Abstract: A meal kit for preparing at least two different distinct hot meals in which the meal kit comprises an outer container, a plurality of ingredients in individual containers placed within the outer container, and a set of instructions contained on or within the outer container describing at least two different ways of combining the plurality of ingredients to form at least two distinct hot meals, wherein different non-overlapping preparation times are associated respectively with the at least two different ways of combining the plurality of ingredients to make distinct hot meals. The meal kits provide savory, and conveniently and flexibly prepared, one-stop meal kits for consumers.