How-To-Can-Beef-Stew

Preserving your homemade culinary creations is a rewarding and practical skill that allows you to enjoy the flavors of your favorite dishes long after the initial preparation. Canning beef stew is an excellent way to preserve this hearty and comforting meal, ensuring you have a delicious and nutritious meal ready to enjoy whenever you need it. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to can beef stew, ensuring a safe and successful canning experience.

Ingredients for Canning Beef Stew

• Beef stew meat (1 pound per quart jar)
• Potatoes (1 pound per quart jar, peeled and cubed)
• Carrots (1 pound per quart jar, peeled and sliced)
• Celery (1 pound per quart jar, chopped)
• Onion (1 pound per quart jar, chopped)
• Beef broth (4 cups per quart jar)
• Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon per quart jar)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment for Canning Beef Stew

• Pressure canner
• Quart canning jars with lids and rings
• Jar lifter
• Bubble popper or chopstick
• Clean kitchen towels
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Canning Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef Stew

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the beef stew meat in a small amount of oil.
• Add the potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion to the pot and sauté until softened.
• Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

2. Sterilize the Jars

• Wash the canning jars, lids, and rings in hot soapy water and rinse well.
• Place the jars in a large pot filled with water and bring to a boil.
• Boil the jars for 10 minutes to sterilize them.

3. Fill the Jars

• Carefully remove the jars from the sterilizing water using a jar lifter and place them on a clean kitchen towel.
• Ladle the hot beef stew into the jars, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
• Use a bubble popper or chopstick to remove any air bubbles from the jars.

4. Wipe the Rims and Seal the Jars

• Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any food residue.
• Place the lids on the jars and tighten the rings finger-tight.

5. Pressure Can the Jars

• Place the jars in a pressure canner filled with hot water according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Process the jars at 10 pounds of pressure for 90 minutes for quart jars.

6. Cool and Store the Jars

• After the processing time is complete, turn off the heat and let the canner cool down naturally for 2 hours.
• Remove the jars from the canner using a jar lifter and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
• Store the canned beef stew in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

Tips for Canning Beef Stew

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
• Do not overfill the jars, as this can prevent proper sealing.
• Make sure the jars are cooled completely before storing them to prevent spoilage.
• If a jar does not seal properly, discard the contents and reprocess the jar.

Troubleshooting Canning Beef Stew

• Jars did not seal: The jars may not have been properly sterilized, the lids or rings may not have been tight enough, or there may have been too much headspace in the jars.
• Beef stew is discolored: The beef stew may have been overcooked or the jars may have been exposed to light during storage.
• Beef stew is too salty: Reduce the amount of salt added to the stew.

Questions You May Have

Q: How long can I store canned beef stew?
A: Canned beef stew can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

Q: Can I can beef stew without a pressure canner?
A: No, it is not recommended to can beef stew without a pressure canner. Pressure canning is the only safe method for canning meat and vegetables.

Q: What can I do with canned beef stew?
A: Canned beef stew can be reheated and served as a meal on its own or used as a filling in pies, soups, and casseroles.