Ingredients

• 2 cups freeze-dried ground beef

• 2 tbsp freeze-dried onion

• 1/3 cup freeze-dried green pepper

• 1 tsp freeze-dried minced garlic

• Salt & pepper

• 3 (14.5 oz) cans Mexican stewed tomatoes

• 3 cups Ready Harvest dried quick-cook black beans

• 2 cups freeze-dried corn

• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 taco seasoning packet

• 1 ranch dressing seasoning packet

• 3 cups water

• 2–3 Tbsp cilantro (fresh or freeze-dried)

Optional Toppings

• Freeze-dried sour cream

• Freeze-dried cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Rehydrate the ground beef.

Place the 2 cups freeze-dried ground beef in a bowl.
Pour 1 cup of very hot water over it, stir, and let sit 5–7 minutes. Add more water as needed until soft and fully rehydrated. Set aside.

2. Combine beans and water.

In a large pot or Dutch oven, add:

• 3 cups quick-cook dried black beans

• 2 cups water

Bring to a simmer. Quick-cook beans hydrate fast, but expect 10–15 minutes for them to become tender. If the pot gets too thick, add ½ cup water at a time.

3. Add aromatic vegetables.

Add the freeze-dried aromatics directly to the pot:

• 2 tbsp onion

• 1/3 cup green pepper

• 1 tsp garlic
  They will soften as the chili simmers.

4. Add tomatoes and sauce.

Stir in:

• 3 cans Mexican stewed tomatoes (with juices)

• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

Mix well.

5. Add corn and seasonings.

Add:

• 2 cups freeze-dried corn

• 1 taco seasoning packet

• 1 ranch dressing seasoning packet

• Salt & pepper to taste

Stir to combine.

6. Add the rehydrated ground beef.

Add the ground beef you prepared earlier. Stir to break up any clumps.

7. Simmer until everything is tender.

Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Cook 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are fully softened, vegetables are hydrated, and the chili thickens.

If too thick: add a little water or broth.
If too thin: simmer uncovered for 5–10 extra minutes.

8. Add cilantro.

Stir in 2–3 tablespoons cilantro right before serving.

9. Serve with toppings.

Top each bowl with:

• Rehydrated freeze-dried sour cream

• Rehydrated freeze-dried cheddar cheese