Now is a great time to discover how to can a delicious hamburger vegetable soup for long-term storage. The author, Tess Cooks 4u, shares her recipe and technique for pressure canning the soup, making it shelf-stable for years to come. With a pantry stocked full of these convenient and tasty jars of soup, you'll always have a quick and wholesome meal on hand. The article provides step-by-step instructions, including ingredient measurements and cooking times, as well as helpful tips for achieving the best results. So, if you're looking to try your hand at canning and add a new dish to your food storage, grab your stockpot and get ready to make some outrageously delicious hamburger soup!
Benefits of Canning Hamburger Soup
Canning hamburger soup is a fantastic way to preserve this delicious and versatile dish for extended periods. By following the proper canning process, you can enjoy the benefits of an extended shelf life, convenience, and a cost-effective meal option. Whether you're a seasoned canner or new to the world of food preservation, this article will guide you through the ingredients, cooking and seasoning process, canning process, and proper storage and usage of canned hamburger soup.
Extended Shelf Life
One of the primary benefits of canning hamburger soup is the extended shelf life it provides. By sealing the soup in jars and processing them correctly, you can ensure that the soup remains safe to consume for several years. This allows you to have a readily available meal option that doesn't require refrigeration or freezing. With the proper storage conditions, your canned hamburger soup will retain its quality and taste for a long time, providing you with peace of mind knowing that you always have a nutritious and delicious meal on hand.
Convenience
Another advantage of canning hamburger soup is the convenience it offers. By canning your soup, you create individual servings that are ready to eat whenever you need them. This eliminates the need for meal prep and allows you to have a quick and easy meal option whenever you're pressed for time or simply don't feel like cooking. Just open a jar, heat it up, and enjoy a hot and satisfying bowl of hamburger soup without any hassle.
Cost-Effective Meal Option
Canning hamburger soup is not only convenient but also a cost-effective way to ensure you always have a nutritious meal option available. By using affordable ingredients and preserving them yourself, you can create a large batch of hamburger soup at a fraction of the cost of buying pre-packaged or canned soups from the store. With just a few dollars, you can produce several quarts of tasty and filling soup that will last for a long time, making it an economical choice for individuals and families on a budget.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make canned hamburger soup, you'll need a variety of ingredients. Here's what you'll need:
- Ground Beef: Use fresh, high-quality ground beef for the best flavor and texture.
- Chicken Broth: You can use chicken, beef, or vegetable broth, depending on your preference.
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add flavor and acidity to the soup.
- Black Pepper and Better Than Chicken Bouillon: These seasonings enhance the taste of the soup.
- Vegetables: Onions, celery, carrots, corn, cabbage, and potatoes are commonly used in hamburger soup. These vegetables add flavor, texture, and nutritional value to the dish.
To prepare the ingredients, start by browning the ground beef in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. You can drain off any excess fat if desired, but leaving a little fat adds flavor to the soup. Next, add the chicken broth and diced tomatoes to the pot, stirring to combine. Season the soup with black pepper and better than chicken bouillon, and simmer with bay leaves for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Finally, add the diced vegetables and top off the soup with more broth.
Cooking and Seasoning
Once all the ingredients are added to the pot, it's time to cook and season the hamburger soup. Follow these steps to ensure a well-seasoned and flavorful soup:
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Browning the Ground Beef: Brown the ground beef in a large stockpot over medium-high heat until fully cooked. This step adds richness and depth of flavor to the soup.
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Adding Chicken Broth and Diced Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine the ingredients and distribute the flavors evenly.
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Seasoning with Black Pepper and Better Than Chicken Bouillon: Add black pepper and better than chicken bouillon to enhance the taste of the soup. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
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Simmering with Bay Leaves for 15 Minutes: Add bay leaves to the pot and simmer the soup for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to develop and meld together.
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Adding Diced Vegetables: Incorporate the diced onions, celery, carrots, corn, cabbage, and potatoes into the soup. Stir well to ensure all the vegetables are evenly distributed.
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Topping off with Broth: Add the remaining broth to the pot to reach the desired consistency of the soup. Adjust the amount of broth based on personal preference.
Canning Process
Once the hamburger soup is cooked and seasoned to perfection, it's time to start the canning process. Follow these steps to ensure your soup is safely preserved for long-term storage:
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Preparing Jars and Lids: Wash the jars and lids with warm, soapy water, and rinse them thoroughly. Sterilize the jars by placing them in a large pot of boiling water for 10 minutes. Keep the jars hot until ready to use.
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Filling Jars with Soup: Carefully ladle the hot soup into the sterilized jars, leaving one inch of headspace at the top. Fill the jars approximately three-quarters of the way with a combination of vegetables and broth, and then fill the remaining space with broth. Leave room for expansion during processing.
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De-Bubbling and Wiping Rims: Remove air bubbles from the filled jars by running a plastic knife or stick around the inside edges. Wipe the rims of the jars with a cloth soaked in white vinegar to ensure a clean seal.
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Placing Lids and Rings: Place the sterilized lids on top of the jars and secure them with rings. Tighten the rings until they are finger tight but not overly tight.
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Using a Pressure Canner: Use a pressure canner to process the hamburger soup jars. Fill the canner with the recommended amount of water and a splash of white vinegar. Place the jars onto a rack inside the canner.
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Setting Pressure and Timer: Put the canner lid in place and lock it securely. Set the heat to high and allow the canner to vent steam for 10 minutes. After that, add the weighted gauge to reach the desired pressure level. Refer to the USDA guidelines or a trusted source for the appropriate pressure and processing time for your location.
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Releasing Pressure and Cooling: Once the processing time is complete, turn off the heat and let the canner cool naturally. Allow the pressure to drop to zero before removing the weighted gauge. Let the canner sit for an additional 10 to 15 minutes before unsealing the lid.
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Checking Seals and Resting: Carefully remove the jars from the canner using tongs or a jar lifter. Place the jars on a towel in a draft-free area and let them rest undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours. During this time, the lids will seal, indicated by a popping sound and a concave lid shape. After the resting period, remove the rings and check that all the jars are properly sealed. Wash the jars, label them with the contents and canning date, and store them on shelves in a cool, dark place.
Storage and Usage
Once the canned hamburger soup has thoroughly rested and the seals have been checked, it's time to store and use the jars. Follow these steps for proper storage and usage:
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Resting Jars for 12-24 Hours: After the jars have cooled and sealed, let them rest undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours. This allows the soup to set and the flavors to meld.
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Removing Rings and Checking Seals: After the resting period, remove the rings from the jars. Check each jar's seal by pressing down on the center of the lid. If the lid does not flex or pop, the seal is secure.
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Washing, Labeling, and Storing on Shelves: Wash the jars to remove any sticky residue. Label each jar with the contents and canning date. Store the jars in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cellar, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
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Convenient Meal Option: When you're ready to enjoy a delicious and convenient meal, simply open a jar of canned hamburger soup, heat it on the stove or in the microwave, and savor the comforting flavors. The soup can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a side of bread or salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Canning hamburger soup is a rewarding and practical way to preserve this hearty and wholesome dish. The extended shelf life, convenience, and cost-effectiveness of canned hamburger soup make it an excellent option for meal planning and food storage. By following the proper canning process and storing the jars in the recommended conditions, you can enjoy the convenience of having a delicious and nutritious meal at your fingertips. So, seize the opportunity to try canning hamburger soup at home and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that you're prepared for any mealtime cravings or unexpected circumstances. Thank you for joining us on this journey, and we appreciate your support and passion for homemade food preservation. Happy canning!
