Making Ready Meal Kits

Using food from the pantry and storage to make ready to cook meal kits.

[@jeanene72]

I was just going through my pantry checking on what "must go" items I had, and thinking of how to use them up. Thanks for sharing your ideas, which also inspires us to think outside the box or can to put together a few quick meals. You never know when they will cone in handy.

[@LifePrepared]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dpeprd8191]

Same! It's ridiculous in my little pantry, and this inspired me to start making meals with what I have.

[@LifePrepared]

I find it kind of fun to put things together. Good luck

[@nmnativenurse6965]

Hi Kim! Great ideas! The mashed potatoes and canned beef made me think of a shepherds pie-just add a can of mixed veggies & a can of cream of mushroom soup mixed with the broth from the beef for the gravy. Another idea I had was canned ground beef, a can of tomatoes, a box of shells and cheese and taco seasoning for cheesy taco pasta. Thanks!

[@LifePrepared]

I never thought of shepherds pie, duh, lol. The cheesy taco pasta sounds really good too

[@coloradopackratprepper]

To the taco pasta i would also add a can of green chillis mild or spicy.

[@jeanene72]

You could also use vegetable beef stew or soup, maybe add some more vegetables, top with the potatoes for another version of shepherd's pie.

[@LifePrepared]

@jeanene72 good idea

[@jerrieanderson2245]

Hi again, with the ramen we never use a whole seasoning packet with a one, usually one to three blocks of ramen. Then I add chicken or beef and veggies. I keep all the extra packets (soy is a favorite) to use in other dishes. Grand kids love veggie soup with two cans mixed veg, can of diced potatoes, small can of tomato sauce (I prefer diced but they don’t like them, rotel is tasty) a beef ramen seasoning packet and water. If you have a packet of ramen you can crush up the noodles and add in near the end. Add in seasonings and diced dried onion if you have them. A can of your favorite beans adds protein.

[@LifePrepared]

I have never seen the soy ones. I am going to keep looking. They would be perfect for the seasoning packets.

[@jerrieanderson2245]

Thank you for sharing! I’ve used the mashed potatoes to make potato corn chowder. The family size potatoes, can of creamed corn, can of diced potatoes, add extra water and the evaporated milk. If you have it a small bag of bacon bits.

[@LifePrepared]

I need to try that! Even the guys would eat it without complaining 😉

[@boog.2751]

If I don't have bacon bits, I have added walmarts cn of diced ham to this soup also.

[@LifePrepared]

@boog.2751 sounds good. Thanks for the tip.

[@carriem7832]

In my meals to go I add dehydrated veggies made into powder and in vac sealed packets as added nutrition to the meals. I also bought some cheap hand can openers and put on the shelf to grab along with the plastic coated shopping bags you can buy cheaply and throw those meal packets in along with hand wipes and small plastic bags for trash….even some old flannel shirts made into rags and then add one to a packet for wiping hands. One woman mentioned she was without feminine hygiene and wished she had made herself to go bag with wipes, monthly needs and some IBP and a few pairs of undies.…..the shelter she went to did not have such items and she was desperate for tampons. All the stores were damaged and with it storming she couldn’t leave. Awful situation to be in….

[@LifePrepared]

Great minds think alike! In my to go bucket, I will have those items as well. I thought about the veggies and plan to dehydrate some to add to my meals.

[@carriestrong3385]

BRAVO! 👏 Feminine products do not get nearly enough attention in prep vlogs! I have added wash and reuse pads from Amazon to out go bags. Along with some disposable.

[@LifePrepared]

I think some ,"period panties" especially for girls just starting would be nice too. A little less embarrassing for them. Wish they had those 35+ years ago.

[@deborahelliott8460]

I picked up some Ghee (supposed to taste and cook like butter but is shelf stable). I have canned turkey so still good on your recipe. Here is a very filling meal that you didn't mention. 1 Jar Armor dried beef, 2 can evaporated milk (yes, you do add water to this but not much), 2 tbs Ghee, 2 Tbs Flour, 1 pkg mashed potatoes. Cook potatoes as directed using only 1/4 cut of your milk to make it creamy. Set potatoes aside, and make white sauce with flour, ghee, rest of the milk. When white sauce is thickened, add dried beef and cook for 1 minute to 1 1/2 minutes more. Pour white sauce with beef over mashed potatoes. Makes 6 servings. Trust me, you only need 1/2 cup potatoes with 1/2 cup white sauce to fill you up. Also, you can also add to your recipe file BBQ baked beans. 1 can bushes baked beans (any style you like), 1 can roast beef, 1/4 cup or 4 ketchup packets, 1/4 cup or 4 mustard packets, 2 TBS brown sugar, 1/4 cup bbq sauce or 4 packets bbq sauce from fast food places. This is a meal in itself and will fill you full. Makes 6 servings. Thank you for the ideas you have in this video, I didn't know you can buy a canned ham like you showed...I will have to look harder for those. Pity they don't have canned turkey like that, or we would be having a very cheap thanksgiving meal.

