Can I make beef jerky sticks without a dehydrator?

Yes, you can make beef jerky sticks in your oven. Set it to the lowest temperature (ideally 160°F/71°C), place the marinated meat strips on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and prop the oven door open slightly with a wooden spoon to allow moisture to escape. Check frequently as oven drying times may differ from dehydrator times.

Are beef jerky sticks safe to make at home?

Absolutely! Following proper food safety measures like using curing salt, maintaining appropriate dehydrating temperatures (140–160°F), and ensuring adequate drying makes homemade beef jerky sticks safe. The USDA recommends heating meat to 160°F before dehydrating for extra safety.

How long will homemade beef jerky sticks last?

Properly dried and stored beef jerky sticks will last 1–2 weeks at room temperature in an airtight container, 2–3 months in the refrigerator, and up to 6 months when vacuum sealed and frozen.

Can I use ground beef instead of whole muscle meat for beef jerky sticks?

Yes! Ground beef works well for beef jerky sticks, especially when using a jerky gun to create the stick shape. Choose lean ground beef (93/7 or leaner) and mix your seasonings directly into the meat before extruding through the jerky gun onto dehydrator trays.

What's the best cut of beef for making beef jerky sticks?

Eye of round, top round, and bottom round are ideal for beef jerky sticks due to their leanness and relatively uniform grain. Flank steak and sirloin tip also work well. Avoid fatty cuts like ribeye or cuts with lots of connective tissue.

Beef Jerky Sticks: The Ultimate Snack You Need to Try Now 2025

Beef Jerky Sticks: The Ultimate Snack You Need to Try Now

Print Recipe

These homemade beef jerky sticks are a protein-packed snack made with clean ingredients and customizable seasonings. Perfect for meal prep, hiking trips, or school lunches.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 30 minutes + marinating time
Cook Time: 4-6 hours
Total Time: 5-7 hours + marinating
Yield: 20-24 jerky sticks 1x
Category: Snacks
Method: Dehydrating
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds lean beef (eye of round, top round, or bottom round)
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
1 teaspoon curing salt (Prague Powder #1, optional but recommended)

Instructions

Partially freeze the beef for 1–2 hours. Trim all visible fat and slice into 1/4-inch strips, with or against the grain depending on desired texture.
Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl or ziplock bag until sugar and salt dissolve.
Add the beef slices, massage to coat, and refrigerate for 6–24 hours.
Remove from marinade and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
Arrange strips on dehydrator trays or wire racks over baking sheets. If using a jerky gun, extrude seasoned ground beef into stick shapes onto trays.
Dehydrate at 160°F (71°C) for 4–6 hours, or until jerky sticks bend without breaking.
Let cool completely before storing in airtight containers.

Notes

Use a jerky gun for making sticks from ground beef. Store cooled jerky in airtight containers at room temperature for 1–2 weeks, or refrigerate/freezer for longer shelf life. Add a food-grade oxygen absorber to extend freshness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ounce (approx. 2-3 sticks)
Calories: 70
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 13g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: beef jerky sticks, homemade jerky, protein snack, dehydrated snacks, keto snacks

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/beef-jerky-sticks/