Old Fashioned Pressure Canning Meat

When it comes to preserving meats, canning is an excellent method that allows us to enjoy our favorite dishes all year round. Canning meatballs, in particular, is a great way to have a delicious and homemade meal at your fingertips whenever you desire. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of canning meatballs using a pressure canner.

Home Canned Meatballs

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley, garlic, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste until well combined.
4. Place the meatballs into sterilized canning jars, leaving about 1 inch of headspace. Pour the tomato sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are fully covered.
5. Wipe the rims of the jars clean and place the lids and bands on top.
6. Process the jars in a pressure canner at 10 pounds of pressure for 75 minutes for pints and 90 minutes for quarts.
7. After the processing time, carefully remove the jars from the canner and let them cool on a towel. The lids should make a popping sound as they seal, indicating a successful canning process.

How to Prepare

When you’re ready to enjoy your home canned meatballs, there are a few options for preparation. You can simply heat them in a saucepan on the stovetop until heated through, or if you prefer, you can gently microwave them until warmed. They can be served on their own as an appetizer, tossed with pasta, or even used as a topping for pizza. The possibilities are endless!

Canning your own meatballs not only ensures that you know exactly what ingredients are going into your food, but it also provides the convenience of having a delicious meal ready in minutes. This is especially useful for those busy days when you don’t have time to cook from scratch but still want a wholesome and satisfying meal. Plus, the taste of homemade meatballs is simply unbeatable!

Preparation Time

The preparation time for canning meatballs may vary depending on your experience in the kitchen, but on average, it takes approximately 1 hour to gather the ingredients, prepare the meatballs, and fill the jars. The processing time in the pressure canner adds an additional 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Servings

The number of servings you can expect from a batch of home canned meatballs will depend on the size of your jars and how many meatballs you choose to put in each. In general, a pint-sized jar can hold approximately 20-25 mini meatballs, while a quart-sized jar can accommodate around 40-45 meatballs.

Nutrition Facts

While it is difficult to provide an accurate nutrition breakdown for home canned meatballs without knowing the specific brands and measurements of the ingredients you use, here is a general overview of the nutritional value for a serving of homemade meatballs:

• Calories: approximately 150-200 calories per serving
• Protein: 10-15 grams per serving
• Fat: 8-12 grams per serving
• Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams per serving
• Sodium: 300-500 milligrams per serving

Tips

• Use lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
• Experiment with different seasoning combinations to customize the flavor of your meatballs.
• Ensure that your canning jars and lids are properly sterilized to prevent any contamination.
• Label your jars with the date of canning to keep track of their freshness.
• Store your canned meatballs in a cool, dark place for optimal shelf life. They can be stored for up to 1 year.

FAQs

Q: Can I use homemade marinara sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your own homemade marinara sauce as a base for the meatballs.

Q: Can I freeze the meatballs instead of canning them?

A: Yes, freezing is another viable option. Simply place the cooked meatballs in airtight freezer bags or containers and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I add vegetables to the meatballs?

A: Certainly! Adding finely diced onions, bell peppers, or even grated carrots can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the meatballs.

In conclusion, canning meatballs is a fantastic way to preserve this classic dish and have it readily available for meals and snacks. By following this recipe and using a pressure canner, you can ensure that your meatballs are safely preserved and maintain their delicious flavor. So don’t hesitate to roll up your sleeves and try your hand at canning these delectable homemade meatballs. Your taste buds will thank you!