A method of preparing a uniformly tender meat product having an extended shelf life comprises the steps of selecting one or more meat ingredients wherein the muscle weight is comprised of whole protein tissue fibers, such as beef or pork, and mixing an acidulent with the meat to form a pretenderized meat product. Subsequently, the pre-tenderized meat product is mixed with an enzymatic tenderizer and cooked. The finished product is typically packaged in an oxygen-impermeable film, which also contains a microbe-inhibiting atmosphere and an oxygen-moisture scavenging agent.