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Canning Beef Stew at Home: Easy Recipe + Step-by-Step Guide

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There's nothing quite like the comfort of homemade beef stew - tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich broth all simmered together. For homesteaders across Florida, canning beef stew is a favorite way to bring that comfort to the pantry shelf. With a little prep and a pressure canner, this hearty meal becomes shelf-stable, ready to enjoy on a busy evening or to share with family and friends.


In this post, you'll find a step-by-step guide to canning beef stew at home; a practical, delicious way to preserve food and keep your homestead pantry stocked year-round.


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Ingredients for each quart jar:

·         1 cup cubed beef

·         1 cup carrots, sliced

·         1 cup potatoes, cubed

·         ½ cup celery, diced

·         ½ cup onion, chopped

·         ½ tsp salt


 

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Instructions:

  1. In your pressure canner, add 3-4 in. water, bring to boil.

  2. With clean and sterile jars, place meat and veggies in a layer; add salt.

  3. Add a couple inches of boiling water to each jar.

  4. Wipe rim clean with damp cloth, then dry; add lid and rings to a finger tight position.

  5. Place jars into canner with a rack to prevent breakage; add lid.

  6. Bring pressure canner up to pressure, allowing pressure to build up until steam is coming out of the vent.

  7. Allow steam to vent for 10 minutes, then add weight and start your timer.

  8. Allow pressure to come up to 10 pounds on dial gauge.

  9. Maintain pressure at 10 pounds for 90 minutes.

  10. After processing time is complete, turn off heat and allow canner to cool naturally. Once pressure is released, open the lid and remove the jars.

  11. Cool on counter for 24 hours.


Notes:

  • Exact amounts may vary depending on how much meat you prefer. Amounts are suggestions and nice to have an idea of approximately how many cups of ingredients you will need to start with.


  • Salt is optional, I prefer to add it to each jar to give flavor, but you can add it to the stew when you're heating it up.


  • Make sure your canner has a rack in it. This will help the jars from bouncing around and also prevents them from breaking. You don't want your jars sitting directly on the canner bottom.


  • When you're ready to enjoy your canned stew, just pop open the jar, pour the contents into a pot and bring to a simmer. Add your preferred spices and enjoy! Pair it with your favorite roll or slice of homemade bread for a hearty meal you'll be sure to savor.


Canning beef stew is more than just filling jars - it's about building security, comfort, and connection around the homestead table. Whether you're new to canning or a seasoned pro, each batch you preserve is a step toward a more self-sufficient lifestyle. Across Florida, families are rediscovering the joy of opening a jar of homemade stew on a busy night and knowing their hard work made it possible. If you're ready to learn more, be sure to subscribe to the very first issue of The Florida Homesteader magazine. It's filled with more recipes, tips, and stories from families across Florida, just like you.



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