What’s not to love about the idea of a well balanced meal that’s shelf stable and can be whipped up as a quick dinner or even during a power outage? If you’re here….welcome. I feel like most of us know what meals in a jar are and the reasoning behind having these magnificent jars lined up in our pantry for whenever we need. But if you don’t, let me share just a few quick reasons why I LOVE having shelf stable meals in a jar ready to go on my shelves.
Please note that affiliate links have been included in this post for your convenience. If you click through one of my links, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.’
Freeze Dried Ingredients
Many of you have seen I have a Harvest Right Freeze dryer and have partnered with Thrive Life freeze dried foods. I can’t even scratch the surface of all the benefits of freeze dried foods because the possibilities are seriously endless. Making meal in a jar recipes have become a new obsession. If you’ve been considering purchasing a freeze dryer now is a wonderful time to use Harvest Right’s layaway program and lock in the sale price.
If a freeze dryer is completely out of your budget you have some options! This is why I’ve partnered with Thrive Life Freeze Dried Foods. If you use my link you can save 15% off your delivery order of freeze dried pantry staples!
Where I Get My Ingredients
The bulk of my freeze dried ingredients come from Thrive Life foods.
If you are on EBT you can also order freeze dried foods from Amazon using your EBT. I’ve made a bulk list of the items used in my shelf stable recipes for you to check out here.
Storage
The best and easiest way to store this base is to place it into a glass jar and vacuum seal the lid so there is no air. This allows the base to stay shelf stable for years. If you don’t have a vacuum sealer just store in a tightly closed jar and keep away from light and moisture.
Shepards Pie Meal In A Jar
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup Freeze Dried Thrive Life Shredded Cheese
- 1 cup Freeze Dried Thrive Life Potato Flakes
- 1 tbsp Freeze Dried Thrive Life Milk Powder
- 1 tbsp Freeze Dried Thrive Life Butter Powder
- 1/3 cup Freeze Dried Thrive Life Beef Gravy
- 1 1/2 cup Freeze Dried Beef, Lamb, Or Turkey Crumbles
- 1 1/2 tbsp Freeze Dried Thrive Life Chopped Onions
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 cups Freeze Dried Mixed Veggies
Instructions
- Pre heat oven to 375 degrees F Add Cheese to a small snackies plastic bag or into a small jar. Poke holes in the small bag to allow the oxygen to be released. Add potato flakes, butter powder, and milk powder to a pint size glass jar and then add in your small bag of cheese on top.
- In quart size mason jar add in the remaining ingredients.
- Seal both jars with an oxygen absorber or using the vacuum sealer attachment for a food saver.
- Store jars on shelf for up to 18 months.
- When ready to make in a small bowl add the cheese and 3 1/2 tablespoons of COLD water. Place the bowl into the fridge for 20 min.
- Next Add the mash potatoes to a small bowl along with 1 1/4 cup HOT water or milk. Stir and cover with foil and set aside.
- In a medium size bowl add the entire contents of the main jar along with 2 cups of HOT water. Cover and allow to sit for 15 min for the vegetables to absorb the moisture.
- When veggies are soft and liquid has been absorbed, add main ingredients into an 8×8 glass pan.
- With a spatula add your mash potatoes on top of the meat and veggie mix.
- Bake at 375 degrees F for 12-15 min. Mixture should be bubbly and warmed throughly.
- Next pull cheese from fridge and add to top of pie. Broil on high for 2-4 min keeping an eye on the cheese. Allow to brown slightly.
- Enjoy
Notes
Want More Ideas?
Check out this post that has all of my meal in jar recipes in one location.
I’m loving your site and recipes. I have been reading a lot of books about prepping so having a site like yours is a god send. Thank you.
Liz I’m so glad you are enjoying the blog! This recipe will be posting today on youtube very soon =]