Easy Layered Chili Recipe for Canning (2024)

Chili just out of pressure canner - yrcg

My family loves chili all thru the year. When it is starting to be fall weatheror when it is cold outside I like making the big pots of chili. Other times during the year we like our hotdogs with chili and sauerkraut or chili and cheese or just plain chili. When we want chili dogs I don’t want to make a big stock pot full of chili.

Last yearI got to searching thru the cooking and canning blogs I come across and always save in my favorites and many times follow, when last year I found “Cyn” andher blog http://CreativeCanning.blogspot.comand she adapted a recipe from the internet for a multi-layered chili back in April 2009. This recipe was great as you can make as many jars of chili as you like or need and you actually use dry beans!

Do you see a pattern with the great recipes I find, you really have to read thru these talented ladies blogs but the searches are great treasure troves of recipes that I just love to try andif my family likes the final product they get added to my ever-expandingcookbook on my counter! The canning recipes are always helpful with my new-foundaddiction to canning and I like trying tomake more and more items for my pantry instead of buying from the store. Have you tried the store-bought canned chili lately? Yuck, nothing like homemade.

Now about this recipe, the Creative Canning blog recipe is for 1 quart size jars, but since I use this chilifor hotdogs and also for ” FritoPie”, you know where you put Fritosin a bowl top with chili, cheese, jalapeno peppers and sour cream, I have adapted this recipe to pint size jars. My familythinks thischili is the best tasting chili ever forhotdogs. The ingredients seem like the chili wouldbe too spicy but it isn’t. It is just perfect.

Layered Chili Recipe for Canning

Recipe adapted from Creative Canning

First thing, get the pressure canner set up on the stove and ready for the jars. Next get a large kettle or pot of non-chlorinated water ( I used bottled water) heat to boiling. You will need the waterlater. Decide how many jars you want to can up, my canner fits7 wide mouth pint jars at a time so I always make a full canner. Have the lids and rings ready in a small pot of boiling water.

In each clean pint size jar you layer the ingredients intoeach jarin the order given. You don’t have to mix anything up before putting in the jar as the actual canning process in the pressure canner will do all the work for you, isn’t that great.

For each pint jar:

  • 1/4 cup dry pinto beans or any dry beans that you prefer ( rinsed well before hand )
  • 2/3 cup ground beef – already cooked, crumbled and drained
  • 1/4 cup chopped tomatoes – I used canned chopped tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green chilis –these are in the mexican sectionofyour store
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt – I used kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • dash of black pepper
  • hot water – non chlorinated

Once the jars are layered with the ingredients fill the jars with the hot water to the 1-inch fill line. Remove air bubbles and top off the jars to be sure liquid is at 1-inch. Place lid and ring on jar and place in the canner. Continue until all jars are in canner.

Side note after making this recipe many times, I do this in an assembly line system. Placing the dry pinto beans that have been rinsed very well into each jar, then I put the cooked ground beef into each of the jars, then proceed thru the list until all the jars have the ingredients. This way I am sure all of the jars got the same amountof each item and I don’t miss any and when they are done eachjar will taste the same. Then fill all the jars with the hot water, place on lids and rings.

Dried beans, ground chuck, onions - yrcg

Green chilis, tomatoes and tomato sauce layers - yrcg

Spices layered into jars - yrcg

Jars being filled with boiling water to fill line - yrcg

Once all of the jars are in theprepared canned, process the jars for 90 minutes at 11 pounds pressure, or for whatever pressure you need for your altitude. You can check in the BlueBall Book for their canned chilias a guideline for higher altitudes.

Once the time is complete and your canner cools and pressure goes back to zero you can remove the jars and set them in a draft free place on your counter for 24 hours. After the 24 hours, check to be sure each of the jars sealed. Any unsealed jars should be refrigerated and used as soon as possible. The sealed jars can then be washed, labeled and placed into your pantry.

If you want to make quart size jars of this chili you just double all the ingredients measurements noted above for each jar. I hope everyone enjoys this chili as much as my family does and when you have a spare moment gone on over to Cyn’sblog at Creative Canning for some greatcanning recipes. I would show you some of the chili on a hotdog, but the jars all sealed and so they are now cooling on my counter until tomorrow evening. Until next time here’s sending a “yellowrock” from me to you.

Easy Layered Chili Recipe for Canning (2024)

FAQs

What can I add to canned chili to make it taste better? ›

Although canned chili will already have some seasonings, fresh herbs and spices will add bolder flavor. You can upgrade your chili using ingredients you likely already have on your spice rack, such as chili powder, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.

What is the best way to can chili? ›

Fill canning jars with chili, leaving 1″ headspace. Remove air bubbles and clean the rims of the jars with a clean cloth. Place lid on top of filled jars and screw ring on until fingertip tight. Place jars inside pressure canner with 2″ of water in bottom of pressure canner on top of rack.

