Are you looking for a snack that’s not only delicious but also packed with flavor? Look no further than homemade ground beef jerky! With its chewy texture and rich, meaty flavor, it’s easy to see why this popular snack has been a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and foodies alike. But if you’re tired of the same old plain flavors, we’ve got just the thing for you – 20 spicy ground beef jerky recipes that will take your snacking game to the next level!
From sweet and smoky to tangy and spicy, these recipes offer a wide range of flavor profiles to suit any taste. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting or something bold and adventurous, there’s sure to be a recipe on this list that will satisfy your cravings.
In the following article, we’ll take a closer look at each of these 20 spicy ground beef jerky recipes, including their ingredients, instructions, and tips for making them. So why wait? Let’s get started and discover some amazing flavors!
Maple Sriracha Ground Beef Jerky
Elevate your snack game with this sweet and spicy ground beef jerky recipe, featuring the perfect balance of maple syrup’s richness and sriracha’s kick.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 180°F (82°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, maple syrup, sriracha sauce, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
5. Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 2-1/2 hours, or until jerky reaches desired level of dryness and chewiness.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Garlic Pepper Teriyaki Beef Jerky
Elevate your snack game with this sweet and savory garlic pepper teriyaki beef jerky recipe. With a perfect balance of flavors, you’ll be hooked from the first bite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef (top round or flank steak), sliced into thin strips
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 150°F (65°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, garlic, and black pepper.
3. Add the sliced beef and marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay out the beef strips in a single layer.
5. Bake for 3-4 hours, or until dry and chewy.
6. Remove from oven and sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the jerky.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bite-sized pieces.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours
Chipotle Lime Ground Beef Jerky
This recipe combines the bold flavors of chipotle peppers with the brightness of lime, creating a deliciously spicy and tangy jerky that’s perfect for snacking on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to its lowest temperature setting (usually around 150°F).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chipotle peppers, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until just combined.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
4. Spread the beef mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
5. Dry in the oven for 3-4 hours, or until the jerky reaches your desired level of dryness.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into strips.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours
Honey BBQ Ground Beef Jerky Strips
Elevate your snack game with these Honey BBQ Ground Beef Jerky Strips, perfect for a quick energy boost or as a flavorful addition to any meal. With a balanced blend of sweet and savory flavors, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 150°F (65°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, honey, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until just combined.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
4. Place the beef mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick.
5. Bake for 3-4 hours, or until the jerky reaches your desired level of dryness.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours
Habanero Mango Ground Beef Jerky
Take your beef jerky game to the next level with this Habanero Mango Ground Beef Jerky recipe! The combination of spicy habanero peppers and sweet mango creates a unique flavor profile that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/4 cup mango puree
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/4 tsp habanero powder (or more to taste)
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 150°F (65°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, mango puree, soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and habanero powder. Mix well.
3. Add water to the mixture and mix until just combined.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Place the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Dehydrate for 3-4 hours or until desired level of dryness is reached.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours
Korean Gochujang Beef Jerky
Experience the bold flavors of Korea with this sweet and spicy beef jerky recipe, featuring gochujang, a fermented soybean paste. This addictive snack is perfect for anyone who loves a little heat in their food.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef top round or flank steak
– 1/4 cup gochujang
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 160°F (70°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Add the beef to the marinade and coat evenly.
4. Place the beef on a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Dehydrate in the oven for 3-4 hours or until the jerky reaches your desired level of dryness.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours
Smoky Whiskey Glazed Beef Jerky
Elevate your snack game with this bold and flavorful beef jerky recipe, perfect for whiskey lovers and anyone looking for a unique twist on traditional jerky.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef top round or flank steak
– 1/4 cup whiskey (such as bourbon or scotch)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 160°F (70°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together whiskey, soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
3. Add the beef to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Remove from refrigerator and place on prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake for 3-4 hours, or until jerky reaches desired level of dryness.
6. Let cool completely before cutting into strips and serving.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours
Sweet Chili Ground Beef Jerky
Sweet Chili Ground Beef Jerky Recipe
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this sweet and savory jerky recipe! This unique flavor combination of ground beef, sweet chili sauce, and spices will have you hooked from the very first bite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 150°F (65°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, sweet chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until just combined.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Spoon the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in a thin layer.
4. Bake for 3-4 hours, or until the jerky reaches your desired level of dryness.
5. Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into strips.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours
Miso Ginger Ground Beef Jerky
Get ready to experience a bold fusion of flavors with this unique jerky recipe that combines the savory goodness of miso paste, the spicy kick of ginger, and the richness of ground beef.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 2 tbsp miso paste
– 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 150°F (65°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, miso paste, grated ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper.
3. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the mixture on the prepared sheet in a single layer.
5. Dry for 3-4 hours or overnight (8 hours).
6. Once dry and slightly firm to the touch, remove from oven and let cool completely.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours or overnight (8 hours)
Jalapeño Pineapple Beef Jerky
Experience the perfect blend of spicy and sweet with this unique beef jerky recipe, infused with the bold flavors of jalapeño peppers and pineapple.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef top round or flank steak
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
– 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
– 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced into thin rings
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to its lowest temperature setting (< 150°F). If you don't have a low-temperature setting, use a dehydrator or grill. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. 3. Add the sliced jalapeño rings to the marinade and mix well. 4. Place the beef in the marinade, making sure it's coated evenly. 5. Let the beef marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight. 6. Remove the beef from the marinade and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 7. Cook the jerky for 3-4 hours or until dry and chewy. Cooking Time: 3-4 hours
Cajun Spiced Ground Beef Jerky
Get ready to spice up your snack game with this bold and flavorful Cajun-inspired ground beef jerky! This recipe combines the classic flavors of cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder with the convenience of store-bought ground beef.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (such as Tony Chachere’s)
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 150°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well with your hands or a spoon until just combined.
