Description
Learn how to make flavorful, preservative-free summer sausage at home with this simple step-by-step guide. Customize the recipe with your favorite spices for a delicious and healthy snack!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs ground beef (90% lean)
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp curing salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp mustard seed
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup water
- Optional: 1/2 cup diced cheese or jalapeños
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, salt, curing salt, garlic powder, mustard seed, black pepper, and smoked paprika in a bowl. Mix well.
- Gradually add water, mixing until the meat mixture feels tacky.
- Stuff the mixture into sausage casings, ensuring no air pockets. Tie off the ends.
- Refrigerate the sausages to cure for 24-48 hours.
- Preheat smoker to 180°F or oven to 170°F.
- Smoke sausages until internal temperature reaches 160°F (about 2-3 hours).
- Cool completely before slicing or storing.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, use hickory or applewood chips in the smoker.
- Oven-baked sausages benefit from adding a water pan for moisture.
- Refrigerate sausages for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Smoking or Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Summer sausage, homemade sausage, sausage recipe, curing sausage, smoked sausage recipe