Most people think a deep freezer is the key to long-term food storage, but what happens when the power goes out? There’s a reason pioneers and survivalists alike have turned to freeze-drying. It locks in flavor, nutrients, and freshness for over a decade without needing constant electricity. And you don’t even need a $3,000 machine […]
The post 10 Ingenious Ways to Freeze-Dry Your Food at Home for 10+ Years Shelf Life appeared first on Ask a Prepper.
There’s something timeless and comforting about slow-cooker chili with beans simmering away. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together; perfect for family dinners, game days, potlucks, or chilly evenings when you want something hearty and satisfying. This all-time favorite chili is known for its rich aroma, bold flavor, and cozy, home-cooked appeal that never goes out of style.
Please note that I will show you how to use your freeze-dried meats, vegetables, and fruits in several of my recipes. Mark and I have decided we must use our freeze-dried food to save money on groceries. Additionally, at our age, we aren’t passing it down to our kids, who likely won’t want it. In other words, what are we saving all this food for? At this stage of our lives, we need to use it now.
I’d like to share a chili story with you that I learned many years ago from Harry, who is a member of our forum and whom we all love. In Texas, chili does not have BEANS. Well, on Christmas Eve, Mark and I were invited to a friend’s house, where family from Texas was coming to stay.
After a few appetizers, I had to ask this sweet Texas guy, who is my friend’s brother, how he makes his chili. I said, “Does your chili have beans?” I laughed. He told me that Texas chili has zero beans. If beans are added, it’s called soup. Not chili. He said he shreds meat and adds a variety of chilies and some spices; no beans and certainly no tomatoes. I got the giggles so bad because that is how I met Harry the first time through my blog while discussing what constitutes chilli.
Chili with beans has long been a staple in American kitchens because it’s filling, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Beans add heartiness and texture, soaking up all those warm spices while stretching the dish to feed a crowd. Combined with a savory base and slow-simmered seasonings, chili becomes one of those meals that tastes even better the next day.
This beloved chili strikes the perfect balance between savory, smoky, and mildly spicy. Each spoonful delivers depth and warmth without overpowering the palate. The flavors develop as the chili simmers, creating a rich, comforting dish that’s bold but familiar—just the way classic chili should be.
One of the best things about chili with beans is how versatile it is:
It’s also easy to customize for different tastes, whether you like it mild, smoky, or with a little extra heat.
Slow Cooker Chili With Beans is hearty and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides makes it an even better meal. Here are some delicious serving ideas that work for family dinners, gatherings, or game day:
There’s a reason this dish is called a classic chili. It’s reliable, comforting, and always welcome at the table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or serving guests, chili with beans delivers big flavor with minimal fuss—making it a go-to recipe again and again.
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I used a 3-1/2 quart slow cooker, and yes, it did boil over a bit. I kept checking it because I had given away my larger slow cooker. Luckily, Mark and I were able to clean up the overflowing liquids. Just giving you a heads up, this slow cooker was a bit too small. Live and learn, but life is still good!
The heart of a classic chili with beans lies in its simple, well-balanced ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in building rich flavor, satisfying texture, and that slow-simmered taste everyone loves.
Ground Beef
Ground beef forms the savory foundation of this chili. It brings richness and depth, creating a hearty base that makes each bowl filling and comforting. As it cooks, it absorbs the flavors of the spices and tomatoes, ensuring every bite is packed with classic chili goodness.
Onions
Onions add natural sweetness and aroma, helping to balance the chili’s bold spices. When cooked, they soften and blend seamlessly into the sauce, creating a flavorful backbone that enhances the dish’s overall depth.
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers contribute a subtle sweetness and gentle crunch that brightens the chili. Their mild flavor complements the beef and beans without overpowering the dish, adding color and texture to every spoonful.
Garlic
Garlic delivers a warm, savory note that enhances the chili’s complexity. It deepens the flavor profile and ties together the beef, vegetables, and spices, making the chili taste slow-cooked and robust.
Kidney Beans
Kidney beans are a classic chili staple. Their firm texture holds up well during simmering, while their mild, earthy flavor absorbs the surrounding spices and tomato base. They add heartiness and make the chili more satisfying.
Chili Beans
Chili beans bring an extra layer of flavor, often already seasoned to complement chili dishes. They enhance the richness of the sauce and reinforce the bold, traditional chili taste that many people love.
Diced Tomatoes
Diced tomatoes provide brightness and balance. Their slight acidity cuts through the richness of the beef and beans, keeping the chili from feeling heavy while contributing a chunky, comforting texture.
