Are you ready to elevate your pasta nights to a whole new level? Dive into the rich, savory world of homemade canned spaghetti sauce with "Tamara's Cousins Sandi and John's Homemade Canned Spaghetti Sauce." This delightful Italian recipe is not just a meal; it's a labor of love that will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your pantry with jars of deliciousness! Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, this sauce is a crowd-pleaser that brings family and friends together. Read on to discover the secrets behind this mouthwatering sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 pints
Ingredients
- 3 lbs tomatoes, crushed
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can tomato paste
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup sugar
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash and sanitize all canning equipment, including jars, lids, and utensils to ensure food safety.
- Prepare fresh tomatoes by washing, removing stems, and crushing them completely. If using Roma tomatoes, blanch and peel the skin first for smoother texture.
- In a large heavy-bottomed stockpot, brown ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains.
- Add chopped onions, minced garlic, and bell pepper to the browned beef. Sauté until vegetables are soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Incorporate crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar into the meat and vegetable mixture.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer sauce uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Allow sauce to reduce and thicken for approximately 2 hours.
- While sauce is simmering, sterilize glass canning jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
- Test sauce's consistency by ensuring it coats the back of a spoon and has reached desired thickness.
- Carefully ladle hot sauce into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace at the top.
- Wipe jar rims clean, apply sterilized lids, and process in a boiling water bath for 35 minutes to ensure proper sealing and preservation.
- Remove jars and allow to cool completely. Check seals and store in a cool, dark pantry for up to one year.
Tips
- Choose the Right Tomatoes: For the best flavor, opt for ripe, in-season tomatoes. Roma tomatoes are ideal for sauces due to their low moisture content and rich flavor. If you can, try to source them from local farmers' markets!
- Prep Your Ingredients: Before you start cooking, make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. This includes chopping the vegetables and measuring out spices. It will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Don’t Rush the Simmering: Allow your sauce to simmer uncovered for the full 2 hours. This slow cooking process is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors and achieving the perfect consistency.
- Taste as You Go: Everyone’s palate is different, so don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more sugar; if you prefer it spicier, throw in some red pepper flakes!
- Sterilization is Key: When canning, ensure all your jars and lids are properly sterilized to prevent spoilage. A quick boil in water will do the trick!
- Seal and Store Properly: After processing, make sure to check that all jars have sealed properly. Store them in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness for up to a year.
- Pair with Your Favorites: This sauce isn’t just for spaghetti! Use it on pizza, in lasagna, or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. The possibilities are endless!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 45mg
