Tag: jerky

Sous Vide Pepper and Garlic Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

I’m a big fan of beef jerky, I’ve made it for years. And as good as it always was, I was always searching for a way to perfect my technique. More flavor. More tender, but still with a slight tug. Sous vide has done that for me and more. It’s the only way I make jerky now, drying it on my Nesco Snackmaster Pro. Sometimes I make my own flavors and sometimes, I order packages seasonings, like this Pepper and Garlic flavor from Wilton’s. This is great peppery jerky. It has a hint of garlic, but the main flavor is wonderful pepper and lots of it. I loved it!

Sous Vide Pepper and Garlic Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

This approach to jerky is simple and highly repeatable so it’s not like you have to stress over the next batch being just as good as the last. Just mix up the seasoning with a bit of cure and add to thinly-sliced beef. A few hours in sous vide then onto the Nesco Snackmaster Pro dehydrator until perfectly dried. Not too tender, not too tough. Each and every time. Sous vide Pepper and Garlic Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro is easy and fantastic!

I like my jerky to be pretty flavorful so I usually end up adding a bit more seasoning than the manufacturer recommends. The Pepper and Garlic flavored seasoning definitely packs the pepper punch. But a little more punch is… better!

Check out my guide to using the Nesco Snackmaster Pro. You will be making fantastic jerky at home in no time at all!

Sous Vide Pepper and Garlic Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Sous Vide Pepper and Garlic Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

I like my jerky to be pretty flavorful so I usually end up adding a bit more seasoning than the manufacturer recommends. The Pepper and Garlic flavored seasoning definitely packs the pepper punch. But a little more punch is… better!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword dehydrator, jerky, nesco snackmaster pro, spicy
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 9 hours
Servings 1 pound
Calories 2304kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Set up your immersion circulator for 108 F sous vide.
  • Combine the jerky seasoning and salt cure per package instructions. Wilbur's has an excellent conversion chart if you need to adjust your quantities for the amount of beef being used. For the cure, visit this link here. For converting the sure cure quantity, visit this link.
  • Place the meat into a large bowl and sprinkle with the seasoning/cure mixture. DO NOT ADD WATER. Using your hands, mix the seasonings and meat well.
  • Transfer the meat to a sealable bag and vacuum seal. Make sure there are no leaks.
  • Transfer bag to sous vide setup and heat for 2 hours.
  • Increase temperature to 130 F and heat for an additional 4 hours.
  • Turn on your dehydrator and heat it to 160 F.
  • Remove the meat from the bag and transfer to the dehydrator. Do not overlap the pieces.
  • Dry for 2-3 hours. Let cool before storing.

Nutrition

Calories: 2304kcal | Protein: 156g | Fat: 181g | Saturated Fat: 70g | Trans Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 644mg | Sodium: 608mg | Potassium: 2449mg | Calcium: 163mg | Iron: 18mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Sous Vide Honey Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

I’m a big fan of beef jerky, I’ve made it for years. And as good as it always was, I was always searching for a way to perfect my technique. More flavor. More tender, but still with a slight tug. Sous vide has done that for me and more. It’s the only way I make jerky now, drying it on my Nesco Snackmaster Pro. Sometimes I make my own flavors and sometimes, I order packages seasonings, like this Honey flavor from Wilton’s. This sous vide Honey Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro is a great slightly sweet jerky. Almost a dessert jerky!

Sous Vide Honey Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

This approach to jerky is simple and highly repeatable so it’s not like you have to stress over the next batch being just as good as the last. Just mix up the seasoning with a bit of cure and add to thinly-sliced beef. A few hours in sous vide then onto the Nesco Snackmaster Pro dehydrator until perfectly dried. Not too tender, not too tough. Each and every time.

I like my jerky to be pretty flavorful so I usually end up adding a bit more seasoning than the manufacturer recommends. The Honey seasoning is great as is, but a little more is… better. I liked the additional sweetness I got by adding more.

Also try my sweet BBQ jerky and my sous vide pepper and garlic jerky.

Check out my guide to using the Nesco Snackmaster Pro. You will be making fantastic jerky at home in no time at all!

