Can Beef Stew Be Canned? Here’s The Surprising Truth!

Preserving food is an age-old practice that allows us to enjoy our favorite dishes beyond their peak season. Canning, in particular, is a time-honored method of sealing food in airtight containers to prevent spoilage and extend its shelf life. With its versatility and convenience, canning has become increasingly popular in recent times. So, can beef stew be canned? The answer is a resounding yes!

The Benefits of Canning Beef Stew

There are numerous benefits to canning beef stew:

• Extended Shelf Life: Canning beef stew allows you to preserve it for up to two years, providing a convenient and long-lasting food source.
• Convenience: Canned beef stew is ready to eat whenever you need it, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
• Nutritional Value: Canning preserves the essential nutrients found in beef stew, making it a nutritious meal option.
• Emergency Preparedness: Canned beef stew is an excellent choice for emergency preparedness kits, providing a nutritious and shelf-stable meal in case of unforeseen circumstances.

How to Can Beef Stew

Canning beef stew is a straightforward process that requires careful preparation and adherence to safety guidelines. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds beef stew meat
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 3 potatoes, chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup flour

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Jars: Sterilize 4 pint-sized canning jars and their lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
2. Brown the Beef: Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper and brown it in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened.
4. Add the Spices and Broth: Stir in the thyme, oregano, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Thicken the Stew: In a small bowl, whisk the flour with 1/2 cup of water to form a slurry. Gradually add the slurry to the stew while stirring constantly until thickened.
6. Fill the Jars: Ladle the hot stew into the prepared jars, leaving 1 inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
7. Remove Air Bubbles: Use a spatula or knife to remove any air bubbles trapped in the stew.
8. Wipe the Rims: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any spills.
9. Seal the Jars: Place the lids on the jars and tighten the rings finger-tight.
10. Process the Jars: Place the jars in a pressure canner filled with water. Process the jars for 90 minutes at 10 pounds of pressure for pint-sized jars.

Safety Precautions

• Always follow the canning instructions carefully and use tested recipes.
• Use only high-quality, fresh ingredients.
• Do not overfill the jars or underprocess the stew.
• Allow the jars to cool completely before storing them.

Storage and Use

Canned beef stew can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to two years. Once opened, store the stew in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can Beef Stew Be Canned with Other Ingredients?

Yes, beef stew can be canned with a variety of other ingredients, such as:

• Vegetables: Green beans, peas, corn, tomatoes
• Grains: Rice, barley, pasta
• Spices: Bay leaves, rosemary, cloves

Can You Freeze Beef Stew?

Yes, beef stew can also be frozen for up to six months. Allow the stew to cool completely before freezing it in airtight containers.

Troubleshooting

• The stew is too thick: Add more beef broth or water to thin the stew.
• The stew is too thin: Add more flour to thicken the stew.
• The jars did not seal properly: Re-process the jars for an additional 30 minutes.

What You Need to Learn

• Can I use ground beef in canned beef stew?

Yes, you can use ground beef. Brown the ground beef thoroughly before adding it to the stew.

• How long can I store canned beef stew?

Canned beef stew can be stored for up to two years in a cool, dark place.

• Can I add other vegetables to the stew?

Yes, you can add any vegetables you like. Some popular options include carrots, potatoes, celery, onions, and peas.

• Can I use a slow cooker to make canned beef stew?

Yes, you can use a slow cooker to make canned beef stew. Cook the stew on low for 6-8 hours before canning it.

• Can I can beef stew without a pressure canner?

No, it is not safe to can beef stew without a pressure canner. Pressure canning is the only safe way to can low-acid foods like beef stew.