Home Canned Rotel Substitute Copycat Clone Homemade
Capture the bold, zesty flavors of your favorite canned Rotel with this homemade copycat recipe, perfect for preserving the taste of summer all year long. This Home Canned Rotel Substitute combines fresh, ripe tomatoes, green chilies (customizable to your preferred heat level), onions, and garlic, with optional hints of cumin and cilantro for an authentic Tex-Mex twist. A splash of lemon or lime juice ensures both safe canning and a vibrant tang, making this recipe a versatile pantry staple for spicing up chili, queso dip, casseroles, or tacos. Ready in just over an hour, this easy-to-follow recipe guides you through the canning process step-by-step, resulting in jars of flavor-packed tomato goodness that can be stored for up to 18 months. Perfect for home canning enthusiasts or anyone looking for a preservative-free alternative to store-bought Rotel, this recipe is a must-try for lovers of bold, homemade flavors.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 cups Tomatoes
- 2 cups Green chilies (mild, medium, or hot based on preference)
- 1 cup Onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Garlic (minced)
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Cumin (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 cup Cilantro (chopped, optional)
- 0.25 cup Lemon juice (or bottled lime juice, for acidity)
Instructions
Wash and prepare your mason jars, lids, and rings by sterilizing them in boiling water or in a dishwasher on a sanitize cycle. Set aside on a clean towel.
Core and peel the tomatoes by blanching them in boiling water for 1–2 minutes, then transferring them to an ice bath. Once cooled, the skins should easily peel off. Dice the peeled tomatoes into small pieces.
Wash and dice the green chilies. For extra heat, leave in the seeds; if you prefer a milder flavor, remove the seeds and membranes before dicing.
In a large stockpot, combine the diced tomatoes, green chilies, onion, garlic, salt, cumin, black pepper, and cilantro, if using. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Add the lemon juice to the mixture and stir thoroughly. The acid will help preserve the canned product safely.
Ladle the hot mixture into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Remove air bubbles by running a knife or bubble remover down the sides of each jar, then wipe the jar rims clean.
Secure the lids and rings onto the jars, tightening them to fingertip tightness. Do not overtighten.
Process the jars in a boiling water canner for 15 minutes (for pint jars) or 20 minutes (for quart jars), adjusting for altitude if necessary.
Carefully remove the jars and place them on a towel, ensuring they are not disturbed while cooling. Once completely cool, check the seals by pressing the center of each lid. If sealed properly, the lid will not pop back when pressed.
Store your canned Rotel substitute in a cool, dark place for up to 12–18 months. Refrigerate after opening and use within a week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
734 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 9.8 g | 13% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.0 g | 5% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4053 mg | 176% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 155.2 g | 56% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 43.1 g | 154% | |
| Total Sugars | 90.4 g | ||
| Protein | 29.8 g | 60% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 408 mg | 31% | |
| Iron | 10.5 mg | 58% | |
| Potassium | 7048 mg | 150% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
