These Smoked Beef Birria Burgers are a fun twist on classic burgers! With juicy beef, taco spices, and a smoky flavor, they’re sure to impress everyone at your barbecue.
They’re perfect for a weekend treat, especially if you like a bit of spice! I love serving them with fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro. Give them a try—your taste buds will thank you! 🌮🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef Chuck: Choose an 80/20 blend for a juicy burger. If you prefer leaner meat, 85/15 works too, but it may be less juicy. You could also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option!
Birria-Style Beef: This adds a nice touch. If you don’t have leftovers, you can make some with beef roast or use shredded beef from a rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Birria Seasoning: Using store-bought seasoning is a time-saver, but homemade offers richer flavors. For spicier kicks, add more chipotle or chili powder!
Buns: Any type of bun works, but I love potato rolls for their fluffy texture. If you want a healthier alternative, try lettuce wraps for a low-carb option!
How Do I Get My Burgers Smoky and Flavorful?
Smoking burgers brings out incredible flavors. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F (110°C). Use woods like oak or hickory for a strong smoky flavor.
- Smoke the patties slowly for 1 to 1.5 hours. This allows the meat to absorb all that tasty smoke.
- After smoking, sear the burgers on high heat to get a nice crust. This contrast gives you a juicy inside with crisp outside.
Following these steps will elevate your burger game and keep your guests coming back for seconds!
Smoked Beef Birria Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Burgers:
- 2 lbs ground beef chuck (80/20 blend)
- 1 cup birria-style beef, shredded (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon birria seasoning powder or homemade birria marinade (see instructions below)
- 8 slider or hamburger buns
- 1 small white onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or butter (for toasting buns)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For the Homemade Birria Seasoning/Marinade:
- 3 dried guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed
- 2 dried ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- Salt, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 30 minutes of prep time and around 5 hours total, including cooking the birria beef. It’s best to plan for plenty of time, especially if you are making the marinade from scratch. Trust me, the wait is worth it for these flavorful burgers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Birria Marinade (if using homemade):
First, toast the dried guajillo and ancho chiles in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until they smell amazing. Then, transfer the chiles to a bowl and cover them with hot water for about 15 minutes to soften. After that, drain the softened chiles and add them to a blender along with the chipotle pepper, garlic, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, cloves, apple cider vinegar, beef broth, and a pinch of salt. Blend all of this until smooth and set your marinade aside.
2. Prepare Birria Beef Topping:
For the topping, you can use leftover birria beef or slow-cook a beef roast (like chuck) in the birria marinade. Cook it slowly until it’s tender—about 3-4 hours at low temperature. Once it’s cooked, shred the meat and keep it warm for later.
3. Form Burger Patties:
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with 1 tablespoon of your birria marinade or seasoning powder. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste! Mix gently until everything is just combined. Then, divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape them into patties that are slightly larger than the buns you will be using.
4. Smoke the Burgers:
Preheat your smoker to 225°F (110°C) using your favorite wood chips like oak, hickory, or mesquite for that lovely smoky flavor. Place the patties on the smoker grates and smoke them for about 1 to 1.5 hours until they reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Then, crank up the smoker temperature or heat your grill to medium-high and sear the burgers for 2 minutes per side to give them a delicious crust.
5. Toast the Buns:
While the burgers are smoking, heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Spread vegetable oil or butter on the cut sides of the buns and toast them in the skillet until they are golden brown and crispy.
6. Assemble the Burgers:
Now it’s time to build those tasty burgers! Start by placing a smoked burger patty on the bottom half of each bun. Pile on a generous amount of shredded birria beef on top of the patty. Then, sprinkle chopped onions and cilantro on top to add some freshness. Finally, cover with the top half of the bun.
7. Serve:
Serve your delicious smoked beef birria burgers right away with a bowl of warm birria consommé (the cooking broth) on the side for dipping. Enjoy every bite!
These rich and smoky burgers are not just a meal; they’re an experience. Perfect for impressing friends and family at your next cookout!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Meats for the Burgers?
Absolutely! While ground beef chuck provides great flavor and juiciness, you can also use ground turkey or pork for a different twist. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the meat used.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder burger, reduce the amount of chipotle pepper or omitting it entirely from the marinade will help. You can also add more toppings like avocado or sour cream to balance out the heat!
Can I Make the Birria Beef in Advance?
Yes, you can! The birria beef can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before assembling the burgers. It can also be frozen for up to three months if you want to make it even further in advance!
How to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave them or warm them in a skillet, adding a splash of water to keep the meat moist.
