Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs lean ground beef (90% lean)
  • 1/4 cup ice-cold water
  • 1 tbsp liquid smoke
  • 1 tsp curing salt (Prague Powder #1)
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp coarse black pepper
  • 1 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 tbsp finely minced fresh jalapeños
  • 1 tsp lime juice

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the curing salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  2. Place the lean ground beef in a large bowl. Pour in the ice-cold water, liquid smoke, and lime juice, then sprinkle the spice blend evenly over the meat.
  3. Using your hands, work the mixture together until the spices are evenly distributed, then fold in the minced jalapeños.
  4. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours.
  5. Preheat your oven to 225°F (107°C).
  6. Divide the meat into two equal portions and shape each into a cylinder roughly 8 inches long and 3 inches wide.
  7. Place each log on parchment paper, roll them tightly, and then wrap securely in aluminum foil, twisting the ends like a candy wrapper.
  8. Place the foil-wrapped logs on a baking sheet and bake for 6 hours, or until a meat thermometer reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  9. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the foil, then refrigerate for another 4 hours before slicing.