Canning Chicken and Beef

When Todd and I were first married, we received a box of canned beef from my mother-in-law.  At first, I really wondered what in the world I would do with it as it didn’t look particularly appetizing.  However, it didn’t take long for me to appreciate it as I discovered many yummy ways to use the beef.

Canned beef and then later canned chicken have both become must-haves in our food storage.  We tend to go through quite a bit more chicken than the beef, but both are staples.  I love being able to open a can and have it immediately ready in cubes or easily shredded with a fork to add to any recipe that calls for chicken or beef.  I also love that processing it in a pressure canner makes the meat extremely tender and very flavorful.  In addition, any fat separates and floats to the top and is then easily removed. 

Recently chicken went on sale again and we bought 200 pounds.  So far 40 pounds canned, 160 more to go.  That sounds a little daunting!  However, I know it will be worth it and I’m anxious to see my shelves filled up again. 

If you have access to a Fresh Market grocery store, they have chicken on sale for $1.39/lb.  It is boneless/skinless chicken breasts and come in 40 lb. boxes.  Even if you don’t plan to can chicken, this is a great price to stock your freezer. 

If you are considering canning, most everything you need to know is found right in the book that comes with your pressure canner.  If you have any other questions, extension services are the experts and are a free resource.  [See the link on the side bar.]  To help get you started, I’ll answer some questions you may have.

How much should I buy?

1 pound meat = 1 pint or 2 cups (approximately)

2 pounds meat = 1 quart or 4 cups (approximately)

What is the shelf life of canned meat?

I couldn’t find a good exact answer to this question.  Many sites said canned meat lasts for several years, while others said 2-5 years.  I did also read that the meat is still good after 5 years, but the flavor and nutritional value may be diminished.  Contrast that with meat in the freezer that only lasts 9-12 months.

What kind of beef should I buy?

Any kind of beef (or other type of meat for that matter) can be canned.  Since the pressure canner tenderizes the meat so well, you can buy the cheapest cut of beef available.  This is usually London Broil or Round Steak.  You can also can ground beef, but I haven’t tried that.

Can I use a pressure canner on my smooth-top stove or my camp stove?

Cook Surface Precautions for Home Canning

Do I have to use a pressure canner to can meat?

Yes!  That is the only safe way to can low-acid foods like meat and vegetables.

Is there a difference between a pressure canner and a pressure cooker?

Pressure Canners:  Not the Same as Pressure Cookers

What are the basics of using a pressure canner?

Principles of Pressure Canning

Should I use quarts or pints?

It is a personal choice.  I really like to have both on hand.  For example when making enchiladas, I want a pint of chicken.  When making barbecue beef sandwiches, I’ll use a quart of beef.  If I had to choose just one size, I’d choose pints.  You can always open two pints if you don’t have a quart!

How do I make sure my canned food is safe to eat?

Avoiding Common (Major and Minor) Canning Mistakes

How do I can chicken?

Canning Chicken

How do I can beef?

Canning Beef

What would I use canned chicken in?

It is great in any recipe that calls for cubed or shredded chicken.  Here are some examples:

chicken enchiladas

chicken noodle soup

chicken salad sandwiches

tacos or burritos

chicken pot pie

barbecue chicken pizza

chicken ranch pizza

chicken alfredo pizza

What would I use canned beef in?

It is great in any recipe that calls for cubed or shredded beef.  Here are some examples:

tacos or burritos (You’ll never use hamburger again!)

barbecue sandwiches

beef stroganoff

stew

barbecue beef pizza

As you can probably guess from my food list, we like to make homemade pizzas.  I use the canned meat in many more things than what is listed, but all the canning would be worth it just for the pizzas alone.  With the canned meat, gourmet pizzas are easy and so yummy.  I promise to share the pizzas in another post!

Canning in a pressure canner is really not as intimidating as it may seem!  Are you ready to try canning meat yet?  If you’ve canned meat, how do you like to use the meat?