These Smoked Beef Birria Burgers are a tasty twist on a classic. They feature juicy beef patties seasoned with spices and topped with melty cheese. Yum!
You’ll love how smoky and flavorful these burgers are! I like to serve mine with some dipping sauce on the side for extra fun. It’s like a party in every bite! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Chuck beef is best due to its higher fat content, keeping the burgers juicy. You could also use ground turkey or lamb for a different flavor, but it may change the texture.
Birria Shredded Beef: This can be homemade or from leftovers. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked shredded beef or even pulled pork as an alternative.
Chiles: Guajillo and ancho provide a deep flavor for the spice mix. If you can’t find them, try using chili powder or paprika, but adjust the amount since they vary in intensity.
Hamburger Buns: I love to use brioche buns for their slight sweetness and softness. However, feel free to swap for whole wheat buns or gluten-free options if needed.
How Do You Make Perfectly Smoky Patties?
The secret to smoking burger patties is maintaining the right temperature. Start by forming evenly sized patties—this ensures even cooking. Season well to enhance flavor.
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F. This low temperature is crucial for a deep smoke flavor.
- Smoke the patties for about 1 hour. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (160°F is the target).
- Let them rest for a few minutes after smoking. This keeps them juicy when you bite in!
Smoked Beef Birria Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs ground beef (preferably chuck for good fat content)
- 1 cup birria shredded beef (prepared separately or use leftovers)
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
- 1/2 cup diced white onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter or oil for toasting buns
- Birria consommé or dipping sauce (for serving)
Birria Spice Mix:
- 3 dried guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed
- 1 dried ancho chile, stem and seeds removed
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes for preparation and an additional hour for smoking the burger patties. If you’re making the birria beef from scratch, you’ll need an extra 4-6 hours for cooking time. Plan ahead, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Birria Spice Mix:
Start by toasting the dried guajillo and ancho chiles in a pan over medium heat until they become fragrant. Then soak them in hot water for about 15 minutes until they’ve softened. Once softened, blend the soaked chiles along with the chipotle pepper, garlic, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, black pepper, vinegar, and salt, adding a bit of soaking liquid to create a smooth marinade.
2. Make Birria Beef (if not using pre-made):
If you’re making the birria beef, marinate a beef roast or chunks in the birria spice mix overnight for maximum flavor. Cook it slowly in an oven or slow cooker on low heat until it’s very tender—this should take about 4-6 hours. Once done, shred the beef and set aside the cooking liquid as consommĂ©.
3. Form Burger Patties:
In a large bowl, season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and some of the birria spice mix if you’d like. Mold the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties. This helps ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
4. Smoke the Patties:
Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Once hot, place the burger patties inside and smoke them for about 1 hour or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You’ll love the delicious smoky flavor that infuses into each patty!
5. Assemble Burgers:
As the patties smoke, you can prepare the buns. Heat a skillet with butter or oil and toast the hamburger buns until they are golden and slightly crispy. Take the bottom half of each bun and place a smoked beef patty on top.
6. Top with Birria Beef:
Generously add the shredded birria beef over each smoked burger patty. Don’t hold back; a hearty portion makes for a delicious burger!
7. Add Fresh Toppings:
Sprinkle diced onions and chopped cilantro over the birria beef to add some freshness and crunch. These toppings complement the rich flavors perfectly!
8. Serve:
Finally, place the top bun over the assembled burger. Serve the burgers hot with bowls of warm birria consommé on the side for dipping. It’s like layering those amazing birria taco flavors into a satisfying burger experience.
Enjoy your smoky, juicy, flavor-packed Smoked Beef Birria Burgers!
FAQ for Smoked Beef Birria Burgers
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be a leaner alternative to ground beef. Keep in mind, though, that turkey tends to be drier, so consider adding some olive oil or using a mixture with higher fat content to maintain juiciness.
How Can I Reheat Leftover Burgers?
To reheat, wrap the burgers in foil and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to create steam and prevent drying out.
Can I Prepare the Birria Beef in Advance?
Absolutely! You can make the birria beef up to two days ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat it gently when you’re ready to assemble your burgers.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Leftover ConsommĂ©?
The leftover birria consommé can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove until warm, and serve it as a delicious dipping sauce with your burgers or enjoy it as a soup!
