Have been backpacking in the Sierra Nevada 5 decades including 2 trips this summer. Freeze dried meals in this era are much better than decades ago. I'm not one that has explored the mix of current products but rather after finding meals that worked, have stuck to those products. Mountain House has reinvented their packaging this year.
Cheap old non-meat favorites:
https://www.knorr.com/us/en/products/sides/cheddar-broccoli-rice.html
https://www.kraftmacandcheese.com/product/00021000658831/original-7.25-oz
Beef Stroganoff - Pouch
Just add hot water to enjoy our delicious beef stroganoff. Perfect for backpacking and camping trips.
mountainhouse.com
Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce - Pouch
Our spaghetti with meat sauce is delicious both on and off the trail. Pouches are a perfect companion on your next camping or backpacking trip.
mountainhouse.com
Lasagna with Meat Sauce - Pouch
Our freeze dried lasagna is delicious both on and off the trail. Just add hot water to enjoy this classic meal any time, anywhere.
mountainhouse.com
Cheap old non-meat favorites:
https://www.knorr.com/us/en/products/sides/cheddar-broccoli-rice.html
https://www.kraftmacandcheese.com/product/00021000658831/original-7.25-oz