Go Back
Thinly sliced beef pepperoni on a rustic board

Beef Pepperoni vs Pork: Which One Tastes Better?

Discover everything about beef pepperoni—its ingredients, health benefits, best brands, and creative ways to use it in your favorite dishes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course: Meat Product
Cuisine: American-Italian
Calories: 140
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beef Pepperoni Ingredients
  • beef (shoulder or chuck cuts) finely ground
  • paprika adds color and slight sweetness
  • garlic powder for savory depth
  • black pepper adds pungent spice
  • cayenne pepper for extra heat
  • fennel seed adds mild sweetness
  • sodium nitrite curing agent for preservation

Method
 

  1. Finely grind the beef, ensuring an even fat-to-meat ratio for the perfect texture.
  2. Mix the ground beef with spices, including paprika, garlic, black pepper, and cayenne.
  3. Incorporate sodium nitrite to preserve the meat and enhance its color.
  4. Stuff the seasoned mixture into casings, using either natural or synthetic options.
  5. Ferment the encased beef at a controlled temperature for 24 hours to develop flavor.
  6. Allow the beef pepperoni to dry over several days to weeks to concentrate flavors.
  7. Optional: Smoke the pepperoni with hardwood for an extra depth of flavor.

Notes

Beef pepperoni is commonly used as a pizza topping, in sandwiches, and as a protein-rich snack. Enjoy it as-is or cook it to release more of its bold, smoky flavor.