How to Make Pre-Made Meal Jars: Just Add Water for Meals in Minutes!

How to Make Pre-Made Meal Jars: Just Add Water for Meals in Minutes!

When you're struck by disaster, throwing dinner together'll be the last thing on your list. Digging through your stash o' cans, measuring every ingredient, pulling out supplies left and right –– who's got time to think about all that in an emergency?

This is where pre-made meal jars come in!

Now, what's a pre-made meal jar? Well, it's exactly what it sounds like! A pre-made meal jar contains portions of grains, protein, vegetables, and seasoning already measured, plus simple instructions for turning the contents into a delicious dinner with just water and heat.

If you layer long-lasting foods from your supply inside individual jars, you can prepare complete meals that are ready to cook up right when you need 'em. No thinking needed!

So, snag some jars and pop open your pantry. Your dinner menu is about to become crystal clear!

A styled kitchen scene showing a prepared meal prep setup on a rustic wooden table in front of a window.

The Makings of a Meal Jar

A pre-made meal jar is essentially a homemade dinner mix: all the dry ingredients you need to make a meal, measured and sealed inside a single jar.

Here are the basic building blocks to follow as you put one together:

As you select your recipes, try to choose ingredients with similar cook times. You'll want everything to rehydrate evenly, after all. Who wants crunchy rice with a side of disintegrated broccoli? No one!

The Right Way to Layer

You know what to layer. Now, here's how you layer!

After washing and drying a jar, add the ingredients in this order:

  1. First, put in any fine flavor powders or seasoning.
  2. Next, add the more dense ingredients, like rice or pasta.
  3. Then, layer in your meat or other protein.
  4. Last, top it off with any delicate freeze-dried foods.

Once the ingredients are arranged inside the jar, seal and label the jar with the name of the meal, the date you put it all together, the number of servings, and, of course, the amount of water needed as well as the cooking directions.

Store your pre-made meal jars somewhere cool, dark, and dry. Even though these meal solutions contain long-lasting ingredients, their storage conditions have changed –– so, treat your jars like a convenient meal alternative to rotate rather than a dinner that lasts decades.

Once mealtime comes 'round, simply pour what's inside the jar into a pot, add water, and cook according to your instructions. All the planning and measuring is already done!

A large stainless steel pot of boiling water sits on a gas stove, with steam rising. On the wooden kitchen counter beside it is a glass mason jar filled with dried beans and grains, with herbs and a cutting board nearby and a window showing a garden outside.

Jarfuls of Recipes

Ready to round up your ingredients and toss 'em into a one-quart jar? Try out these three recipes for a start!

Creamy Chicken, Rice & Broccoli

Layer these ingredients inside the jar:

Then, attach these instructions to the jar:

Bring 3 3/4 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the contents of the jar, reduce the heat, then simmer for approximately 20 minutes, stirring regularly. Remove the mixture from heat, then let it stand for a few minutes before serving.

Cheesy Broccoli & Potato Soup

Layer these ingredients inside the jar:

Then, attach these instructions to the jar:

Bring 3 1/4 cups of water to a boil. Slowly whisk in the contents of the jar, reduce to medium heat, then simmer for approximately 20 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent the creamy soup from sticking.

Hearty Beef & Vegetable Soup

Layer these ingredients inside the jar:

Then, attach these instructions to the jar:

Bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the contents of the jar and stir well. Reduce the heat, cover, then simmer for 20 to 25 minutes –– or until the beef and vegetables are fully rehydrated and tender.

If the soup becomes too thick, add extra water until it reaches the preferred consistency.

A wooden bowl filled with chicken and noodle soup, garnished with dill, set on a rustic wooden table with a spoon, napkin, and blurred background elements.

Preparedness Is Served

A pantry full of pre-made meal jars transforms your individual ingredients tucked away in food storage into full and complete meals that are decided, measured, convenient, and ready right when you need 'em.

So, fill a few jars, smack some labels on 'em, and dinner is nearly served, sitting there on the shelf. Just add water, heat, then eat!

Check in with The Essentials Blog each week for expert education, tips, and resources to make your shift to self-reliance as smooth as possible!

— Bridget Oleary
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