Homemade Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meat: Canning Tips

There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Italian spaghetti sauce with meat. The rich, savory flavors of ripe tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and succulent ground meat come together to create a mouthwatering sauce that’s perfect for topping off a plate of steaming hot pasta. And if you have an abundance of tomatoes from your garden or local farmer’s market, it’s the perfect time to make a big batch of sauce and preserve it for later use with canning.

When it comes to canning homemade spaghetti sauce with meat, there are a few important tips to keep in mind to ensure that your sauce remains safe and delicious for the long term. First and foremost, make sure to use proper canning techniques and equipment to avoid the risk of spoilage or botulism. Always use clean, sterilized jars and lids, and process the jars in a boiling water bath to seal them properly.

It’s also important to select high-quality, ripe tomatoes for your sauce, as they will contribute to the robust flavor and bright color of the finished product. Additionally, using a combination of ground meats, such as beef, pork, and/or veal, can add complexity and depth to the sauce, as well as provide a rich source of protein.

Finally, be sure to follow a trusted recipe for homemade spaghetti sauce with meat, and use the appropriate proportions of ingredients to ensure that the acidity and thickness of the sauce are conducive to safe canning. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor all year round with a pantry full of delicious, homemade spaghetti sauce.

Now, here’s a tried and true recipe for homemade Italian spaghetti sauce with meat that is perfect for canning:

Homemade Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meat

Ingredients:
– 8 lbs ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 lb ground pork
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 cup red wine
– 1/4 cup tomato paste
– 3 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
– 2 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
– 1 tbsp sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened.

2. Add the ground beef and pork to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and crumbled.

3. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, red wine, tomato paste, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook, uncovered, for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.

4. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree it at this point.

5. While the sauce is simmering, prepare your canning equipment by washing and sterilizing the jars and lids. Once the sauce is ready, ladle it into the prepared jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.

6. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean towel, then place the lids on top and screw on the bands until fingertip-tight. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 35 minutes (adjusting for altitude if necessary), then carefully remove the jars and allow them to cool. Check the seals before storing the jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

With this delicious homemade Italian spaghetti sauce with meat recipe and canning tips, you can savor the flavors of summer all year long. Enjoy the convenience of having a pantry stocked with delicious, homemade spaghetti sauce that you can use to whip up a quick and comforting meal for your family anytime.