Beef Sticks / Ground Beef Jerky

Step 1

Preheat smoker to 225f.

Step 2

Meanwhile, add 2 lbs extra lean ground beef and 1 lb ground pork to the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until completely combined, about 1 minute.

Step 3

With the mixer running on low speed, add the spice and again mix until completely combined, then add the sriracha or maple syrup, as above. Mix on high speed for 45 seconds to 1 minute once all ingredients are added to the bowl. This can also be mixed by hand.Spicy Sriracha Jerky:1 tablespoon ground black pepper,1 tablespoon onion powder,1 tablespoon paprika,2 teaspoons sriracha powder,2 teaspoons oregano,2 teaspoons garlic powder,2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt,1 teaspoon cayenne powder,¼ cup srirachaMild Jerky:1 tablespoon ground black pepper,1 tablespoon onion powder,1 tablespoon garlic powder,1 tablespoon paprika,½ tablespoon coarse kosher salt,¼ cup maple syrup,

Step 4

Fill the jerky gun by adding a small amount, then packing it with the plunger, then repeating until full.

Step 5

Pipe the ground beef jerky onto wire mesh cooking racks. Keep the sticks all in one piece, they are easy to trim once cooked.

Step 6

Smoke the ground beef jerky at 225f for 3 hours.

Step 7

Remove the jerky from the smoker and allow it to cool to room temperature before packaging.

Step 8

Preheat oven to 170f (or as low as your oven goes).

Step 9

Follow mixing and piping directions as per recipe.

Step 10

Cook the jerky sticks in the oven at 170f for 4 hours, or until completely cooked through.

Step 11

Follow mixing directions as per the recipe.

Step 12

Pipe the ground beef jerky onto dehydrator racks.

Step 13

Dehydrate the jerky at 160f for 5-6 hours, or until completely cooked through.