SEO Link List

appliances

Dishwashers

Small Kitchen Appliances

automotive & industrial

Accent & Off Road Lighting

Accessories

Accessories & Parts

Body & Trim

Brake Tools

Bulbs

Bumper Stickers, Decals & Magnets

Bumpers & Bumper Accessories

Car Electronics

Cleaning & Maintenance

Diagnostic, Test & Measurement Tools

Drive Train

Electrical Appliances

Engine Cooling

Engine Tools

Exhaust & Emissions

Exterior

Exterior Care

Finishing

Gaskets

Glass Care

Hood Scoops & Vents

Horns & Accessories

Ignition & Electrical

Interior

Interior Care

Jump Starters, Battery Chargers & Portable Power

Lighting & Electrical

Mirrors & Parts

Plumbing

Pullers

Running Boards & Steps

Safety

Shocks, Struts & Suspension

Snow & Ice

Steering & Suspension Tools

Thread Repair Kits

Tires

Tools & Equipment

Towing Products & Winches

Trailer Accessories

Truck Bed & Tailgate Accessories

baby products

Activity & Entertainment

Apparel & Accessories

Baby & Toddler Toys

Baby Care

Car Seats & Accessories

Diapering

Feeding

Gifts

Nursery

Potty Training

Safety

Strollers & Accessories

Travel Gear

beauty & personal care

Foot, Hand & Nail Care

Hair Care

Makeup

Personal Care

electronics

Camera & Photo

Car & Vehicle Electronics

Cell Phones & Accessories

Computers & Accessories

Home Audio

Household Batteries, Chargers & Accessories

Television & Video

Video Game Consoles & Accessories

Wearable Technology

health & household

Baby & Child Care

Health Care

House Supplies

Oral Care

Personal Care

Sexual Wellness

Sports Nutrition

Wellness & Relaxation

home & kitchen

Bath

Bedding

Heating, Cooling & Air Quality

Kitchen & Dining

Lighting & Ceiling Fans

Seasonal Decor

Storage & Organization

Vacuums & Floor Care

office products

Educational Supplies

Office & School Supplies

patio, lawn & garden

Gardening & Lawn Care

Outdoor Decor

Outdoor Heating & Cooling

Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor Power Tools

Patio Furniture & Accessories

Pest Control

pet supplies

Birds

Cats

Dogs

Fish & Aquatic Pets

Horses

Reptiles & Amphibians

sports & outdoors

Exercise & Fitness

Hunting & Fishing

Outdoor Recreation

Sports

toys & games

Arts & Crafts

Collectible Toys

Dolls & Accessories

Dress Up & Pretend Play

Games & Accessories

Kids' Electronics

Puppets & Puppet Theaters

Puzzles

Remote & App Controlled Vehicles & Parts

Sports & Outdoor Play

Stuffed Animals & Plush Toys

Tricycles, Scooters & Wagons

Vehicles

video games

PC

PlayStation 4

PlayStation 5

Xbox One

Mountain House Chili Mac with Beef - Freeze Dried Meal

Curated from 110 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: April 2, 2025

Product Image 1
Product Image 2
Product Image 3
Product Image 4
Product Image 5
Product Image 6

Mountain House Chili Mac with Beef - Freeze Dried Meal

Brand: Mountain House
Price: $11
Snoop Score:
7.3
Sentiment
7.0
Popularity
9.7
Technical
6.5
Buy on Amazon for $11See All Freeze Dried Food Reviews
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Snoop's Take

Mountain House Chili Mac with Beef is a convenient freeze-dried meal designed for backpacking and camping enthusiasts, providing two servings of delicious chili sauce with beef, macaroni noodles, onion, and beans. Users have expressed positive sentiments about its taste and convenience, with comments like "they're pretty damn good" and valuing it as a quick meal after a long hike. Overall, the product is highly recommended for those seeking a tasty and easy-to-prepare meal option in the outdoors, though some users mention the pasta texture could be improved and the price may be on the higher side.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Freeze Dried Food

I think they would be a good thing to have in my prep stock, and ultimately would feel worth it to me if I bought 30-50 worth of them every month or so, then just stowed them away.

