Canning homemade spaghetti sauce with meat is a great way to preserve your garden’s harvest or farmers’ market finds. It also allows you to enjoy the delicious taste of homemade spaghetti sauce year-round. To ensure the safety of your canned spaghetti sauce, it’s important to follow the proper canning methods and recipe guidelines.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to safely canning homemade spaghetti sauce with meat:

Ingredients:
– 10 pounds ripe tomatoes, peeled, cored, and chopped
– 2 pounds ground beef
– 1 pound Italian sausage
– 1 large onion, diced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 2 tablespoons sugar

Instructions:
1. In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until they’re fragrant and translucent.

2. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot, and cook until they’re fully browned. Use a spoon to break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks.

3. Once the meat is cooked, add the chopped tomatoes to the pot. Stir to combine with the meat and allow the mixture to simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Add the fresh herbs, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and sugar to the sauce. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for another 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. While the sauce is simmering, prepare your canning equipment. Wash your jars, lids, and bands in hot, soapy water, and then sterilize them in boiling water for 10 minutes.

6. Once the sauce has finished simmering, ladle it into the prepared jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth, and place the lids on top. Screw the bands onto the jars until they’re fingertip tight.

7. Process the jars in a boiling water canner for 35 minutes. Be sure to adjust the processing time for your altitude, if necessary.

8. After processing, carefully remove the jars from the canner and place them on a towel to cool. Once they have cooled completely, check the seals and store the jars in a cool, dark place.

By following these steps, you can safely can homemade spaghetti sauce with meat and enjoy the delicious flavors of summer all year long. Remember to always use reputable and tested recipes, and never alter the ingredients or processing times for safety’s sake. Happy canning!