Sous Vide Honey Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Sous Vide Honey Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

I like my jerky to be pretty flavorful so I usually end up adding a bit more seasoning than the manufacturer recommends. The Honey seasoning is great as is, but a little more is… better.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Appetizer
Keyword jerky, nesco snackmaster pro, sous vide
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 9 hours
Servings 1 pound
Calories 2304kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Set up your immersion circulator for 108 F sous vide.
  • Combine the jerky seasoning and salt cure per package instructions. Wilbur's has an excellent conversion chart if you need to adjust your quantities for the amount of beef being used. For the cure, visit this link here. For converting the sure cure quantity, visit this link.
  • Place the meat into a large bowl and sprinkle with the seasoning/cure mixture. DO NOT ADD WATER. Using your hands, mix the seasonings and meat well.
  • Transfer the meat to a sealable bag and vacuum seal. Make sure there are no leaks.
  • Transfer bag to sous vide setup and heat for 2 hours.
  • Increase temperature to 130 F and heat for an additional 4 hours.
  • Turn on your dehydrator and heat it to 160 F.
  • Remove the meat from the bag and transfer to the dehydrator. Do not overlap the pieces.
  • Dry for 2-3 hours. Let cool before storing.

Nutrition

Calories: 2304kcal | Protein: 156g | Fat: 181g | Saturated Fat: 70g | Trans Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 644mg | Sodium: 608mg | Potassium: 2449mg | Calcium: 163mg | Iron: 18mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Sweet BBQ Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

I really love making jerky on my dehydrator. I’ve been using ground top round for my ground beef jerky, but any lean ground meat will work. This sweet BBQ ground beef jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro has a nice mellow smoky BBQ flavor that is definitely not overwhelming. It has a bit of sweetness, but it’s definitely not candy-like. The meat has the perfect ‘bite’, just a little tug.

Sweet BBQ Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

Make sure you rotate your trays every 2 hours or so when making sweet BBQ ground beef jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro. The bottom trays will not dry quite as quickly as those on top will. Rotating the trays will give you nice, even drying and perfect jerky on every level. I actually write numbers on my trays (using blue painter’s tape) so I can keep up with them as I rotate them. The numbers make is much easier.

Try these other great jerky flavors from Eastman Outdoors: spicy jalapeno, Cajun, whiskey pepper, mesquite, sweet habanero and hickory. My sous vide honey jerky is also amazing.

Check out my guide to using the Nesco Snackmaster Pro. You will be making fantastic jerky at home in no time at all!

Sweet BBQ Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Sweet BBQ Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

This sweet BBQ ground beef jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro has a nice mellow smoky BBQ flavor that is definitely not overwhelming. It has a bit of sweetness, but it’s definitely not candy-like. The meat has the perfect ‘bite’, just a little tug.
Course Dehydrator
Cuisine Jerky
Keyword BBQ, beef, dehydrator, jerky, nesco snackmaster pro, sweet
Prep Time 8 hours
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 14 hours
Servings 0.5 pounds
Calories 1243kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon Eastman Outdoors Sweet BBQ Jerky Seasoning see my note below
  • 1 teaspoon curing salt Comes with the seasoning. Optional if you’re going to refrigerate the finished product
  • ¼ cup water

Instructions

  • NOTE: The package for the Eastman Outdoors jerky seasoning states that it makes up to 5 pounds of jerky. I personally feel that the flavor is too mellow, so I use just about an entire package for 1 pound of jerky. I end up with a little left over seasoning, which I store in a labelled air-tight container. I’ll eventually mix it with more seasoning. I think I can get 3 pounds of well-seasoning jerky out of two packages of Eastman Outdoors mix.
  • Place beef in a resealable bag or container.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the seasoning, curing salt and water. Pour over the meat and seal. Shake to coat.
  • Refrigerate the meat for up to 8 hours, shaking or massaging every hour or so to get the marinade distributed and absorbed evenly.
  • Remove meat from the marinade and add to a jerky gun. Squeeze out onto Nesco trays. Do not overlap meat.
  • Add the dehydrator top, set to maximum temperature setting and dehydrate for 5 hours, rotating the trays (bottom to top) every 2 hours or so.
  • To test for doneness remove a piece and let cool slightly. Try to bend the meat. If it gives and starts to tear at the bend it is done. If it bends without tearing return to the dehydrator and let it run another 15 minutes and test again. If the meat is crunchy it is overdone but still good. It’s really personal preference as to how you like your jerky. Soft, chewy, crunchy. There’s no wrong here.
  • Let cool before storing in an airtight container.

