Make your own savory and flavorful ground beef jerky at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a protein-packed snack that is perfect for on-the-go or as a delicious addition to your favorite dishes. The beef jerky is seasoned with a blend of spices and then dried to create a tender and chewy texture. This recipe is a great way to satisfy your cravings for jerky while ensuring a high-quality and healthy snack.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if desired). Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Preheat your oven to 175°F (80°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Take a handful of the seasoned ground beef mixture and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Using a rolling pin, flatten the meat to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
- Repeat the process with the remaining ground beef mixture, ensuring that the meat is evenly spread on the baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 4-6 hours, or until the jerky is dry and no longer pliable. You can check for doneness by bending a piece of jerky, which should snap easily without breaking.
- Once the jerky is fully dried, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- Store the ground beef jerky in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy as a snack or use it as a topping for salads, soups, or sandwiches.
