These Pantry meal kits didn’t disappoint. Essential shelf-stable ingredients, perfect for college students, bring camping, 72 hr kits, emergency food storage, and a meal to add to your weekly rotation.
MEXICAN CHICKEN SOUP
If you want to watch the video of this being made, this recipe starts at the 14:32 mark.
- 1 (13oz) can chicken meat, including broth, or 1 pint of home-canned chicken breast.
- 2 (8oz) cans tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5oz) can Mexican diced tomatoes in lime juice & cilantro
- 1 (15oz) can diced green chilies
- 1 (15oz) can corn, including juice
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp. powdered coriander
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp. granulated white sugar
- Garnish: Diced avocado, sour cream, tortilla chips, olives, cheese, and fresh cilantro.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, simmer all ingredients until thoroughly heated. Garnish as desired.
Recipe Credit: Michelle Snow’s book, It’s In the Bag.
TURKEY DINNER
If you want to watch the video of this being made, this recipe starts at the 1:15 mark.
- 1 (8oz) Stuffing mix
- 1 Cup water
- 1 (10.75-oz) can cream of celery soup
- 2 (13-oz) cans turkey meat, drained or 1 quart home-canned turkey breast
- 1 (15-oz) can green beans, drained
- 1 (12-oz) can evaporated milk
- 1 Tbsp dried onion
- 1/4 tsp. powdered sage
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper
- 1 envelope turkey gravy mix
Preheat oven to 350 degrees, mix together stuffing and water. Press 2/3 of the mixture into a 9″x9″ pan. IN a medium sauce pan over medium heat, mix together soup, meat, drained vegetables, 1/2 cup evaorated milk, and seasonings. Heat thoroughly and pour over stuffing. Spread remaining stuffing over top. Bake for 30 minutes.
I n a small sauce pan follow gravy mix directions. Top your turkey gravy on your plate of turkey dinner.
Recipe Credit: Michelle Snow’s book, It’s In the Bag.
TUNA CASSEROLE
If you want to watch the video of this being made, this recipe starts at the 10:53 mark.
- Two regular size boxes of macaroni and cheese (or one large box), including the cheese packet
- canned tuna
- can of creamed soup (mushroom, celery, or chicken)
View the full recipe at Handy Little Notes
CHICKEN AND WILD RICE CASSEROLE
If you want to watch the video of this being made, this recipe starts at the 12:45 mark.
- 1 box long grain and wild rice mix, 6oz
- 1 can of chicken 10 or 12 ounces,
- 1 can cut green beans
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
View the full recipe at Southern Plate
CHICKEN CASSEROLE
If you want to watch the video of this being made, this recipe starts at the 6:28 mark.
- Two regular size boxes of macaroni and cheese (or one large box), including the cheese packet
- Canned chicken
- Can of creamed soup (mushroom, celery and chicken all work fine.
View the full recipe at Handy Little Notes
To learn more about assembling your pantry meal kits watch this starter video on my YouTube channel, She’s In Her Apron.
9 Responses
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Kimmie, yay! This was a great video! I’m inspired to do this with our pantry items so that my daughter can independently practice cooking meals. This approach to meal planning can help her be more independent.
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2025 Thank you!
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Do you have a list of the foods you just assembled? And a list of the recipes they make? I like to make a grocery store run and put together these great meals.
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Do you have a recipe list for all of the kits in your video? I’m only seeing 5 on here but I would like to get them all if possible.
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Where do we find the creamy chicken recipe? It’s not listed. Having trouble finding any of the recipes. Trying to find the ones so we know how to make the meals that we have in the 20 bags now.
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Do you have the seasonings and recipes somewhere to print out or pin?
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I looked for articles under “Emergency Preparation” and didn’t see any. Maybe tag this one? I love this method!
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These would also be awesome to put together for the local food pantry. Everything needed to make a meal in one bag with the recipe!!!!
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Great article! Any ideas for homeless who have no way to cook meals. Remember when putting foods together for homeless, most do not have can openers, so cans with pull tops are great. My sister keeps fruit cup and snacks in her car. When she sees someone needing something to snack on she has something to give. Thanks for the article! Great ideas
9 Responses
Kimmie, yay! This was a great video! I’m inspired to do this with our pantry items so that my daughter can independently practice cooking meals. This approach to meal planning can help her be more independent.
2025 Thank you!
Do you have a list of the foods you just assembled? And a list of the recipes they make? I like to make a grocery store run and put together these great meals.
Do you have a recipe list for all of the kits in your video? I’m only seeing 5 on here but I would like to get them all if possible.
Where do we find the creamy chicken recipe? It’s not listed. Having trouble finding any of the recipes. Trying to find the ones so we know how to make the meals that we have in the 20 bags now.
Do you have the seasonings and recipes somewhere to print out or pin?
I looked for articles under “Emergency Preparation” and didn’t see any. Maybe tag this one? I love this method!
These would also be awesome to put together for the local food pantry. Everything needed to make a meal in one bag with the recipe!!!!
Great article! Any ideas for homeless who have no way to cook meals. Remember when putting foods together for homeless, most do not have can openers, so cans with pull tops are great. My sister keeps fruit cup and snacks in her car. When she sees someone needing something to snack on she has something to give. Thanks for the article! Great ideas