Notes

This recipe is for starting with 1 pound of meat. You’ll end up with about 1/2 pound in the end. You can easily double/triple/etc this recipe for large quantities of meat, however 5-6 pounds is about all you can fit onto a Nesco Snackmaster Pro fitted with 12 trays (the unit comes with 5).

Nutrition

Calories: 1243kcal | Protein: 194g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 562mg | Sodium: 605mg | Potassium: 3139mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 22mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cracked Pepper N’ Garlic Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

I love making jerky on my dehydrator. I’ve been using ground top round for my ground beef jerky, but any lean ground meat will work. I tend to prefer jerky with a lot of flavor. I’m not really into mellow jerky. Which is why I enjoyed the heck out of this Cracked Pepper N’ Garlic Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro made using a seasoning  from Hi Mountain that I picked up at our nearby Cabela’s.

Cracked Pepper N Garlic Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

The jerky is definitely peppery (I used more seasoning than the package calls for because hey, like I said, I like my jerky to be packed with flavor!) with a nice hint of garlic that isn’t overwhelming. Cracked Pepper N’ Garlic Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro is so really, really tasty that you’ll enjoy more than you may want (so make a double batch!).

I grind my meat using my own grinder, but if you’re friends with your butcher (and you should be), you can get him to trim and grind it for you. Or if you prefer sliced jerky, your butcher can do that for you too. That’s why they’re there. Getting to know your butcher is a really good idea. Take the time to say ‘hi’ even if you don’t need anything the next time you see them.

I like to load up my dehydrator. To do that I picked up a handful of extra trays. They really add a whole lot more drying space! Since I have to rotate my trays, I write a number on each one on a piece of blue painter’s tape so I can keep track of them.

Also try my Hi Mountain pepperoni and sweet and spicy jerky.

Cracked Pepper N' Garlic Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Cracked Pepper N’ Garlic Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

The jerky is definitely peppery (I used more seasoning than the package calls for because hey, like I said, I like my jerky to be packed with flavor!) with a nice hint of garlic that isn’t overwhelming. 
Course Dehydrator
Cuisine Jerky
Keyword beef, dehydrator, jerky, nesco snackmaster pro
Prep Time 8 hours
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 14 hours
Servings 1 pound
Calories 1243kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • NOTE: I personally feel that the flavor is too mellow when mixing per the package instructions, 2 1/2 teaspoons per pound. I use a heaping tablespoon. You may want to first make a pound per the package instructions and see if you want a stronger flavor.
  • Place beef in a resealable bag or container.
  • Place meat, seasoning, curing salt and water into a mixer and mix for 5 minutes.
  • Transfer meat to a resealable container or bag and refrigerate for up to 8 hours, massaging every hour or so to get the marinade distributed and absorbed evenly.
  • Remove meat from the marinade. Add to a jerky gun and squeeze out onto Nesco trays.
  • Add the dehydrator top, set to maximum temperature setting and dehydrate for 5 hours, rotating the trays (bottom to top) every 2 hours or so.
  • To test for doneness remove a piece and let cool slightly. Try to bend the meat. If it gives and starts to tear at the bend it is done. If it bends without tearing return to the dehydrator and let it run another 15 minutes and test again. If the meat is crunchy it is overdone but still good. It’s really personal preference as to how you like your jerky. Soft, chewy, crunchy. There’s no wrong here.
  • Let cool before storing in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 1243kcal | Protein: 194g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 562mg | Sodium: 605mg | Potassium: 3139mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 22mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Spicy Jalapeno Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

I have been loving making jerky on my dehydrator. I’ve been using ground top round for my ground beef jerky, but any lean ground meat will work. This spicy jalapeno ground beef jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro is right up my alley. It has a nice kick, but not overwhelming. I’m a big fan of spicy jerky, and though the heat here isn’t high, it’s there just enough to really enjoy. And share. The jerky has the perfect ‘bite’, just a little tug.

