There are a lot of quasi-MRE type foods out there, too. Ortega makes something called tortilla stuffers that's rice with beans and/or chicken in them. There are probably 30 or so shelf stable entrees that I've seen in the grocery stores. Quality & taste varies from item to item but many of them are plenty good to eat while backpacking or in case of emergency. None require water and could be eaten right out of the pouch if necessary.
_________________________
“I'd rather have questions that cannot be answered than answers that can't be questioned.” —Richard Feynman