Homemade Beef Stick Recipe - Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Are you a fan of savory, protein-packed snacks? If you've been eyeing those perfectly seasoned beef sticks at the store, why not try making your own? Crafting homemade beef sticks is easier than you think, and the best part?

You control the ingredients and flavors. Whether you're looking for a high-protein snack for road trips, post-gym fuel, or something to keep the family happy, this DIY recipe has got you covered.

In this guide, we’ll share a foolproof beef stick recipe, discuss the essential tools you’ll need, and cover tips on how to get that perfect smoky flavor without hassle. By the end of this article, you'll have all the confidence to create your own batch of flavorful, preservative-free beef sticks.

What Are Beef Sticks and Why Make Them at Home?

Beef sticks are thin, cured, and seasoned meat snacks made from ground beef and a mix of spices. They're similar to jerky but softer in texture and easier to chew. While store-bought options are convenient, many are loaded with preservatives, artificial flavors, and excessive sodium.

By making beef sticks at home, you:

• Control the Ingredients: Use high-quality cuts of beef and skip unnecessary fillers.
• Customize the Flavor: Love garlic or crave a spicy kick? It’s all in your hands.
• Save Money: Making a larger batch at home is far more economical than buying individual pre-packaged sticks.
• Avoid Additives: Store-bought beef sticks often include nitrates or preservatives. Homemade ones are healthier and taste fresher.

Essential Tools You’ll Need

Before jumping into the recipe, here’s a quick checklist of tools and ingredients you'll need:

Tools

1. Meat Grinder or Food Processor - For mincing the meat to your desired texture.
2. Sausage Stuffer or Jerky Gun - To shape the mixture into sticks.
3. Dehydrator or Oven - Essential for slow drying and cooking the beef sticks evenly.
4. Meat Thermometer - Ensures that your beef sticks are cooked to the right internal temperature for safety.
5. Baking Sheets or Racks - For laying out beef sticks during the drying or smoking process.

Ingredients

• Ground beef (90% lean or higher, about 2 lbs)
• Cure salt or Prague powder #1 (optional but recommended for preserving and curing)
• Salt (1 tsp)
• Garlic powder (1 tsp)
• Onion powder (1 tsp)
• Smoked paprika (1 tsp for smoky flavor)
• Cracked black pepper (1 tsp)
• Liquid smoke (1 tsp, if not using a smoker)
• Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp)
• Soy sauce (1 tbsp)
• Brown sugar (optional, 1 tbsp for a touch of sweetness)
• Water (2 tbsp, to keep the mixture moist)

Step-by-Step Beef Stick Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture

Start with fresh, high-quality ground beef. The leaner, the better; aim for 90-93% lean beef to avoid excess fat during the drying process.

1. Place the ground beef in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add dry ingredients like salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and brown sugar. Mix thoroughly.
3. Stir in the liquid ingredients, including Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, liquid smoke, and water. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 2: Chill the Mixture

Once mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to fully develop and the seasonings to penetrate the meat.

Step 3: Shape the Meat Sticks

Using a sausage stuffer or jerky gun, load the beef mixture and extrude it into slim, uniform sticks. Aim for sticks of about 6-8 inches in length. If you don’t have specialized tools, you can roll the mixture into uniform logs by hand, but make sure they're consistent in size for even cooking.

Step 4: Dehydrate or Bake

Using a dehydrator:

1. Preheat your dehydrator to 160°F.
2. Arrange the beef sticks on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they don’t touch.
3. Dry the sticks for 6-8 hours, checking periodically to ensure even cooking.

Using an oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 175°F. Use the lowest setting if your oven doesn’t go that low.
2. Place the beef sticks on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This setup allows air to circulate evenly around the sticks.
3. Bake for 4-5 hours, turning them halfway through the process, until they reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature of the beef sticks. Fully cooked and safe-to-eat beef sticks should reach an internal temperature of 160°F. This step ensures your meat is thoroughly cooked and safe for consumption.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Once cooked, allow the beef sticks to cool to room temperature. Store them in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bags. Homemade beef sticks can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and longer if frozen.

Tips for Perfect Beef Sticks

1. Experiment with Spices: Add crushed red pepper for heat or fennel seeds for a sausage-like flavor.
2. Try Different Meats: While beef is classic, you can substitute it with turkey, venison, or pork for variety.
3. Smoker for Extra Flavor: If you have a smoker, use it instead of a dehydrator or oven for authentic smoky flavor.
4. Keep it Uniform: Ensure all sticks are of equal size for even cooking.

Why DIY Beef Sticks Are Worth It

Beyond the health benefits and flavor control, making your own beef sticks can be a fun, rewarding process. They’re perfect for on-the-go snacks, lunchboxes, or even gifts for fellow snack lovers. It’s one of those DIY projects that pays off in every savory bite.

Take Your Snacking to the Next Level

Whether you’re prepping snacks for a weekend hike or stocking up on high-protein treats to keep you fueled throughout the day, these homemade beef sticks are a game-changer. They’re easy to make, customizable to your taste, and free from unnecessary additives.

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