Start by preparing jars and getting water in the canner heating. You want the canner hot, but not boiling, when the jars are ready to be processed.If you are new to using a pressure canner, see this article for full pressure canning instructions. This includes more detailed information and step-by-step instructions on how a pressure canner works.
Hot Pack only
Make tomato sauce.
Simmer tomato sauce until thickened (20 minutes to 1 hour), stirring often.
Brown meat with chopped onion and vegetables and minced garlic (meat optional).
If meat is not desired, sauté onion and vegetables in oil until tender.
Add cooked meat and vegetables to sauce.
Stir in seasonings. Bring back to a boil.
Fill hot jar with spaghetti sauce (remove bay leaves), leaving 1” headspace.
Remove bubbles. Wipe the rim clean and place seal and ring. Place the jar in the warm canner. Proceed to fill all jars. Process according to the directions below.
Notes
Processing with a Pressure CannerPlace the jars in the warm canner. Proceed to fill all jars placing them in the prepared hot canner. Put the lid on the canner leaving the weights off. Bring to a boil. Watch for the steam to start coming out the vent pipe in the lid.Allow the steam to 'vent' for 10 minutes then put the weights on. Use the proper weight for your altitude (check the chart below) This is when pressure will start to build. When the pressure reaches the pressure required for your altitude (check the chart below) that is when you’ll start your time. Process for the full time indicated, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain the correct pressure for the entire time.When processing time is completed turn off the heat. Do not remove weights yet. Let the canner sit undisturbed until pressure comes back to zero. Do not try to speed up the cooling process.Remove the weight and wait 5 minutes.Open the lid to allow steam to escape. (carefully don't let it hit your face or arms!) Leave the lid setting on top of the canner slightly ajar and wait 5 minutes.Take the lid off the canner and remove your jars. (optionally you can wait another 5 minutes if the contents appear to be bubbling so hard it is coming out of the jars)Put the jars a few inches apart on a thick towel and allow them to cool to room temperature undisturbed. 12 hours is suggested.When the jars are cool, remove the metal bands, check the seals, and store the jars in a cool dark place.Processing Instructions for Pressure Canner (Hot Pack) Process sauce with meat for 60 minutes (pints) or 70 minutes (quarts), adjusting for altitude. Process sauce without meat for 20 minutes (pints) or 25 minutes (quarts), adjusting for altitude.Adjustments forPressure Canner Altitude – Weighted Gauge 0-1,000 ft - 10 pounds1,001-8,000 ft - 15 poundsAltitude – Dial Gauge0-2,000 ft - 11 pounds2,001-4,000 ft - 12 pounds4,001-6,000 ft - 13 pounds6,001-8,000 ft - 14 pounds
Adapted from: The National Center for Home Food Preservation, Colorado Extension