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Backpacking Spaghetti Recipe

Author: Heather Painchaud
This backpacking spaghetti recipe is a family favorite and one that we take on all of our backcountry trips. It's always a hit with the kids!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Additional Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 35 minutes
Course Backpacking
Servings 6 servings
Calories 246 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef cooked and seasoned
  • 1/2 can spaghetti sauce
  • 1 pkg spaghetti noodles
  • 1/4 cup dried parmesan optional

Instructions
 

  • Start by dehydrating the ground beef and pasta sauce. My food dehydrator is ancient but this Cosori Food Dehydrator is a similar model with great reviews. Dehydrate the beef at 145°F for 4 to 6 hours until it is completely dry. The sauce should be dehydrated at 135°F for 6 - 8 hours on a solid tray.  Dehydrating times may vary depending on your dehydrator model as well as the moisture and humidity.
  • Store the dehydrated ground beef in a large freezer bag for up to six months. We put ours in the freezer for added longevity.
  • Peel the dehydrated sauce off of the tray, tear it into strips and store in a freezer bag.
  • To cook the spaghetti start by adding 1/2 cup fresh water to the beef and allow it to rehydrate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Place the spaghetti noodles in a pot of water and cook them as directed. Do not drain the excess water.
  • Place the beef in a pan, add another 1/2 cup of water and cook until heated through and no longer "crunchy". This can take at least 15 minutes and more water may be needed as you heat the beef.
  • Next add the dehydrated sauce, broken into pieces, to the noodles. Stir until well combined.
  • Remove any pieces of sauce that did not rehydrate.
  • Add rehydrated beef to the pot and combine well. Serve with dried parmesan cheese if desired.