon lies next to the jar on a marble countertop, and the background includes a blurred kitchen area with cabinets and a string of lights. The overall style of the image is a high-resolution, close-up photograph with a warm, homely aesthetic.

Not a meal, but a comforting drink. Dehydrated milk, cocoa powder, and sugar mixed together. Just add hot water for a warm beverage anytime.

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo in a Jar

A photo of a meal with a jar of pasta containing chicken and broccoli on a rustic wooden surface. The jar has a metal clasp and is filled with creamy pasta, chunks of chicken, and pieces of broccoli. The dish is served on a rustic wooden surface with a place mat underneath, and there are additional pieces of broccoli scattered around the jar. The image has a warm and inviting tone, with a focus on the textures and colors of the food.

Freeze-dried chicken, dehydrated broccoli, and dried pasta, with an Alfredo sauce mix. A delicious and quick pasta dish that’s easy to prepare.

Spanish Rice Mix in a Jar

A flavorful side dish with dehydrated tomatoes, onions, and peppers mixed with rice and spices. Simply add water and cook until the rice is tender.

These recipes are perfect for anyone who wants simple, tasty, and reliable meals. You can even tweak them to fit your taste. If you’re into dependable and easy cooking, try our dehydrated meals in a jar. We focus on quality and saving your time by choosing only the best recipes for you. Dive into the world of dehydrated meals and enjoy easy, delicious eating.

Share Your Favorite Dehydrated Meal-in-a-Jar Recipes

Do you have a go-to recipe or a twist on the classics? Spark a conversation in the comments and enlighten us with your culinary discoveries. Your contribution not only enriches this community but also stands as a testament to the spirit of sharing knowledge and experience, much like these recipes share the promise of a delicious, accessible meal.

author avatar
Danny Content Writer
Hey there, since 2016, my mission has been to provide you with the information and guides you need to make food dehydrating simple and fun. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, my site offers helpful guides, reviews, and recipes to enhance your dehydrating experience. I take pride in only recommending products I believe in, ensuring my readers' trust. As an affiliate of various programs, including Amazon Associates, your support helps me continue providing quality content. Thanks for stopping by, and happy dehydrating!
See Full Bio
Food Dehydrator Product Reviewer How To Dehydrate Food Food Dehydrating Tips
social network icon social network icon social network icon social network icon