Spicy Jalapeno Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

Make sure you rotate your trays every 2 hours or so when you make spicy jalapeno ground beef jerky on your Nesco Snackmaster Pro. The bottom trays will not dry as quickly as those on top. Rotating the trays will give you nice, even drying and perfect jerky on every level.

I like to load up my dehydrator. To do that I picked up a handful of extra trays. They really add a whole lot more drying space! Since I have to rotate my trays, I write a number on each one on a piece of blue painter’s tape so I can keep track of them.

Try these other great jerky flavors from Eastman Outdoors: Cajun, whiskey pepper, mesquite, sweet habanero and hickory.

Check out my guide to using the Nesco Snackmaster Pro. You will be making fantastic jerky at home in no time at all!

Spicy Jalapeno Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Spicy Jalapeno Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

This spicy jalapeno ground beef jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro is right up my alley. It has a nice kick, but not overwhelming. 
Course Dehydrator
Cuisine Jerky
Keyword beef, dehydrator, jerky, nesco snackmaster pro
Prep Time 8 hours
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 14 hours
Servings 1 pound
Calories 2304kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • NOTE: The package for the Eastman Outdoors jerky seasoning states that it makes up to 5 pounds of jerky. I personally feel that the flavor is too mellow, so I use just about an entire package for 1 pound of jerky. I end up with a little left over seasoning, which I store in a labelled air-tight container. I’ll eventually mix it with more seasoning. I think I can get 3 pounds of well-seasoning jerky out of two packages of Eastman Outdoors mix.
  • Place beef in a resealable bag or container.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the seasoning, curing salt and water. Pour over the meat and seal. Shake to coat.
  • Refrigerate the meat for up to 8 hours, shaking or massaging every hour or so to get the marinade distributed and absorbed evenly.
  • Remove meat from the marinade and add to a jerky gun. Squeeze out onto Nesco trays. Do not overlap meat.
  • Add the dehydrator top, set to maximum temperature setting and dehydrate for 5 hours, rotating the trays (bottom to top) every 2 hours or so.
  • To test for doneness remove a piece and let cool slightly. Try to bend the meat. If it gives and starts to tear at the bend it is done. If it bends without tearing return to the dehydrator and let it run another 15 minutes and test again. If the meat is crunchy it is overdone but still good. It’s really a personal preference as to how you like your jerky. Soft, chewy, crunchy. There’s no wrong here.
  • Let cool before storing in an airtight container.

Notes

This recipe is for starting with 2 pounds of meat. You’ll end up with about 1 pound in the end. You can easily double/triple/etc this recipe for large quantities of meat, however 5-6 pounds is about all you can fit onto a Nesco Snackmaster Pro fitted with 12 trays (the unit comes with 5).

Nutrition

Calories: 2304kcal | Protein: 156g | Fat: 181g | Saturated Fat: 70g | Trans Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 644mg | Sodium: 614mg | Potassium: 2449mg | Calcium: 167mg | Iron: 18mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cajun Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

I have been loving making jerky. I’ve been using ground top round for my ground beef jerky, but any lean ground meat will work. This Cajun ground beef jerky made on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro has a nice mellow spicy flavor that is definitely not overwhelming. The meat has the perfect ‘bite’, just a little tug.

The Cajun flavoring from Eastman Outdoors has a bit different flavor than the version from AC Leggs. I love them both. This one has a stronger Cajun flavor, but is less spicy than the one from AC Leggs.

Cajun Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

Make sure you rotate your trays every 2 hours or so when you make Cajun Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro. The bottom trays in the Nesco Snackmaster Pro will not dry as quickly as those on top. Rotating the trays will give you nice, even drying and perfect jerky on every level.

I like to load up my dehydrator. To do that I picked up a handful of extra trays. They really add a whole lot more drying space! Since I have to rotate my trays, I write a number on each one on a piece of blue painter’s tape so I can keep track of them.