[@LifePrepared]

Thank you for the great recipes. Ghee is actually pretty easy to make. I have several 4 oz jars in my food stash.

[@l.d.matheny1035]

Hello! Kim, 🤗💕👍 This is a great idea to help organize a weekly meal plan for a busy family as well as having them for emergency meals (MRE's). Thanks for all the ideas. This takes a lot of pressure off having to figure out what to fix everyday or having to throw things together at the last minute in an emergency. Keep on making these helpful videos and for thinking outside the box. "God Bless You And Your Family"...

[@LifePrepared]

I agree with the weekly meal plans for busy moms and dads 100%

[@jeanene72]

I needed this, to have something ready to go for when the grandkids come over and I need to fix a meal without having to figure out what to fix, think it out, search for ingredients, etc. I can grab a kit and have a quick meal.

[@LifePrepared]

@jeanene72 great idea

[@RevBTB]

Thanks, Kim! there are SOO many options for these MRE style meal kits, thanks for the inspiration on a few quick, easy kits for those emergency situations.

[@LifePrepared]

I still need to get your package out. Sorry but haven't been to town yet. Going today!

[@nancybennick4501]

put old or new thick sock over jar and less likely to break

[@LifePrepared]

Great idea especially for those that lost the mate!

[@janh1399]

great idea......I have some knee socks with the foot mended too many times, this is a way to use them

[@LifePrepared]

I agree. It is a great tip.

[@Jenni-tz3bq]

A great idea for quick meals. Things are very unsettled here in the UK after losing our much loved Queen it's a difficult time.

[@LifePrepared]

I am very saddened by the loss as well. She was a great Lady. ❤️‍🩹

[@lehs1234]

All very amazing 👏 ideas!! Thank you for the reminder to go check for dates on food 😊

[@LifePrepared]

❤️

[@leannecaparro4844]

Kim, love your ideas!! With this economy, perhaps you could do meals by price next. You make me want to organize my entire food storage by meal kits!

[@LifePrepared]

Great idea.

[@user-oe6wq7pu8d]

I would also add hot cereal and add water only pancake mix. With a pkg or brown sugar for both. And dry milk.

[@becerelli]

Fantastic ideas. Thank you so much for taking the time to pur these together. The evaporated milk was a ahuh moment for me. Can't believe I never thought of it.

[@LifePrepared]

Happy to do so 😊

[@sandraschick1916]

Great ideas! I love and really appreciate your describing the what and why so thoroughly! 💓😁 THANK YOU!

[@LifePrepared]

I am so happy you enjoyed my video ☺️

[@tracieschrock9519]

I've seen the small cans of ham chunks at our walmart for 1.25..bacon bits would be good in the tater soup too..i love using the knorrs sides to make meals

[@LifePrepared]

Yes the bacon bits could add a lot of flavor to many meals.

[@pastaprincess3343]

All of these are great ideas.

[@stephaniegraham3774]

What a GREAT video! Thank you for your creative thinking and ideas. Well done!

[@susansramblings7848]

I love these ideas and your thinking out of the box. I will be doing this next week. Thank you!

[@LifePrepared]

Let me know how you do ❤️

[@carolynprice8952]

Good thinking out of the box. Love the idea of the meal plans.

[@LifePrepared]

I have used a few that past couple months doing a no spend pantry challenge. They really made it easy.

[@cindyg5064]

Great video! The loaded mashed potatoes would make awesome potato soup!

[@LifePrepared]

Yes. A great way to stretch it out a bit too. Thanks!

[@geraldinelucas3143]

Very impressed with what you did.

[@LifePrepared]

Thank you ❤️

[@deanacoleman-bm8ml]

Thank you for the ideas. You had given me some great ideas for my survival

[@LifePrepared]

Glad I could help!

[@coloradopackratprepper]

Butter powder in sm containers approx 3" sq. from dollar tree . the canned roast beef gets a pkg of mushroom gravy or onion gravy or brown gravy added. and a can of mushrooms. Butter powder and milk powder in sm container for instant mash potato . that small can of ham is now 1.52 at walmart. I bought a bunch at 1.00 too.

[@LifePrepared]

You have great ideas!

[@ilwilson16]

Love this idea. Will surely implement this .