Tomato Paste
Tomato paste adds concentrated tomato flavor and thickens the chili. It deepens the color and creates a more decadent and robust sauce that clings perfectly to the beef and beans.
Sweet Basil
Sweet basil adds a subtle herbal note that softens the bold chili spices. It brings a gentle freshness that rounds out the flavor and gives this chili a unique, well-balanced finish.
Chili Seasoning
Chili seasoning is what brings everything together. This blend of spices adds warmth, depth, and that unmistakable chili flavor. It allows the dish to be bold without being overwhelming, making it appealing to a wide range of tastes.
Chili freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
Slow cooker chili with beans is incredibly versatile. Whether you keep it simple with cornbread or turn it into a fun chili bar with toppings, these sides help create a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal every time.
Together, these ingredients create a chili that’s hearty, flavorful, and timeless. Warm, hearty, and full of classic flavor, this dish is proof that simple comfort food never goes out of style. When you need something cozy, filling, and universally loved, a bowl of chili with beans is always the right choice. May God bless this world, Linda
The post Slow-Cooker Chili With Beans appeared first on Food Storage Moms.
There’s something incredibly comforting about a classic breakfast casserole; the kind that brings everyone to the kitchen before the coffee is even finished brewing. Classic Breakfast Casserole by Stacie is one of those dishes that feels familiar, cozy, and perfect for sharing, whether it’s a holiday morning, a weekend brunch, or a simple family breakfast.
This type of casserole has stood the test of time because it checks every box: hearty, satisfying, easy to prepare ahead of time, and loved by both kids and adults. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels special without being fussy.
My daughter, Stacie, has made this recipe for years for her family. They cook it in a Dutch oven placed in their conventional oven. Now that her family has grown, she makes two Dutch ovens. Her daughter and her husband blessed us with our first great-granddaughter.
Breakfast casseroles became popular because they were practical and filling, especially for busy households and large gatherings, and combining beloved breakfast staples into one baked dish made mornings easier while still delivering big flavor.
What makes a classic breakfast casserole so appealing is its balance:
Stacie’s version captures everything people love about traditional breakfast casseroles while keeping things simple and dependable.
A dish like this isn’t just for breakfast; it’s a go-to solution for many occasions:
Because it reheats beautifully, it’s also great for leftovers, making it just as practical as it is delicious.
Classic breakfast casseroles are known for their rich aroma as they bake, filling the house with that unmistakable “breakfast is ready” feeling. They’re warm, satisfying, and inviting, exactly what you want first thing in the morning.
This type of dish encourages people to slow down, sit together, and enjoy a shared meal. That’s part of why it’s remained a favorite across generations.
It’s not trendy or complicated, and that’s precisely the point. Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that feel like home.
I found these Tator Tots in the freezer. Yes, they have freezer burn, but I used them anyway. I love gathering all the ingredients before I get started.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Grease a 9-by-13-inch pan, then place the hash browns or Tator Tots into the pan. Sprinkle one tablespoon of oil over the hash browns or Tator Tots. Bake for 25 minutes.
Beat the eggs with the milk. Add salt and pepper. Remove from the oven, and pour half of the egg mixture over the hash browns.
Put the meat of your choice on top of this layer. I used both cooked sausage and cooked bacon on mine.
I cooked the sausage ahead of time.
Sprinkle half of the cheese on top of the meat layer. Pour the remaining egg mixture over the meat layer.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the final layer. Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (176°C). Bake for 40-50 minutes uncovered, or until the eggs set.
The beauty of a classic breakfast casserole lies in its simple, familiar ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the comforting texture, savory flavor, and hearty appeal that make this dish a longtime favorite.
Hashbrowns form the foundation of this casserole, giving it structure and heartiness. Their mild potato flavor absorbs surrounding seasonings and savory drippings as the casserole bakes, creating tender bites on the inside with lightly crisp edges. Hashbrowns also make the dish especially filling, turning classic breakfast flavors into a satisfying, all-in-one meal.
Breakfast sausage brings bold, savory depth to the casserole. Seasoned with spices like sage, pepper, and fennel, sausage adds richness and warmth that balances the mildness of the potatoes and eggs. As it bakes, its flavors infuse the entire dish, making every bite hearty and comforting.
Bacon adds a smoky, salty contrast that instantly elevates the casserole. Its crisp texture pairs beautifully with the softness of the eggs and hashbrowns, while its unmistakable flavor enhances the overall richness. Bacon brings that classic breakfast aroma that makes this dish so inviting the moment it comes out of the oven.