Try these other great jerky flavors from Eastman Outdoors: spicy jalapeno, whiskey pepper, mesquite, sweet habanero, and hickory.

Check out my guide to using the Nesco Snackmaster Pro. You will be making fantastic jerky at home in no time at all!

Cajun Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Cajun Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

This Cajun ground beef jerky made on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro has a nice mellow spicy flavor that is definitely not overwhelming. The meat has the perfect ‘bite’, just a little tug.
Course Dehydrator
Cuisine Jerky
Keyword beef, dehydrator, jerky, nesco snackmaster pro
Prep Time 8 hours
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 14 hours
Servings 1 pound
Calories 1243kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 2 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons Eastman Outdoors Cajun Jerky Seasoning see my note below
  • 2 teaspoons curing salt Comes with the seasoning. Optional if you’re going to refrigerate the finished product
  • ½ cups water

Instructions

  • Place beef in a resealable bag or container.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the seasoning, curing salt and water. Pour over the meat and seal. Shake to coat.
  • Refrigerate the meat for up to 8 hours, shaking or massaging every hour or so to get the marinade distributed and absorbed evenly.
  • Remove meat from the marinade and add to a jerky gun. Squeeze out onto Nesco trays. Do not overlap meat.
  • Add the dehydrator top, set to maximum temperature setting and dehydrate for 5 hours, rotating the trays (bottom to top) every 2 hours or so.
  • To test for doneness remove a piece and let cool slightly. Try to bend the meat. If it gives and starts to tear at the bend it is done. If it bends without tearing return to the dehydrator and let it run another 15 minutes and test again. If the meat is crunchy it is overdone but still good. It’s really a personal preference as to how you like your jerky. Soft, chewy, crunchy. There’s no wrong here.
  • Let cool before storing in an airtight container.

Notes

The package for the Eastman Outdoors jerky seasoning states that it makes up to 5 pounds of jerky. I personally feel that the flavor is too mellow, so I use just about an entire package for 1 pound of jerky. I end up with a little left over seasoning, which I store in a labelled air-tight container. I’ll eventually mix it with more seasoning. I think I can get 3 pounds of well-seasoning jerky out of two packages of Eastman Outdoors mix.
This recipe is for starting with 1 pound of meat. You’ll end up with about 1/2 pound in the end. You can easily double/triple/etc this recipe for large quantities of meat, however 5-6 pounds is about all you can fit onto a Nesco Snackmaster Pro fitted with 12 trays (the unit comes with 5).

Nutrition

Calories: 1243kcal | Protein: 194g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 562mg | Sodium: 605mg | Potassium: 3139mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 22mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Whiskey Pepper Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

I have been loving making jerky. Like this whiskey pepper ground beef jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro. I’ve been using ground top round for my ground beef jerky, but any lean ground meat will work. This whiskey pepper ground beef jerky has a really great peppery flavor, with a hint of whiskey. For me, the peppery flavor was a big hit. I could eat this jerky all day long (and did).

Whiskey Pepper Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

Make sure you rotate your trays every 2 hours or so when you make whiskey pepper ground beef jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro. The bottom trays will not dry as quickly as those on top. Rotating the trays will give you nice, even drying and perfect jerky on every level.

I like to load up my dehydrator. To do that I picked up a handful of extra trays. They really add a whole lot more drying space! Since I have to rotate my trays, I write a number on each one on a piece of blue painter’s tape so I can keep track of them.

Try these other great jerky flavors from Eastman Outdoors: spicy jalapeno, Cajun, mesquite, sweet habanero, and hickory.

Check out my guide to using the Nesco Snackmaster Pro. You will be making fantastic jerky at home in no time at all!

