Why Can Meat?

We have previously posted about canning bone broth on the blog and have mentioned the usefulness of having prepared meals. Today we want to talk about canning meat or meals containing meat. First, let me say that meat, as with any low-acid food, requires pressure canning to be safe to eat. 

Note: This post contains affiliate links. At no cost to you, these links allow us to earn from qualifying purchases. Each qualifying purchase helps to support our blog and website. We know you have a lot of options when you make purchases. We are grateful for your support.

Why should you can meat?

Quick Meals

Canned meats provide a great base for a quick, easy meal. If you have a busy day and forgot to take out meat for dinner, just pull a jar off the shelf to make a quick meal.

Healthy Meals

Have you ever read the ingredients on the cans of store-bought meat? Some brands have a lot of preservatives. Canning your own meat provides you with a flavorful, preservative-free protein.

Preparedness

Having a shelf-stable protein is a great idea for preparedness. If the electricity goes out or your freezer quits, you still have meat you can eat. In an extended emergency scenario, canned meat will last far longer than anything in the refrigerator or freezer. 

Budget Friendly

Canning your own meat or meals with meat, can be more affordable than buying pre-canned meats or meals at the store. Consider what a can of chili costs versus purchasing the beans and meat and making it yourself. Furthermore, it may save you a bit in the long run as meat prices are continuing to rise.

What meats can be pressure canned?

There are many options:

• Beef

• Chicken

• Pork

• Turkey

• Venison

• Tuna

• Salmon

What can you make with canned meat?

There are too many options to list them all, but here are a few ideas for using your canned meat: pot pie, spaghetti, casseroles, enchiladas, tamales, BBQ meat sandwiches, stews or soups, meat gravy on biscuits, etc.

What meal in a jar options are there?

There are many options for canning meals in a jar. You can find recipe books with main entree ideas such as The Canning Diva Presents Meals in a Jar and The Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving. You can also find You Tube videos with all kinds of ideas. Here are a few meals we have canned: beef stew, beef in wine sauce, pork and bean soup, and Korean Bulgogi.