[@LifePrepared]

Hope it helped ❤️

[@janh1399]

excellent idea using the evaporated milk

[@MsAudreyDavis]

For meal #4 “Ham & Potatoes” you could also add 1 can chicken broth 😘 if you needed some more water with flavor

[@LifePrepared]

Great idea, thanks ❤️

[@sherlynpatterson4304]

Thankyou for mentioning to put a bottle of water in the shelf stable meal prep bag. Other channels are forgetting this important ingredient.

[@LifePrepared]

I think different than most people lol

[@sherlynpatterson4304]

@@LifePrepared I'm new to your channel today. Looking forward to viewing your other videos. Please keep the good content coming. Lol, it's fun to think differently and watch the expressions of others when their lightbulb brains finally turn on.

[@LifePrepared]

Welcome! I'm so happy you are here ❤️

[@pamelapruett7833]

I also include the recipe. Therefore, when I use the ingredients in that bag. I can refill if we liked it enough

[@LifePrepared]

Great idea 💡

[@rebekahpykosh3603]

Thank you for such creative ideas. These look tasty. We have a family that we help due to their food insecurity, and I'm going to make some of these plus make some for Emergency preps.

[@LifePrepared]

What a wonderful thing to do 💕

[@BusDriverShirley]

I love that you help another family❤️❤️❤️

[@user-oe6wq7pu8d]

For people with food allergies i recommend using thin rice pasta. Found in asian aisle in any major grocery or an Asian store. Its about the same price as spaghetti. And cooks faster. Some are soak only.

[@LifePrepared]

Both excellent ideas! Thanks

[@bettybrewer691]

Great ideas. My only comment would be to add some type of can opener. Not all of your cans may be pull tab.

[@LifePrepared]

Yes I did❤️

[@lynnbehnke6910]

Very helpful. Thanks.

[@LifePrepared]

Glad it was helpful!

[@melindaroth5796]

Awesome information Thank you ❤😊

[@LifePrepared]

Happy to share ❤️

[@Myfavorites877]

Great ideas!! New subscriber 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@LifePrepared]

Yay! Thank you!

[@coloradopackratprepper]

Walmart also has GV Artisian mac n cheese for 2.12? Each in a variety of flavors that are awesome!!!!! Blk pepper n chedder cheese, havarti cheese n more. Sm.cans of ham is good in these!!!!! Subbed!!!!

[@LifePrepared]

I will have to check those out, thanks!

[@AliciasKitchen7]

💙💙 the turkey meal I would eat anyday it's so good

[@LifePrepared]

I love turkey but don't tell Nova lol

[@AliciasKitchen7]

🤣 haha 🤐

[@LifePrepared]

🙊

[@debimorsette1685]

Great ideas that I will definitely copy. You can find those small ziplock bags at Walmart. They are called Snack bags. Debi in Vicksburg, MS. 🥰🥰

[@LifePrepared]

Thanks for the info on the snack bags.

[@nanasplacepaula]

Also dollar tree used to carry

[@traceymoores218]

Late to the party perhaps, and just saying… corn is actually a grain (carb/starch) not a vegetable… Still a great food option though… shelf stable (canned) and stretches all sorts of meals out further, from soups and pasta bakes to shepherd’s pies and chilli/nacho/taco style combos. Can even combine with baked beans as a topping for baked potatoes - add a bit of grated cheese and you have a cheap and pretty nutritious meal. You’re welcome….😊

[@LifePrepared]

😉

[@sherrylewis9327]

FWIW I guess a lot of people aren't aware Ramen are actually 2 servings per package so the calorie count per package is double what you see on the label. 370 per serving is 740 calories per package. Scared the socks off of me the first time I noticed that! LOL

[@LifePrepared]

True but it is a lightweight, compact source of calories for tough times.

[@sherrylewis9327]

@@LifePrepared Yes it is and I do eat them, just being aware that all the stuff on the label should be doubled LOL, who only eats 1/2 of a package??? I'm not trying to run them (or you!!) down, just making folks aware.

[@LifePrepared]

Some of the package sizes are ridiculous. They want to make people believe there are less calories.

[@nanasplacepaula]

Good ideas, maybe fruit once a week. Also if you eat, rice and beans with any meat cans like a taco bowl.

[@LifePrepared]

I like taco bowls. I have a lot of canned fruit that I will grab off the shelf. I eat it mostly as snacks or breakfast.

[@pamelapruett7833]

My label includes the serving size and the best Buy earliest date, along with the name of the dish and then I stored them and earliest expiring dates first.

[@LifePrepared]

Great tip!

[@craftsbeautyandlife5163]

I would add a package of mashed potatoes to my turkey dinner

[@LifePrepared]

Good idea.

[@deanacoleman-bm8ml]

Merry Christmas kim

[@LifePrepared]

You too!