Whiskey Pepper Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Whiskey Pepper Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

This whiskey pepper ground beef jerky has a really great peppery flavor, with a hint of whiskey. For me, the peppery flavor was a big hit. I could eat this jerky all day long (and did).
Course Dehydrator
Cuisine Jerky
Keyword beef, dehydrator, jerky, nesco snackmaster pro, sweet
Prep Time 8 hours
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 14 hours
Servings 1 pound
Calories 1243kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 2 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons Eastman Outdoors Whiskey Jerky Seasoning heaping, see my note below
  • 2 teaspoons curing salt Comes with the seasoning. Optional if you’re going to refrigerate the finished product
  • ½ cup water

Instructions

  • Place beef in a resealable bag or container.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the seasoning, curing salt and water. Pour over the meat and seal. Shake to coat.
  • Refrigerate the meat for up to 8 hours, shaking or massaging every hour or so to get the marinade distributed and absorbed evenly.
  • Remove meat from the marinade and add to a jerky gun. Squeeze out onto Nesco trays. Do not overlap meat.
  • Add the dehydrator top, set to maximum temperature setting and dehydrate for 5 hours, rotating the trays (bottom to top) every 2 hours or so.
  • To test for doneness remove a piece and let cool slightly. Try to bend the meat. If it gives and starts to tear at the bend it is done. If it bends without tearing return to the dehydrator and let it run another 15 minutes and test again. If the meat is crunchy it is overdone but still good. It’s really personal preference as to how you like your jerky. Soft, chewy, crunchy. There’s no wrong here.
  • Let cool before storing in an airtight container.

Notes

The package for the Eastman Outdoors jerky seasoning states that it makes up to 5 pounds of jerky. I personally feel that the flavor is too mellow, so I use just about an entire package for 1 pound of jerky. I end up with a little left over seasoning, which I store in a labelled air-tight container. I’ll eventually mix it with more seasoning. I think I can get 3 pounds of well-seasoning jerky out of two packages of Eastman Outdoors mix.
This recipe is for starting with 1 pound of meat. You’ll end up with about 1/2 pound in the end. You can easily double/triple/etc this recipe for large quantities of meat, however 5-6 pounds is about all you can fit onto a Nesco Snackmaster Pro fitted with 12 trays (the unit comes with 5).

Nutrition

Calories: 1243kcal | Protein: 194g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 562mg | Sodium: 605mg | Potassium: 3139mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 22mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Mesquite Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

I have been loving making jerky like this mesquite ground beef jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro. I’ve been using ground top round for my ground beef jerky, but any lean ground meat will work. This mesquite ground beef jerky has a really great smoky flavor to it, but it’s not overwhelming. The flavor is a bit stronger than the hickory-flavored seasoning that Eastman Outdoors sells. Not strong bad but strong good! The meat has the perfect ‘bite’, just a little tug.

Mesquite Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

Make sure you rotate your trays every 2 hours or so when you make mesquite ground beef jerky on your Nesco Snackmaster Pro. The bottom trays in the will not dry as quickly as those on top. Rotating the trays will give you nice, even drying and perfect jerky on every level.

I like to load up my dehydrator. To do that I picked up a handful of extra trays. They really add a whole lot more drying space! Since I have to rotate my trays, I write a number on each one on a piece of blue painter’s tape so I can keep track of them.

Try these other great jerky flavors from Eastman Outdoors: spicy jalapeno, Cajun, whiskey pepper, sweet habanero, and hickory.

Check out my guide to using the Nesco Snackmaster Pro. You will be making fantastic jerky at home in no time at all!

Mesquite Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Mesquite Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

 This mesquite ground beef jerky has a really great smoky flavor to it, but it’s not overwhelming. 
Course Dehydrator
Cuisine Jerky
Keyword BBQ, beef, dehydrator, jerky, nesco snackmaster pro, sweet
Prep Time 8 hours
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 14 hours
Servings 1 pound
Calories 1243kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons Eastman Outdoors Mesquite Jerky Seasoning see my note below
  • 2 teaspoons curing salt Comes with the seasoning. Optional if you’re going to refrigerate the finished product
  • ½ cup water

Instructions

  • Place beef in a resealable bag or container.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the seasoning, curing salt and water. Pour over the meat and seal. Shake to coat.
  • Refrigerate the meat for up to 8 hours, shaking or massaging every hour or so to get the marinade distributed and absorbed evenly.
  • Remove meat from the marinade and add to a jerky gun. Squeeze out onto Nesco trays. Do not overlap meat.
  • Add the dehydrator top, set to maximum temperature setting and dehydrate for 5 hours, rotating the trays (bottom to top) every 2 hours or so.
  • To test for doneness remove a piece and let cool slightly. Try to bend the meat. If it gives and starts to tear at the bend it is done. If it bends without tearing return to the dehydrator and let it run another 15 minutes and test again. If the meat is crunchy it is overdone but still good. It’s really personal preference as to how you like your jerky. Soft, chewy, crunchy. There’s no wrong here.
  • Let cool before storing in an airtight container.