Positive Feedback

I think the pasta texture is terrible and near useless nutritionally.

Negative Feedback
Product
7.3
Mountain House Chili Mac with Beef - Freeze Dried Meal
Buy on Amazon for $11
Backpacking
6 / 10
Car Camping
7 / 10
Emergency Prep
7 / 10
Road Trips & Travel
7 / 10
See how this compares to all Freeze Dried Food

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Good for emergency food storage
“I think they would be a good thing to have in my prep stock, and ultimately would feel worth it to me if I bought 30-50 worth of them every month or so, then just stowed them away.”➕
“Yes for their intended purpose, no for long-term provisioning.”➕
Good taste after a long hike
“they're pretty damn good.”➕
“Mountain house biscuits and gravy is the best one of them all.”➕
“The beef stews and chicken pot pie types are good.”➕
Convenient for occasional trips
“I only do a couple trips a year and always use Mountain House out of convenience.”➕
Convenient meal preparation
“If it that lazy morning or rainy night to know just a cup of hot water can get me a well deserved meal is the ultimate safety net of reassurance.”➕
Good taste of specific meals
“MH all day. Beef stroganoff, breakfast skillet and chili Mac are my favorites”➕
Effective for camping
“I really like the Thai Green Curry.”➕
Extended shelf life
“Anyone know why there is such a difference in expiration? Also, he had some Wise meals with just a manufacture of 2015.”➕
“Mountain House changed the expiration for their pouches from 7 years to 30 years”➕
Consistent and tasty meals
“Mountain House is consistent and tasty.”➕
“This one is actually my favorite.”➕
“I think it is tasty.”➕
Good for easy meal preparation
“I like the Mountain House entrees, and will crack open a pouch when I'm too lazy/tired to cook a proper meal.”➕
Enjoyable for family meals
“We actually eat freeze dried food as a dinner about once a month for fun and to make it feel like a treat for my kids.”➕
Useful as a meal starter
“It’s goodish but very beefy. I buy it for the value and make two batches of chili with it.”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Pasta texture is undesirable
“I think the pasta texture is terrible and near useless nutritionally.”➕
Mostly carbs and expensive
“The mountain house meals are high quality but they are mostly carbs, which can generally be bought cheaper dried rather then freeze dried.”➕
Expensive for the quantity provided
“the convenience of meals like Mountain House and Packit Gourmet is awesome, but the cost is more.”➕
Limited availability in stores
“They are sometimes hard to find. You can get them on Amazon. Not exactly a hot deal, but for a treat maybe!”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product NameImagePriceScoreCompareSee DetailsBuy Now
Mountain House Chicken & Dumplings Freeze Dried MealMountain House Chicken & Dumplings Freeze Dried Meal$10
8.4
DetailsBuy
Mountain House Breakfast Skillet - Freeze Dried Camping FoodMountain House Breakfast Skillet - Freeze Dried Camping Food$10
8.0
DetailsBuy
Mountain House Beef Stroganoff with NoodlesMountain House Beef Stroganoff with Noodles$10
7.7
DetailsBuy
Mountain House Expedition Bucket | Freeze Dried FoodMountain House Expedition Bucket | Freeze Dried Food$135
7.6
DetailsBuy
Peak Refuel Sweet Pork & Rice Freeze Dried MealPeak Refuel Sweet Pork & Rice Freeze Dried Meal$13
7.4
DetailsBuy
Mountain House Adventure Weekender KitMountain House Adventure Weekender Kit$49
