Love meat snacks? Ground venison jerky is a tasty treat you can make at home! Many kids haven’t tried venison (deer meat) jerky before. It’s healthier than beef jerky from stores. This guide shows you how to make your own delicious ground venison jerky. You’ll learn easy steps, fun flavor ideas, and cool jerky facts. Let’s start making yummy jerky!
What You Need to Make Ground Venison Jerky
Basic Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground venison
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Kitchen Tools:
- Large mixing bowl
- Jerky gun or cookie press
- Food processor (to mix spices evenly)
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Oven or food dehydrator
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Zip-lock bags for storage
Not sure which food processor to use? Check out this helpful guide on food processors vs blenders to make the right choice.
5 Steps for Ground Venison Jerky Recipe
1: Prepare the Meat
- Put ground venison in a large bowl
- Make sure meat is cold (easier to work with)
- Remove any bits of fat you can see
- Break up any meat chunks with your fingers
2: Mix Your Jerky Seasoning
- Put all spices in a small bowl
- Mix them well with a fork
- Pour spices over the ground venison
- Add the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce
3: Mix Everything Together
- Use clean hands to mix everything
- Squish the meat between your fingers
- Mix for 3-5 minutes until all spices look even
- Let the mix sit in the fridge for 2-4 hours
Want to try making coffee while your meat marinates? Learn about cold brew makers vs French press for a refreshing drink!
4: Form the Jerky Strips
- Take out your jerky gun or cookie press
- Fill it with the meat mixture
- Press out long strips onto parchment paper
- Make strips about 4 inches long and 1/4 inch thick
- Keep strips separate (don’t let them touch)
5: Cook or Dehydrate Your Jerky
Oven Method:
- Heat oven to 175°F
- Put baking sheets in oven
- Leave door slightly open for air flow
- Cook for 3-4 hours until jerky is dry but still bends
If you’re deciding between ovens, read about countertop vs built-in ovens to find what works best for your kitchen.
Dehydrator Method:
- Lay jerky strips on dehydrator trays
- Set temperature to 160°F
- Dry for 4-6 hours
- Check often after 4 hours
Amazing Ground Venison Jerky Flavors to Try
Sweet Flavors:
- Maple – Add 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- Honey BBQ – Mix in 2 tablespoons honey and 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
- Teriyaki – Use 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce
Spicy Flavors:
- Hot Pepper – Add 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Buffalo – Mix in 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- Black Pepper – Add extra 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
Fun Flavors:
- Pizza Jerky – Add 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning and 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Taco Jerky – Use 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- Ranch Jerky – Mix in 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning
How to Tell When Your Ground Venison Jerky Is Done
Perfect Jerky Test:
- Take out a piece and let it cool
- Bend it – should bend without breaking
- Look for dark color but not burnt
- Jerky should be dry but not rock hard
Time Guide:
| Cooking Method | Minimum Time | Maximum Time | How to Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oven | 3 hours | 5 hours | Bend test |
| Dehydrator | 4 hours | 8 hours | Bend test |
For best cooking results, consider using the right cookware. Learn about stainless steel vs cast iron pans for your other cooking projects.
Safety Tips for Making Ground Venison Jerky
Food Safety Rules:
- Wash hands before touching meat
- Clean all surfaces that touch raw meat
- Cook jerky to 160°F internal temperature
- Store jerky in clean containers
Kitchen Safety:
- Ask an adult to help with hot ovens
- Use oven mitts when handling hot trays
- Be careful with sharp tools
- Never taste raw meat mixture
Need a safer cooking surface? Read about induction vs ceramic cooktops for safer cooking options.
How to Store Your Homemade Ground Venison Jerky
Short-Term Storage:
- Let jerky cool completely
- Put in zip-lock bags
- Squeeze out all air
- Keep at room temperature for 1-2 weeks
Long-Term Storage:
- Use vacuum sealer bags
- Store in refrigerator for up to 3 months
- Freeze for up to 6 months
- Label bags with date made
If you’re cooking a lot, compare gas vs electric stoves to save on your energy bills.