Notes

The package for the Eastman Outdoors jerky seasoning states that it makes up to 5 pounds of jerky. I personally feel that the flavor is too mellow, so I use just about an entire package for 1 pound of jerky. I end up with a little left over seasoning, which I store in a labelled air-tight container. I’ll eventually mix it with more seasoning. I think I can get 3 pounds of well-seasoning jerky out of two packages of Eastman Outdoors mix.
This recipe is for starting with 2 pounds of meat. You’ll end up with about 1 pound in the end. You can easily double/triple/etc this recipe for large quantities of meat, however 5-6 pounds is about all you can fit onto a Nesco Snackmaster Pro fitted with 12 trays (the unit comes with 5).

Nutrition

Calories: 1243kcal | Protein: 194g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 562mg | Sodium: 605mg | Potassium: 3139mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 22mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fiery Teriyaki Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

I love making jerky on my dehydrator. I’ve been using ground top round for my ground beef jerky, but any lean ground meat will work. This fiery Teriyaki ground beef jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro combines two of my favorite things: a nice tangy Teriyaki flavor and heat. I love a little kick to my jerky, and this has it. Not overwhelmingly hot, just enjoyable It is definitely one of my favorite jerky seasonings. The meat has the perfect ‘bite’, just a little tug.

Fiery Teriyaki Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

Make sure you rotate your trays every 2 hours or so when making fiery Teriyaki ground beef jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro. The bottom trays will not dry as quickly as those on top. Rotating the trays will give you nice, even drying and perfect jerky on every level.

I like to load up my dehydrator. To do that I picked up a handful of extra trays. They really add a whole lot more drying space! Since I have to rotate my trays, I write a number on each one on a piece of blue painter’s tape so I can keep track of them.

Also try my mandarin teriyaki jerky.

Check out my guide to using the Nesco Snackmaster Pro. You will be making fantastic jerky at home in no time at all!

Fiery Teriyaki Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro
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5 from 1 vote

Fiery Teriyaki Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

This fiery Teriyaki ground beef jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro combines two of my favorite things: a nice tangy Teriyaki flavor and heat. I love a little kick to my jerky, and this has it. 
Course Dehydrator
Cuisine Jerky
Keyword BBQ, beef, dehydrator, jerky, nesco snackmaster pro, sweet
Prep Time 8 hours
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 14 hours
Servings 1 pound
Calories 2304kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • NOTE: The package for the Eastman Outdoors jerky seasoning states that it makes up to 5 pounds of jerky. I personally feel that the flavor is too mellow, so I use just about an entire package for 1 pound of jerky. I end up with a little left over seasoning, which I store in a labelled air-tight container. I’ll eventually mix it with more seasoning. I think I can get 3 pounds of well-seasoning jerky out of two packages of Eastman Outdoors mix.
  • Place beef in a resealable bag or container.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the seasoning, curing salt and water. Pour over the meat and seal. Shake to coat.
  • Refrigerate the meat for up to 8 hours, shaking or massaging every hour or so to get the marinade distributed and absorbed evenly.
  • Remove meat from the marinade and add to a jerky gun. Squeeze out onto Nesco trays. Do not overlap meat.
  • Add the dehydrator top, set to maximum temperature setting and dehydrate for 5 hours, rotating the trays (bottom to top) every 2 hours or so.
  • To test for doneness remove a piece and let cool slightly. Try to bend the meat. If it gives and starts to tear at the bend it is done. If it bends without tearing return to the dehydrator and let it run another 15 minutes and test again. If the meat is crunchy it is overdone but still good. It’s really personal preference as to how you like your jerky. Soft, chewy, crunchy. There’s no wrong here.
  • Let cool before storing in an airtight container.

