Ultimate Hamburger Beef Jerky
Discover the ultimate beef jerky recipe that will tantalize your taste buds and keep you coming back for more! This unique twist on traditional jerky utilizes 90% lean ground beef, making it not only budget-friendly but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for snacking, lunchboxes, or outdoor adventures, this jerky packs a flavorful punch without the preservatives found in store-bought options. With a blend of spices, a touch of sweetness, and customizable flavors, you can create your favorite jerky style at home with ease. Whether you prefer a kick of spice, a smoky BBQ touch, or a sweet teriyaki glaze, this recipe has you covered!
N/A
Servings
40
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
5 lbs (90% lean (90-92%))
non-iodized salt
4 1/2 teaspoons
Accent seasoning
2 1/4 teaspoons
garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon
crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon
meat tenderizer
2 1/4 tablespoons
pepper
3/4 tablespoon
brown sugar
3 tablespoons
Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup
liquid smoke
1/2 cup
ketchup
1/3 cup
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with non-iodized salt, Accent seasoning, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, meat tenderizer, pepper, and brown sugar. Use your hands to mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
2
Once well-mixed, press the seasoned beef into strips using a jerky gun, ensuring an even thickness for consistent drying.
3
In a shallow dish, whisk together Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, and ketchup until smooth.
4
Drench each beef strip in the sauce mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated for maximum flavor.
5
Place the coated strips onto your dehydrator trays, ensuring they are not touching for proper air circulation.
6
Dehydrate according to your dehydrator’s manufacturer instructions, typically for 6-8 hours at 155°F (68°C) or until completely dry but still pliable.
7
For additional flavor variations, try these options: Hot and Spicy - Coat strips with a mixture of Louisiana hot sauce thinned with water. BBQ - Thin your favorite BBQ sauce with water before coating. Teriyaki - Combine bottled teriyaki sauce with soy sauce for a sweet-salty finish. Follow the same drying instructions.
8
Once dried, let the jerky cool before storing it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to two weeks or refrigerated for longer freshness.
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
1g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Hamburger Beef Jerky?
Ultimate Hamburger Beef Jerky is a budget-friendly and versatile jerky made using 90% lean ground beef instead of whole muscle meat.
What type of beef is recommended for this recipe?
This recipe calls for 5 lbs of 90% to 92% lean ground beef.
Why use 90% lean ground beef?
Using lean ground beef ensures the jerky is not overly greasy and allows it to dry more effectively and stay fresh longer.
What seasonings are mixed into the beef?
The beef is seasoned with non-iodized salt, Accent seasoning, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, meat tenderizer, pepper, and brown sugar.
What kind of salt should I use for jerky?
It is recommended to use 4 1/2 teaspoons of non-iodized salt for this 5 lb batch.
How do I shape the ground beef into jerky?
Once the beef and spices are mixed, press the seasoned meat into strips using a jerky gun for consistent thickness.
What is in the sauce coating?
The coating is a blend of 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 cup liquid smoke, and 1/3 cup ketchup.
How do you apply the sauce mixture?
Drench each beef strip in the whisked sauce mixture until they are evenly coated for maximum flavor.
What is the correct temperature for dehydrating beef jerky?
The jerky should be dehydrated at 155°F (68°C) according to typical manufacturer instructions.
How long does it take to dehydrate hamburger jerky?
The process usually takes between 6 to 8 hours until the meat is completely dry but still pliable.
How do I make hot and spicy beef jerky?
To make it spicy, coat the strips with a mixture of Louisiana hot sauce thinned with a little water before dehydrating.
Can I make BBQ flavored beef jerky?
Yes, thin your favorite BBQ sauce with water and use it as a coating for the beef strips.
How do I create a Teriyaki flavor variation?
Combine bottled teriyaki sauce with soy sauce for a sweet and salty finish on your jerky strips.
How should I store homemade beef jerky?
Let the jerky cool completely, then store it in an airtight container.
How long does this jerky stay fresh at room temperature?
It can be kept at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Can I refrigerate the jerky?
Yes, refrigerating the jerky will help it stay fresh for even longer than the two-week shelf life at room temperature.
What are the nutritional stats for this jerky?
Each serving contains approximately 40 calories, 2g of fat, 1g of carbohydrates, and 5g of protein.
Is this jerky recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, using ground beef is generally more affordable than buying whole muscle cuts like flank steak or top round.
Does this jerky contain preservatives?
This homemade recipe does not contain the commercial preservatives typically found in store-bought options.
How much Worcestershire sauce is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of Worcestershire sauce for the coating.
How much liquid smoke is used?
You will need 1/2 cup of liquid smoke to provide a deep, smoky flavor.
What is the role of brown sugar in the recipe?
Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance the salt and spice in the jerky.
Can children eat this jerky?
Yes, it is a great snack for lunchboxes, though you may want to reduce the red pepper flakes for sensitive palates.
Why do I need a meat tenderizer for ground beef?
The meat tenderizer helps ensure the final dried product has a pleasant, easy-to-bite texture.
How many ingredients are in the total recipe?
The recipe uses 11 ingredients including the beef, seasonings, and sauce components.
Can I use a different type of salt?
Non-iodized salt is preferred to avoid metallic or off-flavors often associated with iodized table salt during drying.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe is based on 5 lbs of beef, though the exact number of servings depends on your portion size.
Is the jerky gluten-free?
That depends on your specific brands of Worcestershire sauce, meat tenderizer, and ketchup; always check labels for gluten.
What is Accent seasoning?
Accent is a flavor enhancer, primarily MSG, which helps bring out the savory notes of the beef.
Should the jerky strips touch on the dehydrator trays?
No, ensure the strips are not touching so that air can circulate properly for even drying.