Go Back
+ servings
Strips of ground beef jerky in a glass mason jar.
Print Recipe
4.86 from 7 votes

Ground Beef Jerky

This ground beef jerky recipe is that perfect jerky when you want a classic beef jerky flavor with a soft texture.
Prep Time45 minutes
Cook Time3 hours
Total Time3 hours 45 minutes
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American, Barbecue, Snacks
Keyword: Ground Beef Jerky, Ground Beef Jerky Recipe
Servings: 8 people
Author: Susie Bulloch (heygrillhey.com)

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef 97/3
  • 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

  • Preheat the smoker. Preheat your smoker to 160-170 degrees F using your favorite hardwood. Strong woods like hickory or oak will give you a robust smoke flavor, mild woods like apple or maple will be more subtle.
  • Make the ground beef mixture. Place the ground beef in a large bowl. Add all remaining ingredients and combine with hands to distribute the seasonings evenly through the meat.
  • Form the jerky sticks. Fill a jerky cannon and extrude the jerky onto flat racks at your desired length. Be sure the jerky isn't overlapping or touching other pieces. If you don't have a cannon, place the seasoned beef between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll the meat to an even 1/8th inch thickness using a rolling pin. Cut the flattened beef into strips using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Remove the top sheet of parchment, place your flat rack on top of the meat, and carefully flip the whole thing over. Remove the remaining sheet of parchment paper and gently separate the jerky strips on the rack.
  • Dehydrate the ground beef jerky. Place the jerky topped flat racks on the grill grates, close the lid, and smoke for 2.5-3 hours total. The jerky will have shrunk in size, picked up a dark red color, and bend without breaking when it is finished. If you have an instant read thermometer, you can check to make sure the strips have cooked above 165 degrees F.
  • Cool, store, and enjoy! Allow your jerky strips to cool completely on the rack before transferring to a zip top bag. This jerky will last for 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 955mg | Potassium: 469mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 80IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 3mg