Beef jerky is the perfect snack for adventures on the trail, road trips, or simply for satisfying cravings at home. This recipe uses a lean cut of beef roast, marinated in a flavourful Sweet Heat blend that has become a family favourite—so irresistible that we have to hide it from our daughter!

Ingredients

• 2-3 lbs lean beef roast (recommendations: eye of round, top round, or sirloin tip)

• Your favourite marinade (see our Sweet Heat marinade recipe below - a family favourite!)

Tips for Preparing the Beef

1. Choose a Lean Cut: Look for cuts with minimal fat, such as eye of round, top round, or sirloin tip. Fat can cause jerky to spoil faster.

2. Freeze for Easy Slicing: Place the roast in the freezer for about 2 hours before slicing. This makes it easier to cut into uniform slices.

3. Trim roast of excess fat

4. Slice Thinly: Cut the beef into 4-5 mm slices. Thinner slices will dry more evenly and quickly.

Instructions

1. Marinate the Beef: Place the sliced beef in zip-top bags and pour your marinade of choice over the meat, ensuring it is fully coated. Seal the bags and refrigerate for at least 12 hours.

2. Prepare for Dehydration: Remove the beef from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess liquid.

3. Dehydrate: Lay the beef slices in a single layer on your dehydrator trays, ensuring they don’t overlap.

4. Set the Temperature: Dehydrate at 167°F for 5-6 hours. Check periodically, as drying times may vary depending on your dehydrator.

5. Check for Doneness (is that even a word lol): The jerky is ready when it is firm, dry, and bends slightly without breaking.

6. Cool and Store: Allow the jerky to cool completely before storing in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags. For long-term storage, keep it in the fridge or freezer.

Tips for Storing Beef Jerky in Mylar Bags

Proper storage is key to keeping your beef jerky fresh and shelf-stable for long-term use. Mylar bags, especially when paired with oxygen absorbers, are a great option for preserving jerky.

✔️ Use Oxygen Absorbers – Place a 300cc oxygen absorber in each Mylar bag before sealing to prevent spoilage.
✔️ Ensure Jerky is Fully Dried – Any residual moisture can lead to mold. Jerky should be dry and slightly brittle.
✔️ Seal Properly – Use a heat sealer or iron to create an airtight seal.
✔️ Store in a Cool, Dark Place – Keep bags away from sunlight and heat to extend shelf life.
✔️ Check for Spoilage – Before consuming, inspect for any signs of moisture, mold, or off smells.

Properly stored, beef jerky can last up to 1-2 years in Mylar bags. The bags I use for my dehydrated food, including Beef Jerky are by Wallaby purchased on Amazon and they work great! You can get a pack of 100 with multiple sizes, labels and oxygen absorbers.

Enjoy fresh, adventure-ready snacks anytime!

Sweet Heat Marinade (Family Favourite)

• 1/2 cup soy sauce

• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

• 1/4 cup ketchup

• 4 tsp dijon mustard
• 6 tbsp brown sugar
• 4 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp cayenne
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp red pepper chili flakes (or to taste)

Original Marinade 

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp salt

A Family Tradition

This jerky doesn’t last long in our house—our daughter has even been caught sneaking off with bags tucked away! Whether you're at home or out on the trail, this recipe is sure to become a household favourite.