Best Sweet and Spicy Ground Beef Jerky Recipe dehydrator

Best Sweet and Spicy Ground Beef Jerky Recipe dehydrator: Do you ever find yourself searching for a snack that is full of flavor, packed with protein, and far better than store-bought products? If yes, then nothing can beat homemade beef jerky. But making traditional jerky seems a bit complicated, doesn’t it? Thinly sliced strips of meat, long marinating times, and the fear of expensive equipment… The solution to all these problems is here: Ground Beef Jerky.

This Sweet and Spicy Ground Beef Jerky is not only very easy to make but its taste is such that you won’t be able to stop eating it. The special thing about this easy homemade recipe is that it can be made with just your basic kitchen essentials, with the use of a dehydrator perfecting it.

Short Intro About Recipe

This Ground Beef Jerky Recipe completely transforms traditional methods. The use of ground meat makes it soft and easy to chew, while the blend of honey and soy sauce gives it a unique sweet and savory flavor. A small amount of chili powder and red pepper adds an interesting spicy kick. Being made in a dehydrator gives it a uniformly crispy texture and deep flavor in every piece, making it the perfect snack.

Prep Time & Servings

Preparation Time: 20 minutes (including marinating)
Cooking Time: 4 to 6 hours
Processing Time: 6 to 8 hours (dehydration)
Servings: Approximately 4 people (yield from one pound of meat)

Equipment

You will need the following basic kitchen essentials to make this homemade recipe:

Dehydrator (This recipe can be made without it, but a dehydrator gives the best results)
A large mixing bowl
Jerky nozzle or a plastic bag (with one corner cut off) if you don’t have a jerky gun.
Baking sheet (if the dehydrator trays are not available)
Parchment paper (to prevent sticking)

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients for the beef jerky. This list of ingredients is designed to make a balanced sweet and spicy beef jerky.

▢ 1 pound Lean Ground Beef (93% or leaner)
▢ ¼ cup Brown Sugar (for depth of flavor)
▢ 3 tablespoons Honey (for natural sweetness)
▢ ¼ cup Soy Sauce (for the savory base)
▢ 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
▢ 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
▢ ½ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Powder (for spice, adjust to taste)
▢ ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
▢ ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
▢ 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Powder (freshly ground is better)
▢ ½ teaspoon Liquid Smoke (optional, for smoky flavor)
▢ 1 teaspoon Kashmiri Red Chili Powder (for color and mild heat)

Instructions

The method for making this Ground Beef Jerky is very straightforward. Just follow these steps:

Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, add the lean ground beef. Add the brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper powder, liquid smoke, and Kashmiri red chili powder and mix well. Using your hands, mix all the spices evenly into the meat so that the flavor reaches every part.
Let the Mixture Rest: After mixing, refrigerate the mixture for 15-20 minutes. This allows the spices to meld well into the meat and makes it easier to place in the dehydrator later.
Form the Jerky Strips: Line your dehydrator tray with parchment paper. If you have a jerky gun, use it. Otherwise, put the mixture in a plastic bag, cut one corner, and use it like a piping bag. Squeeze the mixture onto the tray to form strips about ¼ inch thick and uniform.
Set Up the Dehydrator: Set the dehydrator to 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius). This temperature is ideal for safely cooking the meat while drying it.
Dehydrate the Jerky: Place the prepared trays in the dehydrator. Let this sweet and spicy beef jerky dry for approximately 4 to 6 hours. The time may vary depending on the thickness of the strips and the power of your dehydrator.
Check for Doneness: The jerky is ready when it is firm and flexible but does not break. When you bend it, it should have slight cracks but should not snap.
Cool and Store: Remove the jerky from the dehydrator and let it cool completely. Then store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes / Tips

Meat Choice: Using lean ground beef is very important. Meat with higher fat content will reduce the jerky’s shelf life and can make it greasy.
Flavor Adjustment: The sweet and spicy flavor is customizable. Sweetness can be increased by adding more honey, and the spice can be controlled by decreasing or increasing the amount of cayenne pepper.
Without a Dehydrator: If you don’t have a dehydrator, you can use an oven. Heat your oven to its lowest setting and keep the door slightly ajar to let the moisture escape.
Storage: Store this homemade jerky in an airtight container. It will keep well at room temperature for one to two weeks.

8. Nutritious High-Protein Snack

This Ground Beef Jerky is not only tasty but also an excellent nutritious snack. Being a high-protein snack, it is a great source for replenishing energy after a workout, satisfying hunger during travel, or getting extra protein throughout the day. You can also add it to your children’s lunch boxes to give them a healthy alternative.

9. Why This Recipe is a Game-Changer

Unlike the traditional beef jerky recipe, this Ground Beef Jerky is revolutionary in several ways.

Ease: Being ground meat, it doesn’t need to be marinated; the flavor is instantly incorporated.
Control: You know exactly which meat and spices are going into your jerky, which is a huge advantage over buying from the store.
Savings: Making jerky at home is much cheaper than buying it from the market.
Texture: It is softer than traditional jerky, making it easier to chew.

10. Pairing and Serving Suggestions

This sweet and spicy jerky can be enjoyed in different ways.

Enjoy it alone as a perfect snack.
It is an excellent companion during travel or picnics.
It can also be used as a crunchy topping on salads.
If you like Caramel Apple Brownies this jerky will work perfectly with them for a sweet and savory combination.
It pairs wonderfully with Iced Coffee .

Conclusion

Making this Sweet and Spicy Ground Beef Jerky is not magic, but an easy homemade recipe. Once you try it in your dehydrator, you won’t look back at market products. This best snack will not only fill your stomach but will also satisfy your palate. So what are you waiting for? Get your equipment out and try making this delicious and healthy high-protein snack today

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