PRIORITY: Medium
CATEGORY: Protein
Freeze-dried beef is wonderful to have in your food storage. It has a very long shelf life and rehydrates well. Buy an extra can or two and make meals in a jar to have in your pantry.
SHELF LIFE: 25 years
COST: $ (about $85 for a year’s supply for a family of 4)
WHERE TO BUY: Costco
SAMPLE PRICING: Sam’s Club $87 for 2 cans (26 servings), Costco $216 for 266 servings
HOW TO STORE: As purchased (cans or pouches)
Decide the type(s) of beef to store depending on your preferences.
SERVING SIZE: 1/4 cup
SEASON: anytime
What to do with freeze-dried beef
• Make chili mac meals in a jar (page 90).
• Make chili con carne meals in a jar: To a quart jar add 1 cup quick cook beans to 1/2 cup tomato powder and shake well. Add 1 cup ground beef, 1/4 cup freeze-dried onion, 1/2 cup freeze-dried bell peppers, 1/2 cup freeze-dried tomatoes, 1/4 cup freeze-dried celery, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon beef bouillon.
• Make cowboy stew meals in a jar: In a bowl, mix together 1 cup quick cook beans, 1 cup dried carrots, 1 cup freeze-dried ground beef or beef-flavored TVP, 1 cup dehydrated diced potatoes, 1/4 cup dehydrated onion, 1/2 cup tomato powder, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 cup flour, and 1 tablespoon beef bouillon. Mix well and, using a canning funnel, pour into a quart jar. To serve, add contents to 6 cups of water, simmer 20 to 30 minutes, and serve.
Done