How Do You Dehydrate Ground Beef for Backpacking?

By Michael Ferguson

Dehydrating ground beef for backpacking is a great way to reduce weight in your pack and make meal preparation faster and easier. It also allows you to take nutritious meals on the go, as well as make protein-rich snacks that are convenient to eat.

The process of dehydrating ground beef is simple, but there are a few important steps to ensure that your meat stays safe and nutritious.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Begin by purchasing lean ground beef from the grocery store or butcher – use only fresh, never frozen.

2. Rinse the raw beef with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

3.

Spread the ground beef out onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until it is firm enough to be sliced.

4. Slice the frozen ground beef into thin strips with a sharp knife or food processor and place them onto dehydrator trays lined with nonstick sheets or fruit leather trays.

5. Set your dehydrator to 165°F (74°C) and dry for 6-10 hours, flipping the strips once halfway through.

6. Once fully dried, remove from trays and let cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Tips for Optimal Dehydration

• Make sure your dehydrator has a fan setting – this will help speed up dehydration time.


• Choose leaner cuts of ground beef – this will help reduce fat content and prevent spoilage.



• Check the meat regularly while it’s drying – dark spots may indicate potential spoilage.

Conclusion

Dehydrating ground beef for backpacking is a great way to lighten your load while still getting all the nutrition you need on-the-go! Following these simple steps will help ensure that you get the most out of your meal preparation by making sure your meat stays safe and nutritious throughout its journey!