25 Survival Recipes You Need to Master Before Disaster Strikes

When emergencies arise, survival often comes down to preparation. While stockpiling food and water is essential, knowing how to cook simple, nutritious meals with limited resources is just as critical. Mastering these 25 survival recipes now will ensure you and your family can stay nourished and energized in any crisis.

From calorie-dense snacks to filling soups, these recipes use common, shelf-stable ingredients that every prepper should have on hand. Practice them today to build confidence and readiness for any emergency.

Survival cooking isn't just about preparing food—it's about resourcefulness. With limited tools, ingredients, and time, you need meals that are quick, easy, and nutrient-rich. Having the right tools makes survival cooking easier—see the top survival gear picks here.

By mastering these recipes now, you'll save time and reduce stress during an actual emergency, ensuring you're better equipped to face the unexpected.

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Packed with calories and nutrients, these bars are ideal for quick energy boosts.

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Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey or syrup
• 1/2 cup mixed nuts and dried fruit

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

2. Press into a baking dish and chill for 2 hours.

3. Cut into bars and store in an airtight container.

Pro Tip: Include these in your emergency food stash for a ready-made snack during crises.

A hearty soup using shelf-stable ingredients.

Versatile, long-lasting ingredients ensure meal sustainability—learn the best survival foods to store here.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried lentils
• 1/2 cup rice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp vegetable bouillon

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients with 4 cups of water in a pot.

2. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

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This versatile bread can be cooked on an open fire or in a skillet.

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Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Mix flour, salt, and water into a dough.

2. Form into flat rounds and cook until browned on both sides.

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Comforting and easy to make with basic stockpile ingredients.

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Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered milk
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients to form a smooth batter.

Cook in a greased skillet until golden.

Pro Tip: These pancakes pair well with stored syrups or preserves from your food supply.

Long-lasting biscuits that can be stored for months.

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Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients and knead into a stiff dough.

2. Roll out and cut into small rectangles.

3. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, flipping halfway.

A hearty, protein-packed meal using canned goods.

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Ingredients:

• 1 can beans
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a pot.

2. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Pro Tip: Keep a supply of canned goods from your stockpile for versatile meal options.

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A filling and easy-to-make meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup mashed beans
• 1 egg (or egg substitute)

Instructions:

1. Mix ingredients into patties.

2. Fry in a skillet until golden brown.

A simple recipe using dehydrated potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup potato flakes
• 1 egg (or egg substitute)
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients into a batter.

2. Fry in a greased pan until crispy.

A portable snack made from pureed fruit.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fruit puree
• 1 tbsp honey

Instructions:

1. Spread puree thinly on a baking sheet.

2. Dehydrate at 140°F for 6-8 hours.

These shelf-stable muffins are easy to prepare and provide a hearty meal option.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 cup powdered milk (prepared with water)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients into a smooth batter.

2. Pour into muffin molds or a greased skillet.

3. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden.

Pro Tip: Cornbread muffins pair well with soups and stews, making them a versatile addition to your survival food kit.

These energy-packed cookies are perfect for emergencies.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

2. Roll into small balls and flatten with a fork.

3. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.

Tip: Store in airtight containers to extend shelf life.

A simple, protein-rich meal for survival situations.

Ingredients:

• 1 can tuna
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1/2 cup powdered milk (reconstituted)

Instructions:

1. Mix tuna, rice, and milk in a greased casserole dish.

2. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes or until heated through.

No cooking required, these are quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips or dried fruit

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until combined.

2. Roll into bite-sized balls and refrigerate.

A hearty, customizable stew made with whatever ingredients you have.

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Ingredients:

• 1 can mixed vegetables
• 1 can beans
• 1 tbsp vegetable bouillon
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a pot.

2. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Pro Tip: Use dehydrated or canned meat for extra protein.

A quick, flavorful meal using basic pantry staples.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chicken
• 4 tortillas
• 1 tsp taco seasoning
• Optional: canned vegetables or salsa

Instructions:

1. Heat chicken with taco seasoning in a skillet.

2. Assemble tortillas with chicken and optional toppings.

Powdered eggs are a versatile ingredient in survival kits.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup powdered eggs
• 1/2 cup water
• Optional: salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Whisk eggs and water until smooth.

2. Cook in a skillet until fluffy.

A simple, shelf-stable meal that’s filling and nutritious.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pasta
• 1 cup canned vegetables
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.

2. Mix with vegetables and sauce, then heat through.

A crunchy snack or topping that’s easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Drain and rinse chickpeas.

2. Toss with oil and salt, then roast at 400°F for 20 minutes.

A quick, comforting side dish using potato flakes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup potato flakes
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Stir potato flakes and salt into boiling water until smooth.

A nutritious breakfast made with simple ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 cups water
• 1 tbsp honey or sugar

Instructions:

1. Cook oats in water until thickened.

2. Sweeten with honey or sugar.

A classic survival meal that’s filling and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 can beans
• 1 serving of cornbread muffins (see recipe above)

Instructions:

1. Heat beans in a pot.

2. Serve alongside cornbread muffins.

Use stored jerky for a flavorful stir-fry.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice
• 1/4 cup chopped jerky
• 1 tsp soy sauce

Instructions:

1. Cook rice and mix with jerky and soy sauce in a skillet.

A quick, comforting dish using instant noodles.

Ingredients:

• 1 pack instant ramen
• 1 cup canned vegetables

Instructions:

1. Cook ramen according to package instructions.

2. Add vegetables for extra nutrition.

A flexible recipe using shelf-stable vegetables and canned meat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice
• 1/2 cup canned vegetables
• 1/4 cup canned meat

Instructions:

Cook rice and stir-fry with vegetables and meat in a skillet.

A sweet treat made with simple ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix ingredients with 1 cup water.

2. Chill for 1-2 hours.

Good nutrition is essential for maintaining health during a crisis. The Home Doctor provides a complete guide to handling medical issues when professional help is unavailable. Learn how to manage nutrition and health emergencies in any survival situation.

Food preparation becomes even more critical in a prolonged crisis—learn how to survive a year-long blackout here.

These 25 survival recipes are practical, filling, and easy to master. By practicing these now, you’ll gain the confidence to cook under any circumstances, ensuring your family stays nourished during emergencies.