Let's Get Dried Out! Exploring Beef Jerky Sausage

Beef jerky lovers, rejoice! Your favorite dried and salty meat snack has found its way into sausage form for an intensely meaty and crave-able flavor bomb bursting with umami in every single bite. By finely mincing quality beef jerky and infusing it into a blend of ground meat and classic sausage seasonings, you can achieve incredibly bold, concentrated jerky flavor in every morsel.

So let’s get dried out as we deeply dive into the science and artistry behind crafting rich, snappy Beef Jerky Sausage masterpieces.

Beef Jerky - The Bold Flavor Foundation

Premium quality artisanal beef jerky boasts deeply concentrated smoky, salty, and savory umami flavors extracted from the careful handcrafted curing and controlled dehydration process. We can harness beef jerky's intense smoky essence and meaty richness by finely mincing dried jerky into small pieces before incorporating it into the ground meat mixture. Be sure to choose jerky with a nice chewiness and pleasant texture, not papery dry. Mixing the minced jerky with higher-fat ground beef helps balance out the leanness of the dried meat.

For added richness and moisture, you can also render some beef tallow and mix a portion into the sausage as well. Once blended, the bits of jerky infuse the sausage blend with an incredible umami meatiness.

Seasoning Steps for Maximum Savory Success

Now it’s time to thoughtfully build even deeper layers of flavor complexity in our beef jerky sausage by artfully seasoning the blend. Fresh cracked black pepper, sweet paprika, and garlic powder amplify the smoky dried meat notes from the jerky. A pinch of cayenne pepper powder adds a subtly spicy kick and vibrancy. Pure maple syrup or dark brown sugar lend a touch of sweetness to balance out the pronounced saltiness imparted by the jerky. And for a fruity, smoky heat, blend in some minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.

Take your time and really feel how each ingredient melds together as you thoroughly mix the sausage blend with your hands.

Casing with Care for Texture and Looks

Once the beef jerky sausage mixture is properly blended and seasoned, we’re ready to gently stuff everything into natural or collagen casings to give the sausage its final shape and snappy texture. Use a sausage stuffer tool for quick and easy filling without extra air pockets. For a more authentic beef jerky style appearance, collagen casings are ideal to really emulate the look and fibrous chew of jerky slices. Tie off every 6 inches into individual sausage links.

Now our beef jerky sausage creation is all cased up and ready for the final cooking process.

Low and Slow Cooking for Peak Flavor

To fully extract the essence of the jerky and evenly distribute moisture, gently poach the stuffed sausage links in simmering water until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the sausage reaches 160°F. Start by bringing water to 170°F before adding the sausages, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle bare simmer. Taking it low and slow allows the flavors to properly permeate and meld.

After cooking, cool completely, then let the sausages chill overnight in the fridge to allow the jerky flavors to completely penetrate the meat.

Meaty Magnificence - Savor the Crafted Creation

The final payoff - just behold that fantastic stuffing of meaty magnificence inside the casing! Now take a slice and hear the slight snap from that first bite. As you start chewing, you release an incredible concentration of bold, salty, smoky jerky flavor in every morsel. Take your time to really savor the textural contrasts and flavor layers built into this jerky sausage creation. You did it - now enjoy this satisfying snack!

Ideal Storage of Your Beef Jerky Sausage for Maximum Shelf Life

Properly storing your crafted jerky sausages also ensures you can keep enjoying their concentrated flavor for weeks to come. Here are some storage tips:

Refrigerate fully cooled sausages within 1-2 hours of cooking.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or seal in zip-top bags, removing excess air.
Use oldest sausages first and keep new links towards the back.
Freeze for longer-term storage up to 2-3 months.

With the right storage, you can extend the jerky sausage enjoyment and always have them on hand for meaty cravings.

Troubleshooting Pitfalls to Avoid

Beef jerky sausage is delicious but can present some challenges. Here are some common issues and how to prevent them:

Dry or crumbly texture - Add more fat to the filling or cook more gently.
Not enough jerky flavor - Use more jerky or a bolder spice blend to compensate.
Snapped casings - Fill carefully without overstuffing to prevent busting.
Off flavors from rancid fat - Ensure beef fat stays chilled before grinding.

With care, you can create your ideal textural and flavor jerky sausage.

Inspiration from the Expert Charcuterie Masters

For inspiration on creating your own unique beef jerky sausage recipes, check out the options from the seasoned charcuterie masters at Meyer's Elgin Smokehouse. With 50+ years of artisanal sausage expertise, Meyer's has perfected the craft of transforming premium beef jerky into succulently meaty old-world-style sausage snacks. Try their specialty links today to taste the jerky difference!

The craft of concentering meaty jerky essence into sausage is nuanced but rewarding. Hopefully, this guide unlocks the secrets to making your own crave-able beef jerky sausage creations at home. Experiment with Meyer's BBQ Seasoning Samplers to find the perfect blend to complement your homemade jerky sausage.