Ground Beef Jerky is a savory, protein-packed snack that offers a delicious blend of flavor and convenience. This homemade version is not only easy to make but allows you to control the ingredients and seasonings, ensuring a perfect bite every time. With its chewy texture and rich taste, this ground beef jerky is perfect for outdoor adventures, road trips, or simply snacking at home.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll absolutely love this ground beef jerky recipe for several reasons. First, it’s bursting with flavor thanks to a carefully crafted marinade that enhances the natural taste of the beef. Second, it’s incredibly easy to make at home, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort. Perfect for those who follow a high-protein diet, this jerky is not only a great low-carb snack but also gluten-free if you choose the right soy sauce. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to bring a taste of adventure into your kitchen!
Tips and Tricks
To make your ground beef jerky even better, here are some handy tips and tricks:
1. Choose the right beef: Opt for lean ground beef (at least 90% lean) to prevent excess grease, which can spoil your jerky.
2. Marinate longer: For deeper flavor penetration, let your beef marinate for at least 12 hours, or even overnight.
3. Use a jerky gun: This tool can help you shape your jerky into perfect strips, making the drying process more uniform.
4. Test for doneness: Your jerky should be dry and firm but still slightly pliable. A good test is to bend a piece; it should crack but not break.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common mistakes when making ground beef jerky:
1. Too much fat: Using fatty ground beef can lead to spoilage, as fats can go rancid. Stick to lean cuts.
2. Insufficient marination: Rushing the marination process can result in bland jerky. Give it the time it needs.
3. Overcrowding the dehydrator: Make sure to leave space for air circulation when placing the jerky in the dehydrator.
4. Not drying enough: Ensure that your jerky is completely dried. If there’s any moisture left, it could spoil quickly.
Make Ahead Tips
For those busy weeks, you can prepare your ground beef jerky in advance:
- Marinate the beef: You can marinate the ground beef a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to dehydrate it.
- Batch prep: Make a large batch and store it in airtight containers. Jerky can last for several weeks when stored properly.
- Portion it out: Consider vacuum-sealing portions for easy grab-and-go snacks.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to customize your ground beef jerky with these variations:
- Spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to your marinade for a spicy kick.
- Sweet: Incorporate a bit of brown sugar or honey to balance the savory flavors.
- Smoky: Use smoked paprika or liquid smoke in your marinade for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Alternative meats: Try using ground turkey or venison for a different taste profile.
How to Serve
Once your ground beef jerky is ready, serve it in a rustic-style bowl or a small basket lined with parchment paper for a casual feel. It pairs wonderfully with cheese cubes or fresh fruit like apple slices for a balanced snack. Consider garnishing the dish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of chili powder for visual appeal.
Pairing Suggestions
For drink pairings, a robust craft beer or a smooth red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon complements the savory notes of the jerky beautifully. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a refreshing iced tea or sparkling water with a splash of lemon works wonderfully. As for sides, crunchy vegetables like carrot sticks or celery add a nice contrast to the chewy texture of the jerky.
How to Store
To store your homemade ground beef jerky, make sure it cools completely before putting it away. Place it in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag to keep it fresh. It can be stored in the pantry for up to 2 weeks or in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. For longer storage, consider freezing it, which can keep it good for up to 6 months.
Equipment Needed
You’ll need a few specific kitchen tools to make this ground beef jerky:
- Dehydrator: Ideal for achieving the perfect dry texture.
- Jerky gun: Optional, but it helps shape the ground beef into strips for even drying.
- Mixing bowls: For marinating the beef.
- Parchment paper: To line trays if you are dehydrating in an oven.
Dietary Adaptations
For those with dietary restrictions, here are some useful swaps:
- Vegan option: Substitute ground beef with textured vegetable protein (TVP) and use soy sauce and spices to flavor it.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the marinade.
- Nut-free: Ensure your seasoning and marinade don’t contain any nut-based ingredients.
Seasonal Adaptations
Incorporate seasonal ingredients to elevate your jerky:
- Fall: Add pumpkin spice seasoning for a warm, autumnal flavor.
- Summer: Infuse with fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a refreshing twist.
- Winter: Use warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy touch.
Cost Breakdown
The estimated cost for making a batch of ground beef jerky is around $10-$15, depending on the quality of the beef and other ingredients. If you’re looking to save, consider using lower-cost cuts of lean beef or purchasing ingredients in bulk.
Kitchen Hacks
Here are some quick kitchen hacks to make your jerky-making process easier:
- Easily mix spices: Use a mason jar to combine your marinade ingredients quickly; just shake it up!
- Speed up marinating: If you’re short on time, cut the meat into smaller pieces for quicker flavor absorption.
- Clean-up tip: Line your dehydrator trays with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Yes, ground turkey works well, but be sure to adjust the marinade to enhance its flavor.
Q: How long should I dehydrate the jerky?
A: Dehydrating time can vary, but it typically takes 4-6 hours at 155°F (68°C).
Q: Can I freeze the jerky?
A: Absolutely! Freezing extends the shelf life of your jerky and keeps it fresh for up to 6 months.
Ground Beef Jerky
Ground Beef Jerky is a savory, protein-packed snack that offers a delicious blend of flavor and convenience. This homemade version is not only easy to make but allows you to control the ingredients and seasonings, ensuring a perfect bite every time.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean or better)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
- Marinate the beef: Add the ground beef to the marinade and mix until fully combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat the dehydrator: Set your dehydrator to 155°F (68°C) or follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Shape the jerky: If using a jerky gun, fill it with the marinated beef and squeeze out strips onto the dehydrator trays. If not, flatten the beef mixture onto parchment paper and cut into strips.
- Dehydrate the jerky: Place the trays in the dehydrator and let it run for 4-6 hours, checking for doneness.
- Cool and store: Once the jerky is done, let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
Nutrition Information
Yield
12Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 97Total Fat 5gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 34mgSodium 339mgCarbohydrates 2gFiber 0gSugar 1gProtein 11g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Making your own ground beef jerky is not only a fun culinary project but also a rewarding way to enjoy a wholesome snack tailored to your taste. With the right ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have a delicious, protein-rich treat ready to fuel your day. So roll up your sleeves, gather your spices, and embark on this flavorful journey of homemade jerky!