[@bettyir4302]

About time someone says to use the liquids from veg, fruit and meat. Otherwise, that's money literally down the drain. All good ideas, but if these are emergency grab and goes, then wouldn't you want to pack the farthest out exp. date since you hopefully won't have an emergency anytime soon? Maybe misunderstood and you're going to use them immediately. If there are a few items that slipped past their made up exp. date, put them front and center on the counter so it forces you to use them quickly to get them out of your way. I dumped out the utensil drawer and found one of the two missing good knives! Still can't find the other one but did find an extra manual can opener. Am sharpening everything. I already had two grab and go baggies with tableware, cooking spoons, knives and manual can openers but should put paper plates/old plates with them.

[@LifePrepared]

These are to use as soon as possible. I am putting together a kit in case I need to leave home.

[@meanhe8702]

May I suggest adding one of those small p38 can openers to your meal kits.

[@LifePrepared]

Yes, I agree they will be very handy.

[@gloriaclark3317]

More recipes please!

[@LifePrepared]

I will work on it ❤️

[@pepperminthomecrafts8269]

Thank you! Speagetti dinner.

[@LifePrepared]

I was thinking the same, thanks.

[@carriem7832]

What do you have to grab as a cook stove to grab and go?

[@LifePrepared]

I will be showing some options but I used to backpack and would use my current stove. I also thought of a couple other options.

[@DisabledandPrepping]

Actually most people eat ramen wrong because you're supposed to add proteins and investigables and things like that too the ramen noodles to make it an actual meal. But most people think that the package of ramen is ramen is what they're supposed to eat and not put in the rest of the stuff. I really like your little meal plans it's an easy way to have everything right there you don't want to go stretching for something when you're ready to make it.

[@LifePrepared]

I usually have a good basic plan. I like to pull out things twice a year to use up what expired first. I didn't do this spring due to my accident.

[@deanacoleman-bm8ml]

Don't forget plates silverware napkins can opener if your having to leave your home

[@LifePrepared]

Absolutely!

[@tracieschrock9519]

chilimac is a good one to

[@LifePrepared]

Love chili Mac!

[@tcctocrazytccarson7309]

The small bag she put the taco seasoning, is from Dollar Tree

[@LifePrepared]

I usually get them from Walmart but it could have been.

[@barbarasutherland8000]

Nice ideas.🌍👍🌍🥰🌍🍀🌍💯🌍😋🌍✌️🌍👏🌍

[@LifePrepared]

Thank you so much 😊

[@BelovedLeah]

So many of meal peppers use ham and for me I'd have to change because I can't eat pork of any kind. 😮😖

[@LifePrepared]

I don't use a lot of ham but these were a great price.

[@krisqueen5939]

Same here no pork

[@Christine112359]

What about breaking and lunch?

[@LifePrepared]

I have other videos showing full days.

[@juanellmarsh3697]

I don’t like mushroom soup, so I would substitute. Also don’t like the French’s onions.

[@LifePrepared]

That's why it is great to make your own so you choose what you like.

[@12dg]

Add some different vegetables could be fresh as 3 meals had sweetcorn. Check fat content

[@LifePrepared]

I planned to add veggies but don't usually use canned. If I need to use them for emergencies, I hope to be able to get fresh, frozen or forage some.

[@sherryglass4214]

I've enjoyed your pantry, shelf stable meal kits...but, Please use your tomato products ASAP!!! Other foods are good past the exp date, BUT NOT TOMATO PRODUCTS. They are best recanned into glass jars b4 the exp date. The ACID IN THE CANS PULL METAL JUNK FROM THE CANS...very bad for you. The tomatoes will last just fine--- just not in the can. Don't want you all consuming those harmful metals and such. Other then than... Loving them. PS...your kitchen, you rules-- for sure-- but, eww!

[@LifePrepared]

Thank you for the warning ❤️

[@Tobywedinikki]

I wanted to eat each of these meals right now. I wish before I have to leave this house you could go through the pantry n tell me what to put together to take with me. I’ve gone hungry a a child sexually abused n went days with nothing to eat or drink but beer. I was 4 at the time it started n lived like this till 6. Days there was oatmeal to eat things like that then days with nothing but abuse. At 64 I still have a fear of no food. If someone comes to my house they will not leave hungry nor will they be hungry for days bc I send a box wit them. I can’t afford fancy bc your tummy will be full. I’m learning so much from you. I can’t thank you enough .

[@LifePrepared]

You could send me pictures and I can give you ideas. My email is [e-mail]

[@Tobywedinikki]

@@LifePrepared thank you

[@LifePrepared]

No problem. Happy to help.

[@lorimcbrayer8431]

Blessings!!

[@nancybennick4501]

need dramamine to watch you pan around too fast! good information thanks

[@LifePrepared]

Sorry. I will keep it in mind for next time.