Freeze-Dried Beef and Peas
Freeze-dried beef and peas steeped in broth. High protein, shelf-stable, no real cooking.
- calories
- 950
- weight
- 6 oz
- cal / oz
- 158
- protein
- 40 g
- serves
- 1, scales
- prep
- 2 min
- cook
- 20 min
- total time
- 22 min
- water
- 240 ml boiled
- cost
- $$
Calorie and protein figures are my own estimates, good enough for planning a food bag and not meant as precise nutrition data.
- Dinner
- Canister stove
- Alcohol / Esbit
- Backpacking
- Thru-hike
- Nut free
- One pot
- Grab and go
- Shelf stable
- Dump and stir
Ingredients
| Freeze-dried beef | 1 cup | diced freeze-dried beef needs the full 20 minutes; ground beef rehydrates in 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Freeze-dried peas | 1/2 cup | |
| Low-sodium beef bouillon | 1 packet or 1 tsp | |
| Butter powder | 1 Tbsp | |
| Parmesan cheese | 1 Tbsp | shelf-stable, grated |
| Olive oil | 1 Tbsp | carry in a small dropper bottle or single-use packet |
Method
- Boil 240 ml of water.
- Pour the water into a small pot or insulated mug with the oil and all dry ingredients. Stir well to combine.
- Cover tightly and let sit for 20 minutes. The freeze-dried beef and peas will soften as they rehydrate.
- Stir and eat.
Freeze-dried beef and peas need only boiling water and time. Twenty minutes under a lid rehydrates both fully. Boiling water matters—cold water works but takes much longer and produces tougher beef.
This is protein-focused. Thirty-two grams from the beef, six from the peas. Butter powder and Parmesan add fat that makes the broth actually stick to your ribs instead of passing straight through. For calories per ounce carried, it’s hard to argue with on a thru-hike.
Packing
Pack all dry ingredients (beef, peas, bouillon, butter powder, and Parmesan) in a quart freezer bag at home. Carry oil separately in a small dropper bottle or single-use packet so it doesn't grease everything else.
Variations
- Add instant rice (1/4 to 1/2 cup dry) for additional carbs; increase water by the same volume.
- A splash of soy sauce or hot sauce adds depth without much weight.
- Freeze-dried ground beef rehydrates in 15 minutes instead of 20 if you want faster dinner.
https://trailcooking.com/2025/03/11/new-recipe-high-protein-beef-and-peas