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Beef and bean stew in a jar

Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword bean stew mix, freeze-dried beef meal, pantry stew, shelf-stable meal, stew in a jar
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Quick-cook beans, freeze-dried beef, potatoes and vegetables layered in a quart jar. Simmer with water in a stockpot for a filling stew, or give the jar as a gift.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quick-cook black beans (quick-cook red beans also work)
  • 1 cup freeze-dried diced beef (beef-flavored TVP can substitute 1:1)
  • 2 tablespoons powdered or granulated beef bouillon (crushed bouillon cubes can substitute)
  • 2 tablespoons dehydrated minced onion
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 2 tablespoons tomato powder
  • 1 cup dehydrated diced potatoes
  • 1 cup freeze-dried mixed vegetables
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

  • Fill a clean wide-mouth quart mason jar in the order listed, shaking gently so the powders settle around the beans.
  • If it all won't fit, stir the ingredients together in a bowl first, then spoon them into the jar.
  • Seal with a FoodSaver and a wide-mouth jar attachment, or with an oxygen absorber (100cc, one per jar) under a new lid, or use both.
  • If you vacuum sealed, take off the attachment and put on the ring, tightened by hand. If you used only an oxygen absorber, wait until the lid pulls down and stays flat when pressed.
  • Label the jar with the cooking instructions and the date; keep it cool and dry, out of direct sunlight.

Notes

To cook: remove ring and lid; discard any oxygen absorber. Empty into a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Add 6 cups water; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer about 20 minutes until vegetables and meat are tender; longer for a thicker stew.
Safety: freeze-dried beef can go rancid.

Nutrition

Serving: 104g | Calories: 195kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1.4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 1076mg | Potassium: 706mg | Fiber: 9.2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1185IU | Vitamin C: 8.3mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 3.5mg

Nutrition is an estimate per serving from USDA FoodData Central, for 6 servings; quick-cook black beans counted as dry kidney beans, powdered or granulated beef bouillon (the first choice counted), dehydrated minced onion counted as dehydrated onion, granulated garlic counted as garlic powder, thyme counted as dried thyme, tomato powder counted as tomatoes, dehydrated diced potatoes counted as red potatoes. Brands and portions vary, so use it only as an approximation.