I just started canning this year too. Haven't done any water bath canning yet, but plenty of pinto beans and chicken. Meat does taste different tho and I was warned. Chicken tastes like tuna fish. Not something you'd want to use on a salad but hidden in a casserole would be fine.
Haven't read thru all the other posts but be sure to use the "newer" recipes vs something your grandmother used. They've changed the timing, to be sure foods are correctly cooked.
Good luck, relax, and enjoy !!!