Canning Spaghetti Sauce With Meat Water Bath
Do you love spaghetti sauce with meat and want to preserve it for future use? Canning is the best way to do it. Canning spaghetti sauce with meat is a great way to enjoy your favorite meal anytime without worrying about spoilage. This article will provide you with the step-by-step process of canning spaghetti sauce with meat using a water bath method.
What is Canning?
Canning is the process of preserving food by packing it in airtight containers and heating it to a temperature that destroys microorganisms that cause food spoilage. The canning process involves sealing food in glass jars, cans, or other containers and then cooking the container to a high temperature to kill bacteria and other microorganisms. Canning helps to preserve food for long periods of time without compromising its quality.
Ingredients and Equipment
Before you start canning spaghetti sauce with meat, you need to gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Here are the things you need:
- 6 pounds of tomatoes
- 2 pounds of ground beef
- 2 cups of chopped onions
- 1 cup of chopped green bell peppers
- 1 cup of chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of dried basil
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- Water bath canner
- Jars with lids and bands
- Canning funnel
- Jar lifter
- Bubble remover tool
Step-by-Step Guide to Canning Spaghetti Sauce With Meat
Now that you have all the ingredients and equipment ready, let's start canning spaghetti sauce with meat using a water bath method. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes
Wash the tomatoes and remove the stems. Cut them into quarters and put them in a large pot. Cook the tomatoes over medium heat until they are soft and mushy. Use a food mill or a fine mesh strainer to remove the skin and seeds from the cooked tomatoes.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain the excess fat and set aside.
Step 3: Saute the Vegetables
In the same skillet, saute the onions, green bell peppers, celery, and garlic until they are soft and fragrant.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Add the cooked ground beef, sauteed vegetables, and cooked tomatoes into a large pot. Add the salt, black pepper, dried basil, dried oregano, and sugar. Mix well and cook over low heat for 30 minutes.
Step 5: Prepare the Jars
While the sauce is cooking, prepare the jars for canning. Wash the jars, lids, and bands in hot soapy water and rinse well. Sterilize the jars by boiling them in a large pot of water for 10 minutes. Keep them hot until you are ready to use them.
Step 6: Fill the Jars
Using a canning funnel, fill each jar with the hot spaghetti sauce, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Use a bubble remover tool to remove any air bubbles in the sauce.
Step 7: Seal the Jars
Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any sauce residues. Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they are finger-tight. Do not over-tighten the bands.
Step 8: Water Bath Canning
Fill the water bath canner with enough water to cover the jars by at least 1 inch. Bring the water to a boil. Using a jar lifter, carefully lower the jars into the canner. Make sure the jars are completely submerged in the water.
Process the jars in the boiling water bath for 40 minutes. Adjust the processing time for altitude as needed. After 40 minutes, turn off the heat and remove the canner lid. Let the jars sit in the canner for 5 minutes before removing them with the jar lifter.
Step 9: Cooling and Storage
Place the processed jars on a towel or rack and let them cool for 12-24 hours. Check the jars for proper sealing by pressing down on the center of the lid. If the lid pops, the jar is not sealed properly and should be refrigerated and used within a week. Store the properly sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Conclusion
Canning spaghetti sauce with meat using a water bath method is an excellent way to preserve your favorite meal for future use. Follow these steps, and you will have delicious spaghetti sauce with meat that can be stored for up to a year. Enjoy your canned spaghetti sauce with meat anytime, and don't worry about spoilage.