7.3
DetailsBuy
Mountain House Chili Mac with Beef - Freeze Dried MealMountain House Chili Mac with Beef - Freeze Dried Meal$11
7.3
DetailsBuy
Mountain House Biscuits & GravyMountain House Biscuits & Gravy$8
7.1
DetailsBuy
Mountain House Fettuccine Alfredo with ChickenMountain House Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken$11
6.8
DetailsBuy
Mountain House Classic Spaghetti with Meat SauceMountain House Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce$8
6.8
DetailsBuy
Peak Refuel Three Bean Chili MacPeak Refuel Three Bean Chili Mac$13
6.8
DetailsBuy
Mountain House Chicken Fried RiceMountain House Chicken Fried Rice$9
6.7
DetailsBuy
Peak Refuel Biscuits and GravyPeak Refuel Biscuits and Gravy$14
6.4
DetailsBuy
Mountain House Beef Stew - Freeze Dried Camping FoodMountain House Beef Stew - Freeze Dried Camping Food$10
6.4
DetailsBuy
Mountain House Scrambled Eggs with BaconMountain House Scrambled Eggs with Bacon$7
6.2
DetailsBuy
Peak Refuel Chicken Pesto PastaPeak Refuel Chicken Pesto Pasta$14
6.1
DetailsBuy
Mountain House Vanilla Ice Cream SandwichMountain House Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwich$3
6.0
DetailsBuy
Mountain House Creamy Macaroni & CheeseMountain House Creamy Macaroni & Cheese$9
5.6
DetailsBuy
Mountain House Granola with Milk & Blueberries - Freeze Dried FoodMountain House Granola with Milk & Blueberries - Freeze Dried Food$7
5.5
DetailsBuy
Mountain House Chicken Teriyaki with RiceMountain House Chicken Teriyaki with Rice$9
5.0
DetailsBuy
Backpacker's Pantry Dark Chocolate Cheesecake MixBackpacker's Pantry Dark Chocolate Cheesecake Mix$7
4.8
DetailsBuy
Backpacker's Pantry Creme BruleeBackpacker's Pantry Creme Brulee$7
3.4
DetailsBuy
ReadyWise Breakfast Skillet Meal PouchReadyWise Breakfast Skillet Meal Pouch$13
3.2
DetailsBuy
Mountain House Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream SandwichMountain House Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwich$3
2.8
DetailsBuy
Backpacker's Pantry Mango Sticky RiceBackpacker's Pantry Mango Sticky Rice$7
2.5
DetailsBuy
ReadyWise 72 Hours Emergency Food SupplyReadyWise 72 Hours Emergency Food Supply$28
1.9
DetailsBuy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Resembles a condensed stew
“It looks like a condensed-ish stew to me🤷‍♀️🙂‍↔️”➕
Curiosity about freeze-dried ice cream
“Have you tried the MH ice cream sandwiches? Any good?”➕
“I like them. (Have you ever had the freeze dried astronaut ice cream?) Just make sure you have some drink to wash it down with.”➕
Interest in freeze-drying vs dehydrating
“I haven't tried Huel, but I'm interested.”➕
Inquiry about missing flavors
“You're missing Biscuits and Gravy in there - tied for #1 with beef strog imo”➕
Discussion about preferred Mountain House meals
“We have enjoyed the Mac and cheese and chili Mac in the past.”➕
“Beef Stroganoff with a packet of Arby's Horsey Sauce added.”➕
“I have always enjoyed the chicken ala king and the beef stroganoff.”➕
“+1 for the beef stroganoff! I also like the biscuits and gravy.”➕
Discussion about competing brands and their meals
“I've really enjoyed the stuff from [Good To-Go] and [Packit Gourmet].”➕
“Packit Gourmet is the best! Especially their chili, which has separate packets of cheese, chips and hot sauce.”➕
“Backpackers pantry is legit. Especially their pad thai!”➕
“Real Turmat, Fire Pot meals and Summit to Eat generally get the best reviews for taste.”➕

