MRE Meals aren’t supposed to be good—ask any grunt, and they’ll swear they’re all terrible. But the truth? Some of those vacuum-sealed bricks are secretly kind of… decent. Everyone’s got that one they’d trade a sock for, but you won’t hear it out loud. This list spills the beans on the MRE Meals that earned a quiet fanbase in the field—no shame, just facts.
US MRE – Menu 17: Pork Sausage Patty (Maple-Flavored)
This breakfast-style MRE includes a maple-glazed pork sausage patty, bacon-potato hash, and a sweet pancake or muffin. It’s a consistent favorite and has earned the nickname “McGriddle MRE” among troops. Many reviewers say that warming the sausage patty and placing it on the muffin with syrup really hits the spot—some even call it the “MRE-Griddle.” Menu 17 delivers around 1,250 calories with a solid balance of carbs, fat, and protein, and usually includes coffee or a drink mix. Like all U.S. MREs, it has a shelf life of about 5 years when stored properly, comes in tough military-grade packaging, and requires no cooking—just heat it up or eat it as-is.
US MRE – Menu 19: Jalapeño Pepperjack Beef Patty (Grilled)
This spicy beef burger entrée has a thick grilled beef patty with pepper jack cheese and jalapeños. It’s served with sides like penne pasta salad and provides roughly 1,200–1,300 kcal (US MRE standard) with extra fat and protein from the double-entrée format. The pepper-jack/spice kick stands out among MREs, making it a favorite for those who like heat. Shelf life is 5+ years if kept cool and includes a flameless heater and accessories (utensil, napkin, spices).
US MRE – Menu 15: Mexican Chicken Stew
A Tex-Mex style MRE with chicken chunks, corn, peppers in a mild enchilada sauce, plus Santa Fe rice and beans on the side. Community polls report it as a top favorite, thanks to its satisfying chile-spiced taste. The stew is more flavorful than many MREs, especially if you add included red pepper seasoning. Provides ~1,250 kcal (standard US MRE) and includes dessert (snack) items. This tough military-grade pouch has ~5-year shelf life; heater/utensil included.
Sopakco Sure-Pak – Lentils in Masala Sauce (Halal MRE)
This Halal-certified vegetarian MRE features lentils in a bold, spiced masala sauce and is fully plant-based. It stands out for its rich, authentic curry flavor and noticeable kick of heat. Designed as a 12-hour ration, it provides around 1,250 calories and is packed with fiber and protein thanks to the lentils and included nuts. Like most U.S. MREs, it offers a shelf life of over 5 years when stored in a cool environment. The meal also comes with fruit, a drink mix, a flameless heater, and is both dairy-free and vegan, making it a rare option in the MRE world.
Sopakco Sure-Pak – Cheese Tortellini in Tomato Sauce
This civilian MRE features cheese-stuffed tortellini in a flavorful marinara sauce. It’s often rated as one of the best-tasting pasta options among ready-to-eat meals, thanks to its rich tomato base and noticeable notes of herbs like oregano and basil. The sauce is thick with a slightly sticky texture, delivering a comforting, classic pasta experience similar to canned Italian dishes. Each pouch provides around 1,250 calories and has a shelf life of about 5 years when stored properly. Preparation is simple, just add boiling water and let it heat for around 10 minutes using the included heater pack. The meal also comes with sides like cornbread and candy for a complete ration.
Sopakco Sure-Pak – Chili and Macaroni
A classic beef-and-macaroni stew MRE (similar to US military Chili Mac). The macaroni is al dente and coated in a rich tomato-beef sauce. Testers praise its hearty beef flavor with a subtle red pepper spice. It delivers ~1,200 kcal per pack plus sides (crackers, peanut butter, candy, drink). Shelf life ~5 years (foil pouch). No cooking required (just add hot water); compact and heavy-duty.
AmeriQual APack – Sweet and Sour Sauce with Rice & Chicken
A civilian MRE of Chinese-style sweet-sour chicken with rice. Tasters say the flavor is well-balanced, ginger-forward, tangy-sweet, and flavorful enough without added seasoning. It’s a complete meal (chicken + rice, plus sides like cornbread or bars) at ~1,000–1,100 kcal per entrée. AmeriQual’s APack MREs use the same sturdy packaging as USGI rations and have ~5-year shelf life. The reduced-sodium version contains 30% less salt compared to standard MREs. Meals include a beverage, heaters, etc.
Mountain House – Chili Mac with Beef (Freeze-Dried)
This popular freeze-dried pouch meal features a mix of macaroni, kidney beans, and seasoned beef in a zesty tomato-chili sauce. It’s known for its bold, satisfying flavor and well-balanced texture once rehydrated. To prepare, simply add boiling water directly to the pouch and let it sit for 8 to 10 minutes. Each 7 oz dry pouch yields about 570 calories (two servings) and is designed to preserve flavor through long-term freeze-drying. It also comes with an impressive 30-year shelf life when stored unopened.
Mountain House – Beef Stroganoff with Noodles (Freeze-Dried)
This is one of Mountain House’s most popular meals—and for good reason. It features tender beef and mushrooms in a creamy mushroom and onion sauce, served over egg noodles. It’s basically a lighter, packable version of classic comfort food. Each two-serving pouch delivers about 720 calories and packs a solid protein punch, providing 22% of the daily value per serving. Like all Mountain House meals, it rehydrates with hot water in about 10 minutes and comes with a 30-year shelf life when stored unopened.
AmeriQual APack – Spaghetti with Italian-Style Sauce & Meat
This civilian MRE features spaghetti with tomato-meat sauce, similar to Menu 4 in the APack case. It uses smaller-cut spaghetti noodles in a rich, flavorful sauce with beef meatballs. It’s been ranked as one of the top pasta MREs in taste tests. Each meal provides around 1,000 to 1,100 calories and has a shelf life of over 5 years when stored properly. Preparation is easy—just add hot water and let it heat up with the included flameless heater.
