Low Sugar Whole30 Beef Snack Sticks
Most store-bought snack sticks are loaded with dextrose, brown sugar, or other sweeteners that sneak in under names you barely recognize on the label. This homemade version skips all of that entirely, relying instead on a bold spice blend — smoked paprika, garlic, onion, mustard powder, and a kick of cayenne — to deliver serious flavor without a single gram of added sugar. The result is a savory, smoky, satisfying stick that tastes like it came from a quality butcher shop, not a gas station rack. Using Prague Powder #1 and an overnight cure means the seasoning penetrates all the way through the meat, so every bite is deeply flavored and properly preserved. Whether you run them through a smoker for that authentic low-and-slow bark or use your oven on its lowest setting, the process is straightforward and the payoff is huge. These firm up beautifully after a final rest in the fridge, making them ideal for meal prep, road trips, or just keeping a protein-packed snack within arm's reach all week.
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Learn more →Ingredients
12 servings
- 2 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 tsp curing salt (prague powder #1)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper, coarsely ground
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 12 collagen casings (19mm), soaked per package directions
Instructions
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, curing salt, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, red pepper flakes, and cayenne (if using). Add the cold water. Mix with your hands or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on low speed for 2–3 minutes, until the mixture is tacky and holds together when pressed between your fingers.
- 2
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the curing salt to work through the meat and the flavors to develop.
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