Homemade MRE Recipe: Easy Hamburger Gravy and Mashed Potatoes in a Bag for Long-Term Storage

Whether you’ve been on a military tour or gone camping in a remote national park, you’ve likely come across an MRE (Meal Ready to Eat). Some of them are great, and others? Not so much. If you're like me and prefer delicious, homemade versions of these meals, this Hamburger Gravy and Mashed Potatoes Meal in a Bag recipe is going to be a hit!

Photo byArmed Forces Supply

Imagine all the comfort of hearty hamburger gravy and smooth mashed potatoes, packed and ready to be enjoyed anywhere. This is the ultimate DIY MRE, offering the convenience of store-bought options with the superior flavor of homemade food. And with long-term storage in mind, this meal uses ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store.

You can store each part separately in Mylar bags, keeping the mashed potato mix and the hamburger gravy ingredients apart until you’re ready to enjoy. Perfect for outdoor adventures, prepping, or just as a quick grab-and-go meal at home, this recipe is a must-try for those who love both convenience and taste.

What You'll Need:

For this recipe, you will need Mylar bags and some common ingredients found at most grocery stores. Here’s a breakdown:

• Mylar bag (These are easy to buy online)
• ¼ cup freeze-dried hamburger meat (You can purchase online or freeze-dry your own.)
• 1 cup instant mashed potato powder
• 1 tsp beef stock cube or powder
• 1 Tbsp full-fat milk powder
• ½ tsp mushroom powder
• 1 Tbsp flour
• 1 tsp garlic flakes
• ½ tsp mixed herb
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp onion powder

Step-by-Step Recipe:

Preparing the Ingredients:

1. Simply place your freeze-dried ground beef into the Mylar bag.
2. Mix all the dry ingredients (instant potato powder, beef stock powder, milk powder, mushroom powder, flour, garlic flakes, mixed herbs, black pepper, and onion powder) in a separate plastic bag.
3. Close the bag with the beef, carefully removing as much air as possible. Place the plastic bag with the dry mix into the Mylar bag with the beef.
4. Seal the Mylar bag using an iron or hair straightener to make sure it’s airtight.

Cooking When Ready:

When it’s time to enjoy your meal, here’s how to prepare it:

1. Remove your plastic bag of mashed potato mix and rehydrate your ground beef in the Mylar bag or a pot. Add 1 to 1½ cups of hot water, cover it, and let the beef sit for about 10 minutes to fully rehydrate.
2. After 10 minutes, pour the mashed potato mix into the beef and stir until fluffy.
3. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Not only does this Hamburger Gravy and Mashed Potatoes Meal in a Bag satisfy your tastebuds with rich and hearty flavors, but it’s also incredibly easy to store and prepare. Whether you’re planning a weekend hiking trip or need a reliable, long-term food option for your pantry, this meal will deliver comfort food anywhere.

By using Mylar bags, you can extend the shelf life of your meal while keeping it free from bacteria. These bags are perfect for locking in freshness, ensuring your meal will be ready whenever you are. You can even customize this meal by adding additional herbs or spices to suit your taste preferences.

Pro Tips for Success:

• Add extra flavor by throwing in a dash of smoked paprika or some dried thyme to your mix.
• For a creamier texture, replace water with reconstituted powdered milk when you prepare the mashed potatoes.
• Store in cool, dry conditions to keep the Mylar bags fresh for longer periods.

Call to Action:

Did you enjoy this Hamburger Gravy and Mashed Potatoes Meal in a Bag? I’d love to hear how your meal turned out! Leave a comment with your tips, share this recipe with your friends, and don’t forget to follow me for more delicious DIY MRE-style recipes!