How to level up chili? ›

Elevate your chili recipe by adding an extra layer of flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.

Can you can chili without a pressure canner? ›

Canning your own chili has never been easier, you don't even need a pressure canner to do it. Because chili is a low acidic food, it can be safely canned by simply using the water bath method.

What secret ingredient will deepen the flavor of your chili? ›

Cocoa Powder

Chocolate might not be the first thing you think of when you're making a batch of chili but it pairs perfectly with peppers. Adding just a teaspoon or two of unsweetened cocoa powder like we do in our Instant Pot Chili (pictured above) will make your go-to recipe rich and flavorful.

What brings out the taste in chili? ›

Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

How do I can my homemade chili? ›

Wipe the jar rims with warm wash clothed dipped in vinegar (the vinegar cuts through the grease aiding in a better lid seal). Place prepared lids and rings on each quart and hand tighten. Pressure can 10 pounds of pressure, or according to your elevation, quarts for 90 minutes and pints for 75 minutes.

What seasoning is best for canned chili? ›

From amping up the taste to elevating the dish with a luxurious texture, here are fourteen ways to add more flavor to canned chili.
  1. Meat (or mushrooms) Elena Eryomenko/Shutterstock. ...
  2. Fresh herbs and vegetables. j.chizhe/Shutterstock. ...
  3. Chiles. ...
  4. Toasted spices. ...
  5. Cocoa powder. ...
  6. Smoked paprika. ...
  7. Booze. ...
  8. Pickle brine.
Feb 23, 2023

How long to water bath chili? ›

Fill each jar to 1/2 inch headspace. Wipe the rim of jar with a clean cloth and put lids on finger tight. Process jars in a boiling water bath for about 25-30 minutes. Remove from canner when done and let cool for 24 hours or until sealed.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Spices: Freshly ground cumin is a must. If it's not fresh, then don't bother. Secret Ingredients & Technique: I like extra hot chili, so I round up all spicy ingredients.

Does chili need tomato paste? ›

Tomato paste may come in a small can (or tube), but it packs a powerful punch and is an essential flavor building block for dishes like chili and beef stew.

What liquid is best for chili? ›

Chili cooks low and slow, so you need enough liquid to tenderize the meat and keep everything from drying out. That liquid should also add flavor to the chili, so use chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or beer.

Can homemade chili be canned? ›

Pint jars or quart jars may be used when canning chili. Both jars will be processed at 10 pounds of pressure (or higher for your elevation.) Pint jars will be processed for 1 hour and 15 minutes and quart jars for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Can you can chili in mason jars? ›

Place 6 clean 500 ml or 3 clean 1 L mason jars on rack in pressure canner; add water and heat jars to a simmer (180°F/82°C). Set screw bands aside. Keep jars hot until ready to use. Ladle chili into a hot jar to within 1 inch (2.5 cm) of top rim (headspace).

What can I use if I don't have a pressure canner? ›

Simply fill your mason jars as directed by whatever repine you're using, put the lids and rings on, and place the jars into the stock pot. Fill the pot with enough water to cover your jars by at least 2 inches. As long as your stock pot is deep enough for that, you are ready to can.

How do you make canned hormel chili better? ›

Top it off with your favorite additions, such as shredded cheese, chopped green onions, corn chips, and a dollop of sour cream, for a customizable experience that's both easy to make and delicious.

How do you balance chili flavors? ›

Balance with Sweetness: Counterbalance chili pepper heat with sweetness. A touch of honey, agave nectar, or brown sugar can soften the fiery punch while adding depth to the dish. Acidity for Balance: Acidic ingredients like vinegar, citrus juice, or tomatoes help balance the heat by cutting through the spiciness.

How do you make canned chili healthier? ›

Chopped sweet peppers have a lot of vitamin C, so adding those seems to boost chili flavor and nutrition. And you can always add a bit of tomato paste to improve the umami flavor.” “I usually add everything but the kitchen sink, because I love to tinker,” said RDN Amanda Frankeny.

How do you make chili taste more meaty? ›

In a pot of chili, just a few strips of bacon add a smoky, meaty depth. And it's not just the bacon itself that adds flavor, it's the bacon fat, too. Before you start your recipe, cook 3 to 4 strips of thick-cut bacon until they're as crispy as you like.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Manual Maggio

Last Updated:

Views: 5787

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (49 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Manual Maggio

Birthday: 1998-01-20

Address: 359 Kelvin Stream, Lake Eldonview, MT 33517-1242

Phone: +577037762465

Job: Product Hospitality Supervisor

Hobby: Gardening, Web surfing, Video gaming, Amateur radio, Flag Football, Reading, Table tennis

Introduction: My name is Manual Maggio, I am a thankful, tender, adventurous, delightful, fantastic, proud, graceful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.