There’s nothing quite like a homemade spaghetti sauce with meat, and the best way to enjoy it year-round is by canning it. Canning your own spaghetti sauce allows you to enjoy the delicious flavors of a homemade sauce even in the off-season when fresh tomatoes are not readily available. With a few simple ingredients and the right canning equipment, you can enjoy delicious spaghetti sauce with meat any time of the year.

Here’s the ultimate guide to canning spaghetti sauce with meat:

Ingredients:
– 20 lbs tomatoes, peeled and chopped
– 2 lbs ground beef
– 1 cup chopped onion
– 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
– 6 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tsp dried oregano
– 2 tsp dried basil
– 2 tsp salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
– 1/2 cup lemon juice (for canning)

Instructions:
1. Prepare your tomatoes by blanching them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then transferring them to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, remove the skins and chop the tomatoes.

2. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and cook until the vegetables are soft and the beef is browned.

3. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot along with the oregano, basil, salt, pepper, sugar, and red wine (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

4. While the sauce is cooking, prepare your canning equipment. Sterilize your canning jars and lids in boiling water.

5. Once the sauce is ready, stir in the lemon juice. This is an important step for canning, as the acidity of the lemon juice will help preserve the sauce.

6. Ladle the hot sauce into the prepared canning jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth, then place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands.

7. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 35 minutes. Make sure the jars are covered by at least 1-2 inches of water. Once processed, carefully remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool on a clean towel.

Once your jars have cooled, check the seals and store them in a cool, dark place for up to one year. When you’re ready to enjoy your homemade spaghetti sauce, simply open a jar, heat it up, and serve it over your favorite pasta. Canning your own spaghetti sauce with meat is a great way to preserve the flavors of summer and enjoy a delicious, homemade sauce all year long.