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Sliced beef pepperoni on a wooden cutting board with spices

Beef Pepperoni Secrets Ingredients

Enjoy the bold, smoky flavor of homemade beef pepperoni that’s perfect for pizza, pasta, snacks, or charcuterie boards.

This version skips the pork but keeps all the mouthwatering spice you love—with a healthier twist. No special equipment needed—just your oven and some patience.

  • Total Time: 6–9 hours
  • Yield: 20–25 slices 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (85% lean or higher)

  • 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp fennel seeds (crushed)

  • 1 tsp ground black pepper

  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

  • 1 tsp ground mustard

  • 1 tsp sugar

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (substitute for wine)

  • 2 tbsp cold water

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef with all the spices, sugar, salt, vinegar, water, and olive oil. Mix thoroughly until the seasoning is evenly distributed.

  3. Shape the mixture into a long, firm log about 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 12–24 hours to let the flavors develop.

  4. Remove the wrap and place the log on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 6–8 hours, flipping halfway, until the outside is dry and firm like cured pepperoni.

  5. Let it cool completely before slicing thinly. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.

  • Author: Emilya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6–8 hours
  • Category: Snack / Topping
  • Method: Oven-baked
  • Cuisine: American-Italian
  • Diet: Low Fat

Keywords: beef pepperoni