Notes

This recipe is for starting with 2 pounds of meat. You’ll end up with about 1 pound in the end. You can easily double/triple/etc this recipe for large quantities of meat, however 5-6 pounds is about all you can fit onto a Nesco Snackmaster Pro fitted with 12 trays (the unit comes with 5).

Nutrition

Calories: 2304kcal | Protein: 156g | Fat: 181g | Saturated Fat: 70g | Trans Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 644mg | Sodium: 614mg | Potassium: 2449mg | Calcium: 167mg | Iron: 18mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cajun Ground Beef Jerky Strips on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

After I picked up a new Nesco Snackmaster Pro my first attempt at jerky was making Cajun jerky using sliced top round. Everyone loved it. I decided then to make the same flavor jerky, but using ground beef instead. I knew it’d taste great, and I was hoping for a more Slim Jim-like texture. And I got it. Just the perfect bite. Not too tough, not too soft. And packed with Cajun-inspired flavors (with just a bit of a kick!). Cajun Ground Beef Jerky Strips on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro are addictingly great!

Just like making regular jerky, you have to start with a lean meat. I used top round which I ground myself. You can substitute any lean beef, but make sure it doesn’t have more than 8% fat. Less is more in this case.

Cajun Ground Beef Jerky Strips on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

Also, you’ll need a jerky gun to make jerky from ground meat. I had never heard of such a thing. But now that I have one, it’s like the most fun kitchen gadget ever. It’s essentially a large caulk gun that dispenses ground meat. It makes making Cajun Ground Beef Jerky Strips on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro fun!

I like to load up my dehydrator. To do that I picked up a handful of extra trays. They really add a whole lot more drying space! Since I have to rotate my trays, I write a number on each one on a piece of blue painter’s tape so I can keep track of them.

Also try my ground turkey jerky, made using the Nesco Snackmaster Pro.

Check out my guide to using the Nesco Snackmaster Pro. You will be making fantastic jerky at home in no time at all!

Cajun Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro - Version 2
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Cajun Ground Beef Jerky Strips on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

After I picked up a new Nesco Snackmaster Pro my first attempt at jerky was making Cajun jerky using sliced top round. Everyone loved it. I decided then to make the same flavor jerky, but using ground beef instead.
Course Dehydrator
Cuisine Jerky
Keyword beef, Cajun, dehydrator, jerky, nesco snackmaster pro
Prep Time 8 hours
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 14 hours
Servings 1 pound
Calories 1265kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place beef in a resealable bag or container.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the seasoning, red pepper flake if using, curing salt and water. Pour over the meat and seal. Shake to coat.
  • Refrigerate the meat for up to 8 hours, shaking or massaging every hour or so to get the marinade distributed and absorbed evenly.
  • Remove meat from the marinade and add to a jerky gun. Squeeze out onto Nesco trays. Do not overlap meat.
  • Add the dehydrator top, set to maximum temperature setting and dehydrate for 5 hours, rotating the trays (bottom to top) every 2 hours or so.
  • To test for doneness remove a piece and let cool slightly. Try to bend the meat. If it gives and starts to tear at the bend it is done. If it bends without tearing return to the dehydrator and let it run another 15 minutes and test again. If the meat is crunchy it is overdone but still good. It’s really personal preference as to how you like your jerky. Soft, chewy, crunchy. There’s no wrong here.
  • Let cool before storing in an airtight container.

Notes

This recipe is for starting with 2 pounds of meat. You’ll end up with about 1 pound in the end. You can easily double/triple/etc this recipe for large quantities of meat, however 5-6 pounds is about all you can fit onto a Nesco Snackmaster Pro fitted with 12 trays (the unit comes with 5).

Nutrition

Calories: 1265kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 195g | Fat: 47g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Trans Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 562mg | Sodium: 736mg | Potassium: 3295mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2372IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 112mg | Iron: 23mg

Nutritional values are approximate.