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Perfectly Canned Meatballs: A Convenient Meal Solution for Busy Families

Transform Your Meal Prep: How to Make and Can Perfect Meatballs for Busy Families

In today's fast-paced world, finding time to prepare nutritious meals for your family can be challenging.

 Canning homemade meatballs is a fantastic solution that provides convenience, quality, and taste. With small, perfectly-sized meatballs that fit 50 per jar, you can ensure you always have a hearty, home-cooked meal ready to serve. Here's a guide to making and canning meatballs that will delight your family.

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Why Choose Homemade Canned Meatballs?

1. Convenience : 

Pre-cooked and canned, these meatballs can be quickly reheated for a meal in minutes.

2.  Quality Control :

 Homemade meatballs let you choose the best ingredients, avoiding preservatives and unnecessary additives.

3. Economical :

 Bulk cooking and canning can save money compared to purchasing pre-made or frozen options.

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4.  Family Sized :

 Each jar holds 50 small meatballs, making portioning for family meals straightforward and efficient.

Recipe for Homemade Meatballs

Ingredients:

  • - 4 pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
  • - 2 cups breadcrumbs
  • - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • - 4 large eggs
  • - 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • - 1/4 cup milk
  • - 2 teaspoons salt
  • - 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • - 1 teaspoon dried basil

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Instructions:

1.  Prepare the Meatball Mixture :

    - In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic, onion, parsley, milk, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix gently until well combined.

2.  Form the Meatballs :

    - Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. This size ensures they will fit 50 per jar and cook evenly.

3.  Cook the Meatballs :

    - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    - Place the meatballs on baking sheets lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.

    - Bake for 15-20 minutes, until browned and cooked through.

 Canning the Meatballs

Equipment Needed:

  • - Pint-sized canning jars (sterilized)
  • - Lids and rings
  • - Pressure canner
  • - Jar lifter
  • - Funnel
  • - Ladle

Instructions:

1. Sterilize the Jars:

    - Sterilize the jars and lids according to the manufacturer's instructions. Keep them warm until ready to use.

2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce :

    - While the meatballs are baking, prepare a simple tomato sauce. This will not only preserve the meatballs but also add flavor.

Basic Tomato Sauce Recipe:

  •     - 4 quarts crushed tomatoes
  •     - 2 tablespoons olive oil
  •     - 4 cloves garlic, minced
  •     - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  •     - 2 teaspoons salt
  •     - 1 teaspoon black pepper
  •     - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  •     - 1 teaspoon dried basil

 Instructions :

    - In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, and sauté until softened.

    - Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes.

3.  Fill the Jars :

    - Using a jar lifter, carefully remove a hot jar from the canner.

    - Add 50 meatballs to each jar.

    - Pour the hot tomato sauce over the meatballs, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top of the jar.

    - Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth.

    - Place the lids on the jars and screw on the rings until fingertip tight.

4. Process the Jars :

    - Place the filled jars in the pressure canner. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific canner.

    - Process the jars at 10 pounds of pressure for 75 minutes (adjust for altitude if necessary).

    - Once the processing time is complete, turn off the heat and let the canner cool down completely before removing the jars.

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5. Store the Jars:

    - Check that each jar is sealed properly (the lid should not flex up and down when pressed in the center).

    - Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place. Properly canned meatballs can last up to a year.

Serving Suggestions

Spaghetti and Meatballs:

 Heat the meatballs and sauce and serve over cooked spaghetti noodles.

Meatball Subs:

 Warm the meatballs and sauce and serve on toasted hoagie rolls with melted mozzarella cheese.

Meatball Soup:

 Add the meatballs to a vegetable broth with some pasta and veggies for a quick, nourishing soup.

Appetizers:

 Serve the meatballs with toothpicks and a side of marinara sauce for dipping at your next gathering.

With these homemade canned meatballs, you'll always have a delicious, family-sized meal ready to go.

 Enjoy the convenience and savor the flavor of your hard work!

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