Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 2 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp liquid smoke
  • 1 tsp citric acid
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp mustard seed
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp coarse black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the kosher salt, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard seed, coriander, black pepper, and citric acid.
  2. Add the ground beef to a large mixing bowl and sprinkle the spice blend evenly over the meat.
  3. Pour in the liquid smoke and mix by hand or with a stand mixer on low for 3-5 minutes until the meat becomes tacky and sticky to the touch.
  4. Divide the meat into 2 or 3 equal portions and shape each into a cylinder roughly 2 inches in diameter.
  5. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap or foil, twisting the ends to compress the meat.
  6. Refrigerate the wrapped logs for at least 12 hours to allow spices to penetrate.
  7. Preheat oven to 225°F (107°C) and place logs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C), typically taking about 2 hours.
  9. Remove from oven, cool to room temperature, and refrigerate for another 4 hours before unwrapping.