Eggs are the binding element that brings everything together. They create a soft, custard-like texture that holds the ingredients in place while keeping the casserole light and fluffy. Eggs also add natural richness and protein, making this dish both satisfying and nourishing.
Milk helps create a smooth, creamy egg mixture that bakes evenly throughout the casserole. It softens the texture of the eggs and prevents the dish from becoming dense, resulting in a tender, comforting consistency that melts in your mouth.
Grated cheese adds creaminess, flavor, and that irresistible golden top. As it melts, it ties all the ingredients together, adding richness and a slight stretch that makes each serving extra comforting. The cheese also contributes a savory depth that enhances the eggs, meats, and potatoes.
Salt is essential for bringing out the natural flavors of every ingredient. It enhances the richness of the eggs, sharpens the cheese, and balances the savory meats, ensuring the casserole tastes well-seasoned and complete.
Pepper adds a gentle warmth and subtle bite that keeps the casserole from tasting flat. It complements the richness of the eggs and cheese while enhancing the savory notes of the sausage and bacon without overpowering them.
A hearty breakfast casserole is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can turn it into a complete and memorable meal. Whether you’re hosting brunch, serving holiday breakfast, or planning a relaxed weekend spread, these accompaniments balance the richness of the casserole and add variety to the table.
Fresh fruit is the perfect contrast to a savory breakfast casserole. Bright, juicy flavors help lighten the meal and add natural sweetness.
Soft or slightly sweet breads complement the savory flavors of the casserole without overpowering them.
If you’re serving a crowd or want extra heartiness, additional potatoes make the meal even more filling.
Lighter sides help balance the richness of eggs, cheese, sausage, and bacon.
Offering a few toppings lets guests customize their plates.
If you’re hosting a special occasion, consider adding:
A classic breakfast casserole pairs beautifully with fresh, light sides and simple breads that complement its savory richness. Whether you keep it minimal or create a full brunch buffet, the right sides will elevate the meal and make it feel warm, welcoming, and complete.
Classic Breakfast Casserole by Stacie is more than just a breakfast dish; it’s a tradition-worthy favorite that brings people together around the table. Warm, hearty, and timeless, it’s the kind of meal that turns ordinary mornings into memorable ones. May God bless this world, Linda
The post Classic Breakfast Casserole by Stacie appeared first on Food Storage Moms.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
If you knew there were delicious gummy bears that could help support your immune system, would you eat them? Of course you would! But what if you could make them right in your own kitchen?
During cold and flu season, many of us look for ways to naturally support our health and boost our immune defenses. Elderberry syrup is a popular choice thanks to its antiviral and antioxidant properties, and now you can turn that powerhouse syrup into something your whole family will enjoy: delicious, immune-boosting gummy bears.
This recipe is simple enough for beginners and fun enough to make with kids. It's also easily adaptable, so you can switch out the base liquid for other juices like orange, grape, or strawberry if you want to try different flavors.
I found this particular recipe on the Youtube channel, Our Oily House. You can watch it and read the instructions below.
You’ll also want gummy bear molds and a dropper (many molds come with one), or use a 9×13 pan and cut them into squares after setting.
Pour ½ cup of elderberry syrup into a mixing bowl and whisk in ¼ cup of unflavored gelatin. Work quickly, though. Gelatin begins to set fast.
Slowly pour in ½ cup of hot (not boiling) water while continuing to whisk. This step dissolves the gelatin and helps everything incorporate smoothly.
Once the mixture is smooth, whisk in the remaining ½ cup of elderberry syrup. Stir until fully combined.
Lightly grease your gummy bear molds with coconut oil to prevent sticking. Just rub a bit into each cavity using your finger or a brush.
Use a dropper to fill each mold cavity with the mixture. If you don’t have a dropper, you can pour the mixture carefully, but expect it to get a little messy.
No molds? Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 pan and refrigerate. Once set, cut into small squares.
Place your filled molds in the refrigerator. For small gummy bears, they’ll set in about 20–30 minutes. If using a larger pan, allow 4 to 8 hours.
Once firm, pop the gummies out of the molds. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Laura recommends giving these gummies to her kids five days on, two days off to avoid building up a resistance. These gummies are naturally packed with vitamins A, B, and C, plus the immune-supporting power of elderberries and the gut health benefits of gelatin.
This recipe is very versatile! Try substituting the elderberry syrup with:
Each variation offers new flavors, colors, and added health benefits.
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The post How to Make Gummy Vitamins That Boost Your Immune System appeared first on Homestead Survival Site.