3. Add water and mix until the mixture is sticky but not wet.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Place the beef mixture on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake for 3-4 hours, or until jerky reaches your desired level of dryness.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours
Brown Sugar Bourbon Beef Jerky
Transform your snacking routine with this sweet and savory Brown Sugar Bourbon Beef Jerky recipe. Rich flavors of brown sugar, bourbon, and spices perfectly balance the tender beef.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef strips (top round or flank steak)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 150°F (65°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, bourbon whiskey, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add the beef strips to the marinade and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Remove from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
5. Place the beef strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer, without overlapping.
6. Bake for 3-4 hours or until the jerky reaches desired level of dryness.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours
Spicy Korean BBQ Beef Jerky
Experience the bold flavors of Korea with this spicy beef jerky recipe, perfect for snacking on-the-go. Marinated in a sweet and savory mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and gochujang, these tender strips of beef are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef top round or flank steak
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 150°F (65°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, gochujang, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add the beef strips to the marinade, making sure they are coated evenly.
4. Place the beef on a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Dehydrate for 3-4 hours or until the jerky reaches your desired level of dryness.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours
Garlic Rosemary Ground Beef Jerky
Elevate your snack game with this savory and aromatic jerky recipe, perfect for on-the-go or as a quick addition to your favorite meal. With the bold flavors of garlic and rosemary, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to its lowest temperature setting (usually around 150°F).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, garlic, rosemary, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Mix until just combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread evenly into a thin layer.
4. Place the baking sheet in the oven and dehydrate for 3-4 hours or until the jerky reaches your desired level of dryness.
5. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before slicing into strips.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours
Peppercorn Crusted Beef Jerky
Elevate your snack game with this bold and savory beef jerky recipe, featuring a crunchy peppercorn crust. Perfect for on-the-go or as a satisfying treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef top round or flank steak
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon pink peppercorns, crushed
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 150°F (65°C).
2. Slice the beef into thin strips and place in a large bowl.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, black pepper, and crushed pink peppercorns.
4. Add the marinade mixture to the beef strips, tossing to coat evenly.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the marinated beef strips in a single layer.
6. Bake for 3-4 hours or until the jerky reaches your desired level of dryness.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours
Thai Basil Ground Beef Jerky
Elevate your snack game with this flavorful recipe that combines the richness of beef jerky with the boldness of Thai basil.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh Thai basil
– 1/4 cup water
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 150°F (65°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well with hands or a spoon until just combined.
3. Stir in chopped Thai basil.
4. Lay out the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or dehydrator trays, spreading evenly.
5. Dry for 6-8 hours, or until jerky reaches desired chewiness.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Tips:
– For a crisper texture, increase oven temperature to 170°F (77°C) and cook for an additional hour.
– Store leftover jerky in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Ancho Chili Cocoa Beef Jerky
Elevate your snack game with this unique fusion of rich, spicy, and sweet flavors. This recipe combines the boldness of ancho chilies with the warmth of cocoa powder to create a one-of-a-kind beef jerky experience.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef strips (top round or flank steak)
– 2 tablespoons ancho chili powder
– 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt, to taste
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to its lowest temperature setting (usually around 150°F).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together ancho chili powder, cocoa powder, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Add the beef strips to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
4. Let the mixture sit for at least 4 hours or overnight.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay out the marinated beef strips in a single layer.
6. Bake for 3-4 hours, or until the jerky reaches your desired level of dryness.
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours
Lemongrass Ginger Beef Jerky
This recipe combines the bold flavors of lemongrass and ginger with tender beef jerky, perfect for snacking on-the-go. With a hint of sweetness and a kick of spice, this unique flavor combination will become your new favorite snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef strips (sirloin or round)
– 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
– 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 150°F (65°C).
2. In a blender or food processor, combine lemongrass, ginger, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and salt. Blend until smooth.
3. Marinate beef strips in the mixture for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove beef from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Bake beef strips for 3-4 hours, or until dry and chewy.
6. Let cool completely before cutting into smaller pieces.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours
Sesame Soy Ground Beef Jerky
A flavorful and tender beef jerky recipe that combines the savory taste of soy sauce with the nutty flavor of sesame oil, perfect for a quick snack or on-the-go energy boost.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 150°F (65°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
4. Bake for 3-4 hours or until the jerky reaches your desired level of dryness.
5. Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into strips.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours
Pineapple Habanero Beef Jerky
Take your beef jerky game to the next level with this sweet and spicy recipe that combines the tropical flavors of pineapple with the heat of habanero peppers.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef (top round or flank steak), sliced into thin strips
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1-2 habanero peppers, seeded and chopped (depending on desired heat level)
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to its lowest temperature setting (usually around 150°F).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add the beef strips to the marinade and mix until coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Remove the beef from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the beef strips in a single layer.
6. Bake for 3-4 hours, or until the jerky reaches your desired level of dryness.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours
Summary
Get ready to level up your snack game with these 20 spicy ground beef jerky recipes! From sweet and smoky to bold and fiery, this collection has something for every taste bud. Try making Maple Sriracha Ground Beef Jerky, Garlic Pepper Teriyaki Beef Jerky, or Habanero Mango Ground Beef Jerky for a flavor explosion. Or, go classic with Honey BBQ Ground Beef Jerky Strips or opt for an international twist with Korean Gochujang Beef Jerky. Whatever your preference, these recipes will have you hooked from the first bite!