Step 1

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.

Step 2

Make tomato sauce.

Step 3

Simmer tomato sauce until thickened (20 minutes to 1 hour), stirring often.

Step 4

Brown meat with chopped onion and vegetables and minced garlic (meat optional).

Step 5

If meat is not desired, sauté onion and vegetables in oil until tender.

Step 6

Add cooked meat and vegetables to sauce.

Step 7

Stir in seasonings. Bring back to a boil.

Step 8

Fill hot jar with spaghetti sauce (remove bay leaves), leaving 1” headspace.

Step 9

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.