Is there anything better than taco night? Unless you’re a vegetarian, probably not.
Unfortunately, many of us have had the unpleasant experience of opening up the freezer or refrigerator to discover, with all the other taco ingredients spread out before us, that we’re out of ground beef.
The best way to prevent this from happening is to keep a steady supply of ground beef on hand at all times – and if you’re short on freezer space, canning ground beef is your ticket to success.
But how, exactly, do you do it? We’ll walk you through the steps in this post.

How to Can Ground Beef
While you will need to use a pressure canner for this recipe, it otherwise doesn’t require a lot of fancy or expensive materials or ingredients. Here’s how to go about making it.
Ingredients
- 14 lbs of ground beef (about 2 lbs per quart)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Start with fresh meat that’s been chilled, but not frozen. If you’re planning to can ground meat that’s particularly lean, like venison, you may want to add one part pork fat to three parts venison.
2. Toss the meat with salt and pepper. Then, shape it into small balls or links.
3. Cook the meat until it’s slightly browned. This can be done on the stovetop, in a frying pan, or by boiling. You can also saute the meat without shaping it at all, if that’s your preference.
4. Remove any excess fat from the meat, then fill the jars.
5. Adjust for headspace, making sure you have an inch of headspace, and wipe any food particles, grease, or residue from the rims of the jars.
6. Add boiling water or hot broth to top off the meat.
7. Put the lids and bands on the jars, then tighten to fingertip tight.
8. Load the jars into the canner (which should be prepared according to the manufacturer’s recommendations – typically, you will need to add three quarts of water before beginning and heat it to a simmer).
9. Place the locking lid on the canner and allow it to vent steam for 10 minutes; then, apply the weight.
10. Process pints for 75 minutes at 11 lbs pressure in a dial-gauge canner or 10 lbs pressure in a weighted gauge canner. Process quarts for 90 minutes at 11 lbs pressure in a dial-gauge canner or 10 lbs pressure in a weighted gauge canner.
11. When the processing time is over, turn off the heat and allow the canner to depressurize on its own. Do not open the lid.
12. When the pressure has returned to zero, remove the jars and allow them to cool at room temperature for 24 hours.
13. Check the seals on the jars, label, and store.
How to Use Canned Ground Beef
First and foremost, when you’re ready to use your canned ground beef, start by draining any excess liquid from the can. This step helps control the moisture content in your dish and guarantees a better texture.
One popular way to use canned ground beef is to incorporate it into dishes like tacos, spaghetti sauce, chili, or casseroles. Simply heat the canned beef in a skillet with your favorite seasonings and vegetables to create a quick and tasty meal.
For a delicious and easy pasta sauce, combine canned ground beef with tomato sauce, herbs, and spices for a hearty meat sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta or lasagna. It’s a time-saving solution for busy weeknights.
You can also use canned ground beef to make savory sandwiches or wraps. Simply heat the beef, add some cheese, and stuff it into your favorite bread or tortilla for a satisfying meal on the go.
If you’re looking for a warm and comforting meal, consider adding canned ground beef to soups or stews. Its rich flavor and tender texture blend well with various ingredients, adding depth to your soup creations.
A Few More Tips for Canning Ground Beef
Don’t break out that canner just yet! Here are a few more tips to make sure your canning experience goes off without a hitch.
Don’t Try to Can Raw Ground Beef
Some people wonder if it’s possible to can raw ground beef – unfortunately, it’s not the best idea. Raw ground beef isn’t safe for canning, so you’ll want to cook it first. Not only that, but cooking up the ground beef beforehand will prevent it from becoming a massive, unappetizing clump in the canner.
Only Use a Pressure Canner
Another “hack” for canning ground beef that just isn’t safe? Trying to use a water bath canner.
Even if your grandma claims she did it for decades and never got sick, research now tells us that it’s just not safe to use a water bath canner for any kind of meat, including ground beef. The temperatures just don’t get high enough to kill bacteria, like botulism. Always use a pressure canner or just stick to freezing the meat instead.
Feel Free to Use This Recipe For Other Types of Ground Meat
While most people will use this recipe for ground beef, it doesn’t have to be the only go-to. You can also use it for lamb, bear, elk, venison, pork, and much more. Feel free to get creative and keep your pantry fully stocked!
Keep It Hot
Before you can your ground beef, make sure you’ve kept it nice and hot. You don’t want to let it cool down, or it will not only lose some flavor, but will also be unsafe for canning.
Remove Excess Fat
Take some time to remove the excess fat on the meat before you put it in the jars. If you leave too much fat in the jars, they won’t heat as evenly and you may find that the safety and flavor are compromised. You can either rinse the fat off the meat or pour it off.
You may find, after canning, that there’s still some fat at the top of the jar. That’s okay! It’s pretty much impossible to remove all of the fat, so if you see some fat rise to the top, don’t sweat it – just skim it off.
Feel Free to Add Some Spices and Herbs
This recipe can be made plain, or with the addition of some basic herbs and spices. Some good options are thyme, cumin, and sage.
You may want to skip adding extra salt, as you may find that the flavor intensifies after canning. Also, stick to dry herbs instead of fresh – the flavors of fresh herbs may become too intense after canning.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve mastered the art of canning ground beef, you’ve unlocked a world of tasty possibilities right in your pantry! From quick tacos to hearty soups, your canned ground beef is ready to elevate your meals with ease.
Remember, with a little prep and creativity, you can whip up delicious dishes in no time using your canned ground beef. Whether it’s adding a savory twist to your pasta or spicing up your sandwiches, this versatile ingredient is here to make your cooking adventures a breeze.
So, next time you’re in a pinch for dinner or craving a homemade meal, reach for your canned ground beef and let your culinary imagination soar. Enjoy the convenience, flavors, and satisfaction of having this kitchen essential at your fingertips.
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