Sloppy Joe Filling for Canning: Saucy, Savory, and Always Ready
Say hello to your new favorite pantry hero: Sloppy Joe Filling for Canning. Packed with beef, peppers, onions, and all the tangy, sweet flavor you know and love, this filling makes weeknight dinners a breeze. Just pop open a jar, warm it up, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing meal in minutes.
Why I Love This Recipe
It’s hearty, nostalgic, and incredibly convenient. The ability to make a big batch and store it shelf-stable means you’ll always have a homemade meal ready—no freezer space required. Whether it’s sandwiches, baked potatoes, or stuffed peppers, this filling brings all the comfort and none of the rush.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs lean ground beef or venison
- 3 cups onion, peeled and chopped
- 1 (16 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1½ cups green pepper, chopped and cored
- 2 cups tomato ketchup
- 2 cups water
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp prepared mustard
- ¾ tsp black pepper
Equipment & Supplies
- Pressure canner
- Clean pint or quart canning jars with lids and rings
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Ladle and funnel
- Clean cloth for wiping rims
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Canner
Fill pressure canner with 2 inches of water and begin heating to 180°F.
Ensure jars are clean, sanitized, and hot.
2. Cook the Filling
In a large pot, brown the ground meat over medium heat.
Add onions and cook until soft.
Drain excess fat.
3. Add Ingredients
Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, green pepper, water, salt, sugar, mustard, and black pepper.
Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Fill the Jars
Ladle hot Sloppy Joe mixture into hot jars, leaving 1-inch headspace.
Wipe rims clean.
Add lids and tighten bands to fingertip tightness.
5. Process
Place jars into the canner. Vent steam for 10 minutes.
Add weight and bring to pressure:
- Dial gauge: 11 lbs
- Weighted gauge: 10 lbs (up to 1000 ft elevation)
Process for: - Pints: 75 minutes
- Quarts: 90 minutes
6. Cool & Store
Let pressure return to zero naturally.
Wait 5 minutes, open lid, and remove jars carefully.
Cool for 24 hours undisturbed.
Check seals. Refrigerate any unsealed jars and use within 3 days.
Tips for Success
- Use Lean Meat: Less fat means better texture and cleaner canning.
- Adjust for Altitude: Always check your canner’s manual and USDA guidelines.
- Double the Batch: Great for gifting or long-term stocking.
- Versatile Base: Use leftovers for tacos, baked pasta, or chili starters.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
When it’s time to serve, pair your Sloppy Joe filling with:
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a fun, cheesy twist
- Easy Turkey Wings for a full comfort spread
- Beer Cheese Dip for party-style starters
- Light Tangy Chicken Salad as a crisp, refreshing contrast
- No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls for a sweet finish
Storage Tips
- Pantry Life: Properly sealed jars last up to 1 year in a cool, dark space.
- Fridge: Unsealed jars last up to 3 days.
- Reheat Gently: Warm on stovetop over low heat or in the microwave.
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Final Thoughts
This Sloppy Joe Filling for Canning is the perfect solution for busy nights, camping trips, or just when you want a hearty meal without the mess. It’s classic comfort with a shelf life—and it makes dinner feel easy and special all at once.
Tried it? Tag @chefmaniac and show us your canning setup! Follow for more make-ahead meal heroes, comfort food favorites, and pantry power-ups.
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