Easy Venison Beef Stick Recipe (Step-by-Step Guide)

Looking for the perfect snack to tide you over or fuel your next adventure? Venison beef sticks combine unbeatable flavor, healthy lean protein, and the satisfaction of a homemade treat. Whether you’re a hunter with a freezer full of venison or someone who simply loves experimenting in the kitchen, this recipe is for you.

In this post, we’ll guide you step-by-step through a DIY venison beef stick recipe. You’ll learn how to make these protein-packed snacks right at home, adjust the flavors to your liking, and even extend their shelf life with proper storage techniques.

Grab your aprons and get ready to craft a savory, smoky snack that’s perfect for road trips, hiking trails, or just munching on at home!

Why Choose DIY Venison Beef Sticks?

If you’ve never made your own venison beef sticks, you might be wondering why you should skip the store-bought versions. Here are a few compelling reasons:

Customizable Flavor: You get to control the seasoning and spice levels to suit your preferences. Want them spicy? Add extra cayenne. Prefer smoked paprika? Go for it.
Healthier Ingredients: Store-bought beef snacks often use preservatives, artificial flavors, and fillers. When making them yourself, you’ll know exactly what’s going into your food.
Cost-Effective: If you already hunt venison or buy it in bulk, DIY beef sticks can save you a lot of money compared to packaged varieties in stores.
Great for Meal Prepping: Once made, these sticks can last weeks if stored properly, making them a convenient grab-and-go snack option.

Now that you’re sold on the concept, let's get cooking!

What You’ll Need

Before you start, make sure you have the necessary ingredients and equipment ready. Here’s a complete list to ensure your experience goes smoothly.

Ingredients

2 lbs ground venison (preferably lean)
1 lb ground beef or pork (adds fat for texture and flavor)
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 ½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground mustard
1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
2 tbsp liquid smoke
2 tsp pink curing salt (optional but helps with preservation and color)
1/4 cup cold water
2 tbsp brown sugar
Collagen casings (available online or at specialty stores)

Equipment

Meat grinder (if using whole venison)
Mixing bowls
Sausage stuffer or jerky gun
Smoker (or regular oven with racks and chips for the smoky effect)
Instant-read meat thermometer
Baking sheets

Step-by-Step Venison Beef Stick Recipe

Step 1. Prepare Your Meat

If you’re starting with whole venison, grind the meat using a meat grinder. Mix it with the ground beef or pork to add the necessary fat content for a juicy texture. The combination of lean venison with fattier cuts creates the perfect balance. Aim for about 80-85% lean to 15-20% fat.

Step 2. Mix the Seasoning

Combine all your dry ingredients (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, mustard, and cayenne) in a bowl. Add the liquid smoke and cold water to the bowl and mix until you form a paste. Pour this over your meat mixture and blend thoroughly. It helps to mix with clean hands or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment to ensure even seasoning distribution.

Optional step for curing salt: While not strictly necessary, curing salt prevents bacterial growth and enhances the vibrant pinkish color familiar to smoked meat snacks. Use it if you plan on keeping your sticks unrefrigerated for longer periods.

Step 3. Rest the Meat Mixture

Cover the seasoned meat mix with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and enhances the taste of the finished product.

Step 4. Fill the Casings

Thread the collagen casings onto your sausage stuffer or jerky gun. Slowly fill the casings with the meat mixture, ensuring no air pockets are left behind. Twist the casings or tie them into about 6-inch sections to create stick-sized portions.

Step 5. Smoke or Cook the Sticks

Smoking Option (Recommended):

Preheat your smoker to 160–180°F.
Place the sticks directly on the grates, ensuring there’s plenty of space for air circulation. Use wood chips (hickory or cherry work well) to infuse that signature smoky flavor.
Smoke for 2–3 hours or until the internal temperature of the sticks reaches 155°F (check with your meat thermometer).

Oven Option (No Smoker):

Preheat your oven to 170°F. Place the sticks on a baking sheet with a rack, allowing the heat to circulate evenly around them.
Bake for 2–3 hours, flipping occasionally, until you hit the target internal temperature of 155°F. Add a small pan of water to the oven to simulate the humidity of a smoker and prevent the sticks from drying out.

Step 6. Cool and Store

Once cooked, allow the venison beef sticks to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container, vacuum-sealed bag, or wrap them tightly in butcher paper. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer.

For the ultimate grab-and-go snack, pre-package your sticks in small portions so they're always ready when hunger strikes!

Tips for Perfect Venison Beef Sticks

Choose the Right Fat Content: Venison is very lean, so mixing it with beef or pork ensures the sticks stay moist and flavorful.
Experiment with Flavors: Add ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, or even maple syrup for a twist.
Use a Smoker for Optimal Flavor: Even though the oven works in a pinch, the authentic smoky flavor from a smoker is hard to beat.
Store Safely: Use vacuum sealing for longer shelf life, especially for camping or hunting trips.

Bringing Your Snack Game to the Next Level

Venison beef sticks are much more than a snack; they’re a labor of love and a testament to your DIY creativity in the kitchen. Each bite offers the reward of your effort, delivering unbeatable flavor and nutrition. Whether you enjoy them as a protein-packed snack, share them with friends, or use them to fuel outdoor adventures, these beef sticks are sure to impress.

If you're ready to become the ultimate snack-maker, why not experiment with different flavor profiles? Think teriyaki-inspired sticks or tangy BBQ options. The possibilities are endless!

So fire up your smoker, grab your ingredients, and give this recipe a shot. Once you taste the results, you’ll never go back to store-bought snacks again. Happy cooking!