🥩 Canned Meatloaf in a Jar
A Rebel Canning Classic!
📌 In This Article
🥩 The Meatloaf Story
"Meatloaf in a jar? Yes, it's a thing! And it's absolutely delicious."
Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food. It's hearty, flavorful, and reminds us of home. But what if you could have shelf-stable meatloaf ready to eat anytime?
That's right — you can can meatloaf! It's a rebel canning classic that will blow your mind. Imagine opening a jar, slicing it up, and having perfect meatloaf in minutes.
💬 The discovery: "Canned meatloaf is a game-changer. It's tender, flavorful, and stays perfectly moist in the jar."
🥩 What Is Canned Meatloaf in a Jar?
Canned meatloaf is exactly what it sounds like — homemade meatloaf that's been pressure canned for long-term storage. It stays moist, flavorful, and ready to eat whenever you need it.
It's perfect for:
- ⚡ Quick meals – Just heat and serve
- 🏠 Emergency food storage – Shelf-stable protein
- 🏕️ Camping – No refrigeration needed
- 🎁 Meal prep – Make ahead and store
- 👨👩👧👦 Busy nights – Dinner is ready!
💡 Pro tip: "One jar = one meal. Open, slice, heat, and enjoy!"
📦 Ingredients
🥩 For the Meatloaf
- 🥩 2 lbs ground beef – 80/20 recommended
- 🍞 1 cup breadcrumbs – Plain or Italian
- 🥛 1/2 cup milk – For moisture
- 🧅 1 small onion – Finely chopped
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic – Minced
- 🥚 2 eggs – Beaten
- 🧂 1 tsp salt
- 🌿 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 🍅 1/4 cup ketchup – Or tomato sauce
- 🌿 1 tsp dried oregano
- 🌿 1 tsp dried basil
🥫 For Canning
- 🥫 Beef broth – Or water, to cover
- 🍅 Ketchup or tomato sauce – For topping
💡 Pro tip: "Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and texture."
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare Your Equipment
- Prepare your pressure canner, jars, and lids.
- Keep jars hot until ready to fill.
- This recipe makes about 4-5 pint jars.
💡 Pro tip: "Wide-mouth pint jars work best for meatloaf slices."
Step 2 – Make the Meatloaf Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, garlic, eggs, salt, pepper, ketchup, oregano, and basil.
- Mix gently until just combined — don't overmix!
⚠️ Important: "Don't overmix the meat — it can make the meatloaf tough!"
Step 3 – Shape and Sear
- Form the meat mixture into logs that fit into your pint jars.
- In a skillet, brown the meatloaf logs on all sides.
- Don't cook them all the way through — just sear them.
💡 Pro tip: "Searing adds flavor and helps the meatloaf hold its shape."
Step 4 – Load the Jars
- Place a slice of onion at the bottom of each jar (optional).
- Add the meatloaf log into the jar.
- Leave 1 inch headspace.
💡 Pro tip: "If the meatloaf is too long, cut it to fit the jar."
Step 5 – Add Liquid
- Pour hot beef broth over the meatloaf.
- Add 1 tbsp ketchup or tomato sauce on top for extra flavor.
- Leave 1 inch headspace.
💡 Pro tip: "Beef broth keeps the meatloaf moist and adds flavor."
Step 6 – Seal and Process
- Wipe rims clean with a damp cloth.
- Add lids and rings — finger-tight.
- Pressure can at 10 lbs pressure for:
- Pints: 75 minutes
- Quarts: 90 minutes
⚠️ Important Safety Warning
Meat MUST be pressure canned. Water bath canning is NOT safe for meat. The temperature needs to reach 240°F to kill pathogens, and that can only happen under pressure.
Step 7 – Cool and Store
- Allow pressure to naturally release to 0 PSI.
- Remove jars and cool on a dishtowel.
- Check seals after 24 hours.
- Store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
💡 Pro tip: "Listen for that satisfying 'pop' — that's the sound of a perfect seal!"
Step 8 – Enjoy!
- Open a jar and remove the meatloaf.
- Slice and heat in a skillet until warmed through.
- Serve with mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetables.
💡 Pro tip: "The meatloaf stays moist and tender — just like fresh!"
🥫 How to Store Your Canned Meatloaf
- 🏠 Pantry: Up to 1 year in a cool, dark place
- 🧊 Refrigerator after opening: Use within 1 week
- 🔥 Reheat: Pan-fry or microwave
💡 Pro tip: "Slice and pan-fry for crispy edges — it's amazing!"
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Canned Meatloaf
- 🥩 Use 80/20 beef: It has enough fat for flavor.
- 🍞 Don't overmix: Overmixing makes meatloaf tough.
- 🔥 Sear first: Adds flavor and helps it hold shape.
- 🥫 Use beef broth: Keeps it moist and adds flavor.
- 📏 Leave headspace: 1 inch is essential for safety.
- 🧂 Season well: The flavor intensifies during canning.
- 🔒 Check seals: Make sure all jars seal properly.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I water bath can this?
NO! Meat must be pressure canned.
❓ How long does canned meatloaf last?
Up to 1 year when properly canned and stored.
❓ Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Yes, but add some fat for moisture.
❓ Why did my meatloaf fall apart?
You may have overmixed or not used enough binder.
❓ Can I add cheese?
Cheese is not safe for canning — add it when serving.
❓ How do I reheat it?
Slice and pan-fry, or microwave.
❓ Can I freeze this instead?
Yes, but canning makes it shelf-stable.
❓ Is this better than fresh?
It's different — but delicious and convenient!
❓ Can I make mini meatloafs?
Yes! Use smaller jars for individual servings.
❓ Will I ever buy frozen meatloaf again?
Probably not! This is so much better!
📄 Printable Recipe Card
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║ CANNED MEATLOAF IN A JAR ║
║ A Rebel Canning Classic! ║
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YIELD: 4-5 pint jars | TIME: ~2 hours | PROCESS: 75 min (pints)
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INGREDIENTS
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- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
FOR CANNING:
- Beef broth (to cover)
- Ketchup or tomato sauce (for topping)
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INSTRUCTIONS
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1. Prepare pressure canner, jars, and lids.
2. Combine all meatloaf ingredients. Mix gently — do not overmix!
3. Form into logs that fit your jars. Sear in a skillet until browned.
4. Place meatloaf in hot jars. Add 1 tbsp ketchup on top.
5. Pour hot beef broth over meatloaf. Leave 1" headspace.
6. Wipe rims, add lids and rings.
7. PRESSURE CAN:
- Pints: 75 minutes at 10 lbs pressure
- Quarts: 90 minutes at 10 lbs pressure
8. Cool, check seals, and store.
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REBEL CLASSIC! 🥩
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"Meatloaf in a jar? Yes, it's a thing! Shelf-stable,
delicious, and ready when you are. A rebel canning
classic you've never seen before!" ❤️
© CanningRebels — Canned Meatloaf in a Jar
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