🫙 Step-by-Step Guide to Canning Meat in Glass Jars
Learn to preserve food safely and efficiently
🛡️ Food Safety
Destroys bacteria and spores that cause botulism and other serious health risks.
💰 Save Money & Time
Buy ingredients on sale, cook once, and store ready-to-eat meals.
🏠 Emergency Readiness
Jars don’t rely on a freezer or electricity; just cool, dark shelves.
Key Principle
Meats are low-acid foods; only pressure canning reaches ≥ 240 °F (116 °C) required to sterilize them safely.
Necessary Materials
| Item | Function | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wide-mouth glass jars (pint & quart) | Heat-resistant container | Check for chips or cracks |
| Two-piece metal lids (flat lid + ring) | Creates airtight vacuum | Use new lids; rings can be reused |
| Pressure canner | Reaches 10–15 psi | Holds ≥ 7 quart jars; gauge or weighted regulator |
| Jar rack | Keeps jars off bottom | Prevents breakage from thermal shock |
| Sanitary tools: funnel, tongs, spatula | Helps fill & handle jars hygienically | Prefer stainless steel or food-grade silicone |
| Soapy solution & hot water | Pre-wash | Add 1 Tbsp vinegar per quart to degrease |
| Permanent marker + labels | Rotation & tracking | Date (MM/DD/YYYY) & contents |
Step-by-Step Instructions
A. Prep Food & Jars
1. Inspect & Wash
- Wash jars, lids, and tools with hot soapy water; rinse well
- Keep jars in 175–195 °F (80–90 °C) water to avoid thermal shock when filling
2. Select & Optional Pre-cook
- Debone meat, trim excess fat; cut into 1–1.5 inch cubes
- Optional: brown lightly for flavor; drain visible fat
B. Filling & Removing Air
3. Hot Pack
- Use a funnel to pack meat, leaving 1¼ inch headspace
- Add hot liquid (fat-free broth or lightly salted water) to cover
4. Remove Bubbles
- Slide a plastic spatula along inside walls to release trapped air
- Adjust liquid if needed, maintaining 1¼ inch headspace
5. Clean Rims & Apply Lids
- Wipe jar rims with a hot, damp cloth
- Center flat lid; screw ring on fingertip tight
C. Pressure Processing
6. Load & Vent
- Place jars on rack inside canner with 2–3 inches of hot water
- Close lid; vent steam for 10 min to expel air
7. Pressurize & Timing
- Use 10 psi (≤ 1,000 ft elevation); 15 psi if > 3,000 ft
- Hold for 75 min (pints) | 90 min (quarts)
- Maintain steady pressure; do not rush
D. Cooling & Seal Check
8. Natural Depressurizing
- Turn off heat; let pressure drop to zero naturally with weight on
- Wait 10 more min, then open lid away from face
9. Dry & Rest Jars
- Lift jars straight up with tongs; place on towel, spaced 2 inches apart
- Let sit 12–24 hours without disturbing lids
10. Check Seals
- Remove rings; press center of lid: should not flex or click
- Use unsealed jars within 48 hrs or reprocess with new lids
E. Proper Storage
Ideal Conditions
- Store in cool (50–70 °F), dark, dry place
- Keep lids ring-free to detect leaks
- Best quality: 1–2 years
Delicious Meals to Can
🥩 Hearty Beef Stew
With classic vegetables
🍗 Shredded Chicken
In spiced broth
🐷 Pork in Green Salsa
With tomatillo sauce
🌶️ Turkey Chili
With red beans
🌽 Creamy Chicken Corn Soup
Rich and hearty
🐑 Mediterranean Lamb Ragu
Herb-infused
Basic Rotation Tips
🏷️ Clear Labeling
Full date and meal abbreviation on each jar.
🔄 FIFO Method
First In, First Out: separate shelves for “new” and “in use.”
📋 Quarterly Check
Check seals, restock, and log what you’ve used.
📅 Family Meal Plan
Include at least one jar in weekly meals.
🎯 Conclusion
Home canning meat combines smart economics, food security, and family resilience in power outages or supply disruptions. Each jar preserves your time and resources, ready to nourish your loved ones when they need it most.
💡 Next Step:
Pick a meal your family loves, gather your jars, and plan your first canning session this weekend.
What meal would you can first for your emergency pantry?
🛒 Recommended Canning Products
Everything you need to start your home preservation journey
Ball – 32oz Wide Mouth Jars with Lids & Bands (12 Pack)
🛒 View on Amazon
Wide Mouth Canning Lids and Rings for Ball or Kerr Mason Jars
🛒 View on Amazon
Presto Pressure Canner and Cooker, 23 Quart
🛒 View on Amazon
Canning Supplies Starter Kit, Stainless Steel Tools
🛒 View on Amazon📢 PrepperFamily.org participates in the Amazon Affiliate Program. Using these links helps support our platform at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this community.
📚 Research Sources
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