Smoky, chewy, and packed with flavor, this keto beef jerky recipe is the ultimate zero-sugar low-carb snack for road trips and busy days!

Beef jerky makes the ideal grab-and-go snack and it’s way easier to make at home than you would think. I love to have a batch of this sugar-free beef jerky ready for the spring and summer months!

Snack emergencies are real, my friend. But living with teenage boys means constantly restocking the snack shelf.

Chips vanish in minutes, crackers disappear overnight, and don’t even get me started on the cereal. That’s why this zero-sugar beef jerky has become my secret weapon.

It’s hearty, protein-packed, easy to grab, and best of all — sugar-free, so I can munch right along with them. Perfect for road trips, camping, or grabbing on the go, you’re going to love this jerky.

For more yummy keto snacks, check out these dill pickle cheese chips, spinach dip breadsticks, and keto Oreo cake balls.

Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This jerky recipe is easy, totally customizable, and requires only a few simple ingredients. It’s gluten-free, made with zero sugar (thanks to sugar substitutes), and doesn’t rely on heavy preservatives.

Plus, you get that classic chewy texture and smoky taste without the carbs. Whether you bake it in the oven, use a smoker, or set it up in a dehydrator, the end result is a snack that disappears faster than my teens when it’s time to wash dishes.

We discovered that there are very few recipes out there for simple keto beef jerky. I have been following a ketogenic lifestyle for nearly three years — check out my keto beginner guide to see how I lost 85lbs — so it was important to me that this recipe be sugar-free.

If you are planning on packing this jerky for a camping trip, check out this roundup of keto camping recipes and my keto travel tips too.

Once I started making my own keto beef jerky, I never looked back at the store-bought stuff. Why? Because smoked and processed meats are usually loaded with sugar, preservatives, and mystery ingredients I can’t even pronounce.

Making my own at home was a total game changer. With this recipe, you’re in control: simple, natural ingredients, no hidden junk, and tons of rich, savory flavor that’s better than anything you could buy.

Be sure to check out these 20+ Best Smoker Recipes on a Pellet Grill too!

How to Make Keto Beef Jerky

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to pull this recipe together:

Beef (6–7 pounds) – Lean cuts like flank steak, top round, or sirloin, sliced against the grain, make perfectly chewy jerky with tons of savory flavor.
Diet Dr Pepper – Adds deep, rich sweetness without the added sugar.
Lemon juice – A little citrus helps tenderize the meat while brightening up the marinade.
Brown sugar Swerve – A sugar alcohol sweetener that adds rich flavor and caramel notes without the carbs.
Coarse black pepper – Adds a bold kick and balance for the marinade.
Coarse salt – Essential for both taste and preservation.
Rosemary – Brings a cozy earthy flavor that smells incredible while the jerky smokes.
Garlic cloves – Fresh and flavorful, and because jerky without garlic is just sad.
Steak spice – A flavorful blend of spices that gives the meat that irresistible smoky steakhouse taste.

Instructions

1. Begin by gathering your ingredients. Combine Diet Dr Pepper, lemon juice, brown sugar Swerve, black pepper, salt, rosemary, garlic, and steak spice.

Note: You can easily make this recipe using regular Dr Pepper and brown sugar for a non-keto version.

2. Add the marinade ingredients to a 9×13″ aluminum pan or large baking dish.

3. Cut the beef into 1/4″ thick strips, trimming off excess fat and tendons. Layer the beef in the marinade, cover, and allow to rest for 12-24 hours in the refrigerator.

Tip: Buy Costco sirloin when it’s on sale! We purchased a whole sirloin and made two batches of beef jerky with it.

4. Remove the beef from the marinade, pat it dry with paper towel, sprinkle with salt and pepper (if desired), and place in a single layer on the smoker.

Note: We used our Traeger grill, but this can easily be done in a traditional smoker, like our keto smoked salmon recipe, with a dehydrator, or in an oven.

5. Cook at 160°F for 4-6 hours, flipping the beef once halfway through. Keep an eye on any hot spots (our Traeger is hotter at the front) and thinner slices of beef that may smoke faster.

Once dry, but still chewy, remove from the smoker and enjoy! I can tell you that we will be making this keto beef jerky all the time. It’s perfect for all of our camping and backpacking trips this summer and is absolutely delicious.

This recipe is NOT a sweet beef jerky, despite the added brown sugar sweetener. It’s just the right amount to give the meat a yummy, rich flavor.

I chose to use Swerve sweetener because it is made with erythritol. It is low on the glycemic index and will not spike blood sugars.

A Note on Keto Sugar Alternatives

Stevia is made from the stevia leaf. I like to use both the granulated and powdered version of this in my recipes.
Monk Fruit extract is made from monk fruit, another great alternative that is low on the glycemic index.
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol and another popular low carb sweetener that can be used in baking.

Tips and Tricks

Always slice against the muscle fibers to keep the jerky tender, not tooth-breaking.
Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for an extra keto-friendly marinade twist.
Experiment with seasonings. Add a pinch of chili powder, smoked paprika, or extra garlic powder to customize the jerky’s flavor to your taste.
Thinner strips will dry faster, so keep an eye on them during the 4–6 hours.
Line trays or racks with foil for easy cleanup.
Store jerky in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two weeks.
Skip the artificial sweeteners — stick to monk fruit, stevia, or Swerve for the best taste.

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Kitchen Essentials for Smoking

Traeger 780 Pro Smoker Grill – This is our Traeger model, and it’s the perfect size for families who like to entertain! Be sure to check out all of our must-have Traeger products.
Meater Thermometer – We love this wireless meat thermometer. It connects to an app that tells you exactly when your meat is done!
These silicone tongs are perfect for flipping and grasping food.
This Henckel knife is my favorite for slicing and dicing in the kitchen.
I love using this non-stick bakeware for all of my baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is beef jerky good for a keto diet?
Yes! Homemade keto beef jerky made without sugar is completely keto-friendly. Many store-bought jerky brands contain hidden sugars and extra carbs, so DIY is best.

How long does homemade beef jerky last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, your jerky will last up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze portions in sealed bags or containers.

What’s the best cut of beef for jerky?
Lean cuts like flank steak, top round, eye of round, or sirloin work best because they contain less fat. Less fat helps the jerky last longer and gives it that classic chewy texture.

Can I make beef jerky in the oven instead of a smoker?
Absolutely! Arrange the beef strips in a single layer on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake at a low temperature until dry but still chewy. A dehydrator works great too.

Why is my beef jerky so tough?
Jerky can become overly tough if the slices are too thick, overcooked, or sliced with the grain instead of against it. Cutting against the grain helps create a more tender bite.

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