Beef Stew for Canning: A Hearty and Convenient Meal in a Jar
Craving a comforting bowl of beef stew, but don't have time to cook? Canning your own beef stew allows you to enjoy a delicious and nourishing meal anytime, anywhere. This article provides a step-by-step guide to canning beef stew, ensuring a safe and flavorful experience.
Why Can Beef Stew?
- Convenience: Enjoy a homemade meal in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or camping trips.
- Cost-Effective: Stock up on delicious stew at a fraction of the cost of store-bought options.
- Customizable: Tailor the recipe to your taste preferences with different vegetables, spices, and cuts of beef.
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Beef Stew:
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed beef consommé
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For Canning:
- 1 pint wide-mouth canning jars
- New lids and rings for the jars
- Canning rack
- Large pot for water bath canning
- Jar lifter
- Canning funnel
- Ladle
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef Stew:
- Brown the beef cubes in olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
- Add carrots, celery, beef broth, diced tomatoes, beef consommé, thyme, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2-2 hours, or until beef is tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water. Add to the stew and stir until thickened.
2. Prepare Jars:
- Wash and sterilize the pint jars, lids, and rings in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Keep jars hot until ready to fill.
3. Fill the Jars:
- Using a canning funnel, ladle hot beef stew into the hot jars, leaving 1-inch headspace.
- Wipe the jar rims clean to ensure a proper seal.
- Place lids on the jars and screw on the rings finger-tight.
4. Process in a Water Bath:
- Fill the water bath canner with enough water to cover the jars by 2-3 inches. Bring to a boil.
- Carefully place the jars on the canning rack in the boiling water.
- Process the jars for 90 minutes, making sure the water remains at a rolling boil.
5. Cool and Store:
- Once the processing time is complete, carefully remove the jars from the canner and place them on a towel-lined counter.
- Allow the jars to cool completely, undisturbed. You should hear a "popping" sound as the lids seal.
- Once cool, test the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If it doesn't flex, the jar is sealed properly.
- Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place.
Enjoy your homemade beef stew for up to 1 year!
Tips and Tricks
- Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the beef is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the stew before canning and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Add variety: Experiment with different vegetables like potatoes, peas, or green beans.
- Use a pressure canner for a longer shelf life: If you are processing the stew with lower acid ingredients (like potatoes), use a pressure canner for longer shelf life and safety.
- Label and date: Label each jar with the date and contents for easy identification.
Canning beef stew is a rewarding way to preserve a delicious and comforting meal. Follow these instructions, and enjoy your homemade bounty for months to come!
