Yes, the foil pouch meat is great (better tasting than the cans). I also eat the MooseGoo (one tube lasts FOREVER) while biking and backpacking (but replace half the corn meal with powdered milk). Look at freeze dried beans and veggies... the better stuff is lightweight, rehydrates easily, and will make a killer burrito (with appropriate spices).

Open fires are not always allowed in my area so I carry a backpacking stove. To use a LOT less fuel look into insulated pot cozies (sold at ultralight backpacking suppliers). Instead of simmering for 20 minutes you just heat up the food and put the pot into the cozy. It will keep it -very- hot for at least 30 minutes (i.e. simmer w/o fuel).