Oh, jerky! That chewy, savory snack we all love. But honestly, sometimes store-bought stuff can be a bit, well, *much*. Too much salt, weird ingredients, and don’t even get me started on the price! That’s why I started making my own Beef Mixed Veggie Fitness Jerky. Trust me, it’s a total game-changer. Imagine a lean, protein-packed snack that’s also sneaking in some good-for-you veggies. I remember the first time I made a batch – the house smelled amazing, and I felt so ridiculously proud scarfing down jerky I actually made myself. It’s become my go-to for road trips, post-workout fuel, or just a sneaky afternoon pick-me-up. It’s so satisfyingly chewy and flavorful, you won’t believe it’s so good for you!

Why This Beef Mixed Veggie Fitness Jerky is a Game-Changer

Honestly, if you haven’t tried making your own jerky, you’re missing out! This isn’t just any jerky, though. It’s the perfect blend of savory goodness and sneaky health benefits. Here’s why it’s totally become my favorite:

It’s Actually GOOD For You! Unlike some store-bought versions that are loaded with stuff you can’t pronounce, this recipe uses lean beef and actual vegetables. You get protein *and* a little veggie boost in every bite. Talk about a win-win!
Crazy Delicious Flavor. That mix of soy sauce, Worcestershire, and honey creates this incredible savory-sweet balance. And when you add the veggies? It just adds another layer of flavor that you wouldn’t expect. My taste buds do a happy dance every time.
So Easy to Prep. Seriously, the hardest part is waiting for it to marinate! Mixing everything up takes like, ten minutes tops. Then you just let the oven or dehydrator do its thing.
Super Versatile. It’s the ultimate walking-around snack you can take anywhere. Perfect hiking fuel, gym bag staple, or just something to munch on during a long car ride.

Gather Your Ingredients for Beef Mixed Veggie Fitness Jerky

Okay, let’s get this jerky party started! You’ll need just a few things to whip up this amazing Beef Mixed Veggie Fitness Jerky. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty straightforward. Having everything ready to go makes the actual mixing part a breeze. Trust me, the aroma alone when this is marinating is practically a reward in itself before you even get to the chewy, savory goodness!

Here’s what you’ll need to grab:

1 pound lean beef, thinly sliced. The leaner, the better for jerky! I usually get mine sliced at the butcher counter, but you can totally do it yourself if you pop the beef in the freezer for about 30 minutes first – makes it way easier to get those nice, thin slices.
1 cup mixed vegetables, finely chopped. This is where you can really get creative! I love using a combo of colorful bell peppers (red and yellow are great!), some finely diced onion, and maybe a bit of zucchini. The smaller you chop them, the better they’ll integrate into the jerky.
1/4 cup soy sauce. This is our salty, umami base.
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce. Adds that classic jerky depth of flavor.
1 tablespoon honey. Just a touch for that hint of sweetness to balance everything out.
1 teaspoon garlic powder. Gotta have garlic!
1 teaspoon onion powder. More savory goodness.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper. For a little peppery kick.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Beef Mixed Veggie Fitness Jerky

Alright, let’s get down to business and transform those ingredients into delicious Beef Mixed Veggie Fitness Jerky! It’s honestly way easier than you think. The key is just following a few simple steps. You’ll be noshing on your own homemade jerky in no time. Be warned, though – once you try this, you might never go back to store-bought! It’s a bit of a process, but totally worth it. Looking for other tasty recipes? You can check out other ideas here.

Marinating the Beef and Vegetables for Optimal Flavor

First things first, we need to get all those yummy flavors mingling. In a bowl – any decent-sized bowl will do – whisk together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, and that black pepper. Now, toss in your thinly sliced beef and all those finely chopped veggies. Give it a good stir or a gentle toss to make sure everything is coated beautifully. Pop a lid on it, or some plastic wrap, and let it hang out in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Honestly, overnight is even better – it really lets those flavors sink in deep!

Preparing for Dehydration or Baking Your Beef Mixed Veggie Fitness Jerky

Now that your beef and veggies are all marinated and smelling fantastic, it’s time to get them ready for the heat. If you’re using a dehydrator, just arrange everything in a single layer on the trays. If you’re using your oven (which works perfectly fine!), grab some baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. This is a lifesaver for cleanup! Spread your marinated beef and veggies out in one single layer across the parchment-lined sheets. Make sure nothing is overlapping too much so everything dries evenly.

