Mountain House freeze-dried meals are known for their convenience and flavor. While they are perfect as-is for camping, hiking, or emergency situations, you can also use them as a base for creative and delicious recipes. Whether you’re looking to elevate your outdoor dining experience or experiment at home, this guide offers easy and flavorful recipes using Mountain House meals.
Why Use Mountain House Freeze-Dried Meals in Recipes?
Here are some reasons to incorporate Mountain House meals into your recipes:
- Versatility: Their wide range of meals—from Beef Stroganoff to Breakfast Skillet—makes them adaptable to various dishes.
- Convenience: Pre-cooked and freeze-dried, these meals save time and effort in preparation.
- Long Shelf Life: Perfect for planning ahead or incorporating into last-minute meals.
- Balanced Flavors: Mountain House meals come with seasonings and ingredients that complement many recipes.
Tips for Cooking with Mountain House Meals
Before diving into the recipes, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Rehydrate Properly:
- Always follow the package instructions for adding water and rehydrating the meal.
- Use Fresh Ingredients:
- Add fresh vegetables, herbs, or proteins to enhance flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the meal before adding extra salt or spices since Mountain House meals are already seasoned.
- Think Beyond the Bag:
- Use them as an ingredient in larger dishes like casseroles, soups, or wraps.
Easy Recipes Using Mountain House Meals
1. Beef Stroganoff Casserole
Turn Mountain House Beef Stroganoff into a hearty, oven-baked casserole.
Ingredients:
- 1 pouch of Mountain House Beef Stroganoff
- 1 cup cooked egg noodles
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss)
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 cup steamed broccoli
- Breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions:
- Rehydrate the Beef Stroganoff according to package instructions.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the rehydrated stroganoff, cooked noodles, sour cream, and steamed broccoli.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle with cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
2. Breakfast Skillet Tacos
Transform the Breakfast Skillet into a portable, protein-packed breakfast taco.
Ingredients:
- 1 pouch of Mountain House Breakfast Skillet
- 4 small flour tortillas
- Salsa
- Grated cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
- Rehydrate the Breakfast Skillet following the package instructions.
- Warm the tortillas in a pan or microwave.
- Fill each tortilla with the rehydrated skillet mixture.
- Top with salsa, grated cheese, and fresh cilantro.
- Roll up and enjoy a quick, flavorful breakfast.
3. Chicken and Dumpling Soup
Elevate Mountain House Chicken and Dumplings by turning it into a comforting soup.
Ingredients:
- 1 pouch of Mountain House Chicken and Dumplings
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped carrots and celery
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Rehydrate the Chicken and Dumplings per the package instructions.
- In a pot, bring chicken broth to a simmer and add carrots, celery, thyme, and pepper.
- Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the rehydrated Chicken and Dumplings.
- Cook for another 5 minutes and serve warm.
4. Southwest Bean and Rice Burrito
Create a filling burrito with Mountain House Southwest Beans and Rice.
Ingredients:
- 1 pouch of Mountain House Southwest Beans and Rice
- Large flour tortillas
- Sliced avocado
- Sour cream
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions:
- Rehydrate the Southwest Beans and Rice as directed.
- Lay a tortilla flat and add a generous scoop of the rehydrated beans and rice mixture.
- Top with sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and hot sauce if desired.
- Roll the tortilla tightly and serve.
5. Spaghetti Bake
Make a delicious baked pasta dish with Mountain House Spaghetti with Meat Sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 pouch of Mountain House Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
- 1 cup cooked pasta (penne or ziti works well)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions:
- Rehydrate the Spaghetti with Meat Sauce according to package instructions.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the rehydrated spaghetti with the cooked pasta in a baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve.
6. Chicken Salad Wraps
Use Mountain House Chicken and Rice as the base for a refreshing chicken salad wrap.
Ingredients:
- 1 pouch of Mountain House Chicken and Rice
- ¼ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- Large lettuce leaves or tortillas
Instructions:
- Rehydrate the Chicken and Rice as directed.
- In a bowl, mix the rehydrated chicken and rice with mayonnaise, mustard, and celery.
- Spoon the mixture into lettuce leaves or tortillas.
- Wrap tightly and serve.
Why Experiment with Mountain House Recipes?
- Enhance Flavor: Adding fresh or complementary ingredients elevates the taste.
- Increase Nutrition: Pair freeze-dried meals with fresh vegetables, whole grains, or proteins.
- Creative Meals: Break the monotony of eating the same freeze-dried meals repeatedly.
- Impress Others: Show off your cooking skills on camping trips or during emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need special tools to cook with Mountain House meals?
No, you only need basic kitchen tools and a way to boil water for rehydrating the meals.
2. Can these recipes be made at home and on the trail?
Yes, these recipes are versatile enough for both settings.
3. Can I add fresh ingredients to Mountain House meals?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables, herbs, or proteins can enhance flavor and nutrition.
4. How long do Mountain House meals take to rehydrate?
Most meals rehydrate in 8–10 minutes with hot water.
5. Are these recipes budget-friendly?
Yes, they utilize the meal as a base and incorporate cost-effective ingredients.
6. Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s best to consume the meals fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
7. Are Mountain House meals gluten-free?
Some options are gluten-free. Check the packaging for details.
8. How do I make these recipes vegetarian?
Choose vegetarian-friendly Mountain House meals, such as their Southwest Beans and Rice, and skip any meat-based additions.
9. Do these recipes work with other freeze-dried brands?
Yes, these recipes are adaptable to similar products from other brands.
10. Can I make these recipes for large groups?
Double or triple the ingredients for larger portions to feed more people.
Experimenting with Mountain House freeze-dried meals opens a world of culinary possibilities, from hearty casseroles to refreshing wraps. Whether you’re cooking at home, camping, or preparing for emergencies, these recipes combine convenience and creativity for satisfying meals anytime, anywhere.