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Interest in making homemade freeze-dried meals
“$1800 would almost cover the cost of a freeze dryer. Then you can make your own.”➕
Tips for enhancing meals with hot sauce
“It's all about having a little something to add to the meal to make it that much nicer.”➕
Interest in making homemade dehydrated meals
“Sure enough found a few ranging from $20-40.”➕
Suggestion for additional meal options
“Try the Breakfast Skillet? If not, I highly suggest it.”➕
Encouragement for alternative cooking methods
“I am a Scoutmaster, and I encourage my troop to do freezer bag / one pot cooking.”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Great for active lifestyles
“They are great for very acriv people (backpacking) or long day of labor work that causes you to sweat a lot.”➕
Comparison to other brands
“That MH breakfast skillet is absolutely the best freeze-dried breakfast thing I've tried AND is fantastic stuffed into a tortilla for a breakfast burrito.”➕
“I quite enjoy Peak Refuel for some of their dinner entree meals, but Mountain House breakfast skillet is freaking great”➕
“Personally I prefer peak refuel but I think it’s subjective.”➕
“REI does indeed have tons of brand options”➕
Looking for best prices for bulk purchases
“Best price Mountain House Food Looking to stock up on good freeze dried provisions.”➕
“Costco had a 12 pack of mountain house meals recently. It pencilled out to about 6 bucks per meal.”➕
“/r/trailmeals wiki has a bunch of good brands to check out. No prices listed - so you’ll have to click around.”➕
Comparison to other freeze-dried brands
“Alpine Aire is my favorite brand taste wise.”➕
“Love MH. 100% my preferred FD brand - whether #10 can or pouches.”➕
Discussion about cheaper alternatives to Mountain House
“Best Mountain House freeze dried food alternative? MH freeze dried food has gone up a lot in price over the years, I was wondering if any of you have any ideas for alternatives that are cheaper.”➕
“Not always cheaper, but here are a bunch of alternative options:”➕
“Easy to make some of your own. Ramen bombs are great, cheap, and light.”➕
“Omeals are usually pretty cheap and extremely convenient as you don't have to boil water for them.”➕
Curiosity about testing food past expiration
“I recently ate p nut butt r that was three years over and I was shocked, and TURKEY spam that was five years over.”➕
Curiosity about meal storage during emergencies
“Freeze dried is good but if you plan on living on it you will understand the mad rush for toilet paper during the pandemic.”➕
Curiosity about weight of meal packs
“How much do they all weigh?”➕
Discussion on hydration needs while using freeze-dried meals
“Loved the study!”➕
“I imagine there is a range of water carry, maybe five miles or less from camp, but that just a guess, where you could satisfy that daily water total at the water source by camelling up rather than carrying it.”➕
“My camp hydration practices did not change when I was using PR as compared to MH. I noticed neither ill effects nor change in morning urine color.”➕
Preference for lower calorie meals among some users
“There are times when somewhat lower calories is preferable.”➕
Discussion about the weight savings of using different meals
“Likely slight and difficult to quantify.”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Unexpectedly good for a joke product
“This was going to be a joke, but this was surprisingly really good.”➕
Curiosity about freeze-drying process
“How does big companies like Mountain House freeze dry their food? Hello.”➕
“I've never dried chili, but have done eggs many times.”➕
“They have a factory tour video on Youtube where they show you what they're doing.”➕
“They freeze dry the meals in totality. It’s not done by ingredient and then mixed at Mountain House.”➕
Diverse taste opinions
“Make sure you try them before you decide they are a "meal" -- taste differs widely between meals, and even between people”➕
Variability in freeze-dried food longevity
“The changed their expiration dates but, not all freeze dried foods last the same amount of time.”➕
Comments on taste comparison with other brands
“I only eat Peak refuel. I've found them to taste considerably better than all the other brands I've tried, as well as being higher total calorie for the pack.”➕
Comments about common complaints regarding Mountain House
“The most common complaint I read is about the sodium content.”➕

You May Also Like

Explore more Freeze Dried Food
Freeze Dried Food
Mountain House Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken
Mountain House Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken
Explore Freeze Dried Food
Freeze Dried Food
Mountain House Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwich
Mountain House Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwich
Explore Freeze Dried Food
Freeze Dried Food
Peak Refuel Three Bean Chili Mac
Peak Refuel Three Bean Chili Mac
Explore Freeze Dried Food