Hearty Dehydrated Chili Mac Recipe for Backpacking | Lightweight & Delicious

The Chili Mac combines the comforting flavors of a classic chili with the heartiness of macaroni, creating a warm, savory meal that’s perfect for the trail. The tender ground turkey adds a rich, meaty taste, while the combination of white and black chili beans offers a satisfying, creamy texture. Bell peppers and onions provide a subtle sweetness and crunch, perfectly balanced by the bold, tangy tomato sauce and a kick of spicy hot sauce. Each bite is a delightful mix of spice and warmth, making it an ideal meal to enjoy after a day of adventure. It’s easy on the stomach, leaving you feeling satisfied without feeling heavy, so you can keep your energy up for the next leg of your journey.

Heading out on a backpacking trip doesn’t mean leaving good food behind. With affordable ingredient sand some simple prep work, you can enjoy tasty, satisfying meals even while you’re exploring the great outdoors. This guide will show you how to make a hearty backpacking meal—Chili Mac—that’s easy to prepare and won’t break the bank. This recipe is lightweight and perfect for keeping you fueled after a long day of hiking. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or just starting out, this Chili Mac will make your meals on the trail more enjoyable. Prepare to enjoy a homemade taste even when you’re miles from home!

Serving Size: 4 large servings

Ingredients:

1 (16oz) can white chili beans
1 (16oz) can black chili beans
1 bell pepper
1/2 sweet onion
6oz (3/4 cup) vodka sauce (or any lower-fat tomato sauce)
1.5-2 lbs ground turkey (93% lean)
2 tbsp hot sauce (I love chipotle Aardvark hot sauce)
4 cups noodles (macaroni-shaped)

Dehydration Equipment:

Get all your essentials for making your own dehydrated meals: he r e!

Dehydration Directions:

First, we’re prepping and cooking the chili mac sauce to the point where you could eat it as a meal at home. Then, we’ll dehydrate this meal.

Prepare the Chili Mac Sauce:

If you’re cooking the noodles (see notes), prepare them according to the directions.
Sauté bell pepper and sweet onion in a light amount of olive oil for about 3 minutes. Remove from pan.
In a stock pot, sauté and brown the ground turkey until thoroughly cooked.
Add the remaining ingredients to the pot: white and black chili beans, sauteed vegetables, tomato sauce, and hot sauce. At this point, the chili mac sauce should be cooked enough that you can eat it now (I usually have a little bowl) ?

Dehydrate:

Set your dehydrator to 165°F and 8 hours of cooking time.
Keeping the noodles and chili mac sauce separate, add the noodles and chili mac to a lined dehydrator rack in a thin and dispersed layer.
Noodles will be done in about 2 hours, and the chili mac sauce will be done in about 8 hours.
Separate your meal into 4 large servings (6 medium servings, 8 small servings). I do this by taking the dehydrated weight of the noodles and dividing this by 4. Same with the chili mac sauce.

Storage:

Store the dehydrated meals in plastic bags, reusable bags, or food storage bags (hot water-safe).

Rehydration Directions:

Bring 1.5 cups of water to a boil (or enough water to cover your meal).
Add your meal to the pot. Stir and cover with the pot lid. Let it soak for 10 minutes, stirring at the 5-minute mark.
Your meal is ready when the sauce is cohesive, and the noodles and ground turkey are rehydrated.
Enjoy!

Topping Ideas:

Other fun, packable, and shelf stable topping ideas to enhance your meal in the backcountry include…

Backpacking Cooking Set:

2-person cookware set (lightweight pot, bowls, and cups)
Micro burner (affordable and lightweight)
Fuel canister (this type is the best!)
Sporks
Food Safety: Bear canister (Small, Large), bear bag

Notes & FAQ:

Dehydration Time: Noodles take 2 hours. Dehydrating them speeds up cooking on the trail. The chili sauce takes 8 hours. Skip bell peppers if short on time.
Storage: Prepare in advance and store in the freezer to maximize freshness.
Shelf Life: If sufficiently dried, it’s shelf-stable for up to a week or longer if stored in the freezer.

Backpacking Snack Ideas

Fueling your adventures doesn’t stop at mealtime. Discover a selection of easy, tasty, and packable snack ideas that will keep your energy levels high on the trail. From protein-packed bites to satisfy your hunger between hikes to lightweight treats for a quick energy boost, these snacks are perfect for any backpacking trip. Whether you’re trekking through the mountains or enjoying a leisurely day hike, these snack ideas will ensure you’re ready for whatever the trail throws your way.

Gluten Free Waffle
Cookie Bites
Electrolyte Capsules
Dried Mangos (this brand is actually juicy and sweet!)

Preparing your own dehydrated meals for backpacking trips ensures delicious, nutritious options and gives you control over ingredients and flavors. This easy-to-make Chili Mac is perfect for outdoor adventures, offering a comforting, flavorful meal that’s lightweight and convenient. With its balance of protein, carbs, and a hint of spice, it keeps you energized and satisfied without weighing you down. As one of my go-to meals, it’s quick, easy, and affordable to prepare. Whether you’re hiking through forests or camping under the stars, this Chili Mac will be a reliable and tasty part of your journey. Enjoy every bite and happy trails!

Leaving Notes

Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I’m thrilled for you to experience the best in the backcountry! I hope you’re doing well, and I appreciate your support more than you know.

Here’s your reminder to get outside this weekend!

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See you in the next adventure!

Happiest Outside,

Lauren (@laurensbigadventure)