Why Ground Venison Makes Great Jerky
Health Benefits:
- Less fat than beef
- High in protein
- No added chemicals
- More iron than other meats
- Lower in calories
Fun Facts About Venison:
- Venison means “meat of a deer”
- Deer eat only plants
- Venison has been eaten for thousands of years
- Native Americans made the first jerky
Looking for more kitchen tools? Check out this guide on how to choose the right coffee maker for your kitchen.
Common Problems and Easy Fixes for Ground Venison Jerky
No 1: Jerky Too Dry
- Fix: Cook for less time
- Fix: Add more liquid to mix
- Fix: Make strips thicker
Problem 2: Jerky Too Soft
- Fix: Cook longer
- Fix: Make strips thinner
- Fix: Blot excess liquid before drying
Problem 3: Jerky Too Salty
- Fix: Use less salt and soy sauce
- Fix: Add more brown sugar
- Fix: Marinate for less time
Preserving food at home? Learn about canning vegetables at home for more food preservation ideas.
Fun Ways to Use Your Ground Venison Jerky
Snack Ideas:
- Pack in lunch boxes
- Take on hikes or bike rides
- Bring to sports practice
- Share with friends
Recipe Ideas:
- Chop into small bits for salad topping
- Add to trail mix with nuts and dried fruit
- Crumble into scrambled eggs
- Use as pizza topping
Keep your jerky organized with tips on how to organize kitchen drawers efficiently.
Making Ground Venison Jerky with Kids
Kid-Friendly Jobs:
- Measuring spices
- Mixing dry ingredients
- Pushing buttons on food processor
- Arranging jerky strips on trays
- Testing when jerky is done
Learning Opportunities:
- Math – measuring ingredients
- Science – food preservation
- Health – talking about protein
- History – learning about jerky origins
If cooking with grandparents, check out best kitchen appliances for seniors for tools that make cooking easier.
Comparing Ground Venison to Other Jerky Meats
Meat Comparison Chart:
| Meat Type | Fat Content | Protein | Flavor | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venison | Very Low | High | Rich, Gamey | Low (if hunted) |
| Beef | Medium | Medium | Classic | Medium |
| Turkey | Low | Medium | Mild | Medium |
| Salmon | High | High | Fishy | High |
For healthier cooking, read about organic vs conventional kitchen ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Venison Jerky
Q: How long does homemade jerky last?
A: 1-2 weeks at room temperature, 3 months in the fridge, 6 months in the freezer.
Q: Can I use fresh deer meat?
A: Yes, but you need to grind it first. Make sure it’s fresh and clean.
Q: Is venison jerky healthy?
A: Yes! It has lots of protein, little fat, and no added chemicals when made at home.
Q: Can I make jerky without a dehydrator?
A: Yes, you can use your home oven on low heat.
Need more easy recipes? Try healthy meal prep for beginners or easy weeknight dinner recipes.
Money-Saving Tips for Making Ground Venison Jerky
Save Money By:
- Buying spices in bulk
- Making your own jerky seasonings
- Using a home oven instead of a dehydrator
- Making jerky from hunting season venison
- Watching for sales on equipment
Get more ideas on saving money with affordable kitchen remodel ideas.
Best Tools for Making Ground Venison Jerky
Must-Have Tools:
- Jerky gun ($15-$30)
- Digital meat thermometer ($10-$20)
- Storage containers ($5-$15)
- Cutting board ($10-$25)
- Sharp knife ($20-$40)
Nice-to-Have Tools:
- Food dehydrator ($40-$150)
- Vacuum sealer ($50-$200)
- Meat grinder ($60-$200)
- Spice grinder ($15-$30)
If you have limited space, see best kitchen gadgets for small apartments.
Fun Jerky Facts to Share With Friends
Did You Know?
- The word “jerky” comes from a Native American word “ch’arki”
- Astronauts eat jerky in space
- Jerky was used by explorers and pioneers
- Some jerky recipes are hundreds of years old
- Jerky can last for months without refrigeration
Conclusion: Your Ground Venison Jerky Adventure
Making ground venison jerky is fun and tasty! You now know all the steps to make your own jerky at home. Try different flavors to find your favorite. Share your jerky with friends and family. Remember to get an adult to help with the oven and cutting. Enjoy your homemade ground venison jerky snacks!
Looking for more kitchen ideas? Check out non-stick vs stainless steel cookware or how many cabinets should a kitchen have for your next kitchen project.
