jerky from ground beef arranged on a plate after drying

Beef jerky is an easy portable way to get needed protein in either as a quick snack, or even a meal replacement in a pinch. I love to bring this camping and when we do errands or otherwise are out and about.  Less chewy than beef jerky from a roast, this ground beef jerky recipe becomes crunchy if you roll it out thinly. When rolled out a little thicker, this beef jerky more substantial and less crunchy.

Note: Sometimes ground beef is called ‘hamburger’ – this is what we called it.  In that case, this is also a recipe for hamburger beef jerky :)

Either way, this is a delicious protein-rich treat, and you save lots by making it on your own.   Health-wise you can choose beef from a source you trust and only add seasonings that agree with you.  Also money-wise because purchasing jerky is expensive.  You’ll love avoiding the additive-filled expensive supermarket jerky this year!

Ground beef jerky is suitable for the carnivore, keto, and GAPS diets, as well as a great addition to many others!

Grassfed ground beef for jerky

If you’re looking for grassfed beef, check out Butcher Box and US Wellness. I love and use both companies!

This recipe is also part of my Dehydrator Recipes roundup. If you need more ideas for what to do with your dehydrator, this is the place to go!

Equipment needed:

Dehydrator, optional paraflex sheets, optional jerky gun

Easy Homemade Jerky From Ground Beef

Course: Meat
Cuisine: GAPS Diet, Gluten Free, Grain Free, Paleo
Keyword: homemade ground beef jerky
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 hours
Total Time: 12 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 20 sticks
Calories: 115 kcal
Author: Cara Comini

Beef jerky is an easy portable way to get needed protein in either as a quick snack, or even a meal replacement in a pinch. I love to bring this camping and when we do errands or otherwise are out and about. Less chewy than beef jerky from a roast, this beef jerky from ground beef is crunchy if you roll it out thinly. Try it this week, and see how fast this recipe is and how much you enjoy the ease of having easy protein!

Print

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon other spices as desired (I like garlic powder and smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon each)
  • Equipment needed: Dehydrator optional paraflex sheets, optional jerky gun

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix seasonings into the beef until evenly distributed, with your hands. Divide beef mixture into 3 or 4 sections. Roll to the size of your dehydrator trays between either paraflex sheets or plastic wrap if you don't have paraflex sheets.
  2. Remove plastic wrap as you flip the meat onto the dehydrator trays. Score into jerky-sized strips with a sharp knife, being careful not to cut the dehydrator tray, and dry on high overnight, or until thoroughly cooked. Break apart at the score lines.
  3. Store in the fridge long term, though the salt and dehydrator preserve this well to last for a weekend camping trip or all day on a hike.

Recipe Notes

Tip: Use scissors, like the ones that came with your knife set, to easily cut this jerky once dehydrated.

Tip 2: You can also use a jerky gun to make thin even strips of jerky without having to roll it out. This is a great job for older kids (it's a little hard for toddlers) and I think it's fun too!

 

Nutrition Facts
Easy Homemade Jerky From Ground Beef
Amount Per Serving (1 piece)
Calories 115 Calories from Fat 81
% Daily Value*
Fat 9g14%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Cholesterol 32mg11%
Sodium 728mg30%
Potassium 122mg3%
Protein 7g14%
Calcium 8mg1%
Iron 0.9mg5%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This month's ebook!

Sign up to get the 20 Cool Treats sent to your email right away!

Powered by ConvertKit
Please follow and like us: