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

How to make the best canned chili? ›

“If there's one thing you have to do with any canned chili, it would be adding fresh chopped onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and jalapeños. Maybe even some pickled jalapeños. And be sure to dice it all up finely.” As for presentation? “Serve the chili out of a nice pot next to all the fresh toppings on display.

How long to can chili in a water bath? ›

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.

Can homemade chili be canned? ›

Canning homemade chili takes a few steps, but the results are amazing and you have homemade food ready to eat whenever you need it. I use the same ingredients as my homemade chili, however, the process isn't exactly the same. You do not fully cook the beans before canning chili.

What makes canned chili 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 secret to really good chili? ›

Only Add Flavorful Liquids

Instead of adding water to your chili, add some more flavor with chicken or beef broth, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or even beet or wine. Each one of these options brings out different notes and levels of sweetness that will enhance your culinary creation.

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

Stir some puréed pumpkin into your chili just after sautéing your aromatics (onions, garlic, etc...) and before adding any liquid. This will deepen and sweeten its flavor, making it a great balance for all the chile peppers and heat.

Can you eat chili straight from the can? ›

HORMEL® chili is fully cooked and ready to eat.

What is the shelf life of home canned chili? ›

As long as the can is in good shape, the contents should be safe to eat, although the taste, texture and nutritional value of the food can diminish over time. Home canned foods should be used within 1 year.

Can you let chili simmer all day? ›

If you have time to make it the day before or early in the day and can let it simmer all day, your chili will go from good to AMAZING. Simmering all day allows the meat, beans, and onions to soften and the flavors to meld together. There's just no substitution for chili that is cooked low and slow all day!

Do you add meat to canned chili? ›

A quick and easy way to elevate canned chili is to give it a major flavor boost by adding your own protein. Give it a satisfying kick with some chorizo or bring a rich, smokiness with brisket or bacon. If your canned chili is too watery, round it out with an extra helping of ground beef, turkey, or pork.

When to add canned beans to chili? ›

You know the saying, “save the best for last?” To keep your beans nice and plump, add them about 20 minutes before you finish cooking. This will give them plenty of time to impart that perfectly seasoned chili flavor to your recipe without overcooking.

What adds the most flavor to chili? ›

If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

Why is my canned chili watery? ›

This can be the result of: Adding too much stock, broth, or water. A base of beef broth, chicken broth, or stock (and occasionally water, milk, or cream), sets the tone for most chili recipes. If your chili looks watery, you may have poured in more than required.

How to level up canned chili? ›

Add an extra kick of heat to your canned chili using chile peppers. For milder spiciness, opt for Fresno peppers or, add Serrano or Tabasco for higher spice levels. The pepper's ripeness influences its heat level, and removing the seeds can enhance its flavor.

How do you perk up canned chili? ›

"Adding fresh ingredients — like diced onions, cilantro, and jalapenos — will take any canned chili to another level," Dunleavy said. "The fresh burst of flavor will brighten and elevate the chili while also adding great texture and crunch."

Should I use the liquid in canned beans for chili? ›

However, canned beans are soaked in a canning liquid that can throw off your dish's seasoning and texture, so it's best to drain and rinse your beans before pouring them into your pot of chili. Canning liquid can also water down and dilute the flavors of your chili.

What kind of canned beans are best for chili? ›

The best beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, like in this easy and tasty recipe. This 3-bean chili freezes great for meals later in the week. If you prefer thinner chili, add an extra can of tomato sauce. The green chiles are not hot and add a wonderful flavor, so don't be afraid to use them.

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