Canning Spaghetti Sauce with Meat: A Delicious and Convenient Way to Enjoy Your Favorite Meal
Introduction
Who doesn't love a good spaghetti dinner? But let's be honest, sometimes we don't have the time or energy to whip up a big pot of sauce from scratch. That's where canning comes in! Canning spaghetti sauce with meat allows you to enjoy homemade flavor anytime, without the hassle of cooking it fresh every time. It's a delicious and convenient way to preserve your favorite recipe and have a hearty meal ready in minutes.
Recipe
Yield: 7-8 pint jars Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Canning jars with lids and rings
- Jar lifter
- Canning pot and rack
- Ladle
- Funnel
- Magnetic lid lifter
- Clean towels
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat:
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the Vegetables and Simmer:
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Prepare the Jars:
- Wash the canning jars, lids, and rings in hot soapy water. Sterilize the jars by boiling them in a pot of water for 10 minutes.
- Important: Do not sterilize the lids and rings, as this can affect their sealing ability.
4. Fill the Jars:
- Carefully remove the sterilized jars from the boiling water using a jar lifter.
- Place a clean towel on your countertop to protect it from heat.
- Using a funnel, fill the hot jars with the spaghetti sauce, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top.
- Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp paper towel to remove any sauce residue.
5. Process the Jars:
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Place the lids on the jars and screw the rings on tightly, but not too tight.
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Place the jars in a canning pot filled with enough water to cover the jars by at least 1 inch.
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Bring the water to a boil, then process the jars according to the following guidelines:
- Pint jars: Process for 45 minutes in a boiling water bath.
- Quart jars: Process for 60 minutes in a boiling water bath.
6. Remove and Cool:
- Carefully remove the jars from the canning pot using a jar lifter and place them on a clean towel to cool completely.
- You should hear a "popping" sound as the jars seal.
- Allow the jars to cool completely, about 12-24 hours.
7. Check the Seals:
- Once the jars have cooled, gently press on the center of the lid. If it does not flex, it is properly sealed.
8. Store and Enjoy!
- Once the jars are cool and sealed, they can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
- To use, simply open a jar, heat it up on the stovetop, and enjoy!
Tips:
- For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the recipe.
- You can also add other vegetables to your sauce, such as green bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef.
- Always follow the recommended processing times for your specific jar size and altitude.
- If you are unsure about the proper canning techniques, consult a reputable canning guide or a local extension office.
Enjoy!
This recipe is a great starting point for canning your own spaghetti sauce. Experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to create your own unique flavor combinations. Enjoy the convenience of having a delicious homemade spaghetti sauce ready to go anytime!