The Drying Process for Perfect Beef Mixed Veggie Fitness Jerky Texture

Here’s where the magic happens! Preheat your oven to a super low temperature, around 170°F (77°C), or if you’re using a dehydrator, set it to the appropriate temperature. Now, pop those trays into the oven or dehydrator. This part takes patience – we’re talking anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. The time really depends on your specific oven or dehydrator and how thick you sliced your beef. You’ll know it’s ready when the jerky is dry, leathery, and it bends without snapping. Once it’s done, just let it cool completely on a wire rack before you store it. Resist the urge to snack on it all while it’s still warm – trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Tips for Success with Your Beef Mixed Veggie Fitness Jerky

Making your own Beef Mixed Veggie Fitness Jerky is super rewarding, but like any good recipe, a few little tricks can make an even bigger difference! Don’t you worry, I’ve learned a thing or two along the way. First off, when you’re grabbing your beef, really try to go for the leanest cut you can find. Bits of extra fat can go rancid faster, and nobody wants that! Also, a quick tip for slicing thinly: pop your beef in the freezer for about 30-45 minutes before slicing. It firms up just enough to make those nice, even strips way easier to cut. If you like a little heat, like I sometimes do, just toss in some red pepper flakes with the marinade – it gives it a fantastic kick!

And remember, every oven and dehydrator is a little different. So, don’t be afraid to check your jerky periodically during that drying time. You’re looking for that perfect leathery texture, not something brittle and not something still gooey. If you want to explore other fantastic recipes, feel free to check out my other recipe ideas. Happy jerky-making!

Storing Your Delicious Beef Mixed Veggie Fitness Jerky

Alright, you’ve done it! You’ve made your own amazing Beef Mixed Veggie Fitness Jerky. So, how do you keep it tasting great? The trick is to let it cool down completely first. I usually spread it out on a wire rack for maybe 30 minutes or so. Once it’s totally cool, pop it into an airtight container. You can keep it at room temperature for about two weeks, which is pretty great for snacks on the go. If you want it to last longer, though, just tuck it into the fridge. Honestly, it stays good in there for quite a bit longer, giving you plenty of time to enjoy every single chewy, savory piece!

Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Mixed Veggie Fitness Jerky

Got questions about whipping up some Beef Mixed Veggie Fitness Jerky? You’re in the right spot! I get asked a lot about this recipe, so let’s clear things up and make sure your jerky turns out absolutely perfect. If you ever have other questions or need more tips, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Can I use different vegetables in my jerky?

Absolutely! While I love my bell pepper, onion, and zucchini mix, feel free to get creative. Zucchini, mushrooms, or even finely chopped carrots can work wonderfully. Just make sure they are chopped nice and small so they dry out properly alongside the beef. Don’t go overboard with super watery veggies, though!

How thin should I slice the beef?

Ah, the thickness! This is important for that chewy texture. Aim for about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. If your beef is too thick, it’ll take ages to dry and might not get that perfect leathery feel. Like I mentioned before, popping the beef in the freezer for half an hour makes slicing WAY easier!

What’s the best way to check if the jerky is done?

It’s all about texture! You want it to be dry and leathery. Take a piece out and let it cool for a minute. It should bend without snapping in half. If it snaps, it’s too dry. If it feels a bit too soft or still has moisture, it needs more time in the oven or dehydrator. Don’t worry if it feels a bit softer when it’s hot; it’ll firm up as it cools completely.

My jerky seems a little tough, what did I do wrong?

No worries, this happens sometimes! It could be that your beef slices were a bit too thick, or maybe it dried for a bit too long. Next time, try slicing a little thinner or checking it every hour towards the end of the drying time. Also, make sure you’re using a really lean cut – fat pockets can sometimes make parts feel tougher because they don’t dry as evenly.

How long will my homemade jerky last?

Properly stored, your Beef Mixed Veggie Fitness Jerky should last for about 2 weeks at room temperature in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, definitely pop it in the fridge, where it can last for a good month or even more. Making extra is always a good idea if you know it’ll disappear fast!

Nutritional Information for Beef Mixed Veggie Fitness Jerky

Just so you know, this is an estimate, but here’s a general idea of what you’re getting with each serving of my Beef Mixed Veggie Fitness Jerky:

Serving Size: 1 ounce
Calories: About 120
Fat: Around 3g (with 1g saturated)
Carbohydrates: Roughly 7g (with 1g fiber)
Protein: A solid 15g!
Sugar: About 5g
Sodium: Around 450mg

It’s a pretty great way to get protein without a ton of fat or calories!

Beef Mixed Veggie Fitness Jerky

Author: dogtf.com
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: Approximately 1 pound 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A lean and flavorful jerky packed with vegetables for a healthy snack.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound lean beef, thinly sliced
1 cup mixed vegetables, finely chopped (e.g., bell peppers, onions, zucchini)
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Add the sliced beef and mixed vegetables to the marinade. Toss to coat evenly.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
Preheat your oven to 170°F (77°C) or prepare your dehydrator.
Arrange the marinated beef and vegetables in a single layer on baking sheets lined with parchment paper or on dehydrator trays.
Bake or dehydrate for 4-8 hours, or until the jerky is dry and leathery. The time will vary depending on your oven or dehydrator.
Let the jerky cool completely before storing.

Notes

For a spicier jerky, add red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Ensure your beef is very lean to prevent spoilage.
Store the jerky in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or in the refrigerator for longer storage.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4-8 hours
Category: Snack
Method: Dehydrating/Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ounce
Calories: 120
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: beef jerky, mixed vegetable jerky, fitness jerky, healthy snack, lean beef, homemade jerky, dehydrated beef