These Smoked Beef Birria Burgers are a tasty twist on classic burgers! Made with tender, juicy beef marinated in rich spices and smoked to perfection, they pack a flavor punch.
I love to top mine with fresh cilantro and onion. Pair it with a side of crispy fries, and you have a meal everyone will enjoy. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this one! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef Chuck: I recommend using an 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat) for the juiciest burgers. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can work, but the flavor will change somewhat.
Birria Sauce: This sauce is key for authenticity! If you don’t have time to make it from scratch, store-bought birria sauce or even a flavorful beef broth can stand in, though it won’t be quite the same.
Brioche Buns: Brioche adds a sweetness and softness that contrasts nicely with the savory beef. If unavailable, any soft burger bun works, but you could also try whole wheat buns for a healthier version.
Cilantro and Onion: These fresh toppings add brightness and crunch. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley is a great substitute. You can also add avocado or jalapeños for an extra kick.
How Can I Get the Burger Patties Just Right?
A great burger starts with properly mixing and shaping your patties. To avoid dense burgers, be gentle when mixing the beef with seasonings. Form the patties by gently shaping them without packing the meat too tightly.
- Make each patty about 3/4 inch thick and create a slight indentation in the center. This helps them cook more evenly and prevents puffing up during cooking.
- Always let the patties rest before placing them in the smoker. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set.
Cooking them at a low temperature helps to keep them juicy. Keep an eye on them and aim for an internal temperature of around 135°F to 140°F for a perfect medium burger.
Smoked Beef Birria Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 2 lbs ground beef chuck (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 1 cup birria sauce (consommé) reserved from birria stew or homemade
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- 4 brioche buns or hamburger buns
- 1 cup shredded birria beef (slow-cooked and shredded from birria stew)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Butter or oil for toasting buns
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 1 to 1.5 hours for smoking the burgers. Expect roughly 10 minutes for toasting the buns and assembling everything, making the total time about 2 hours including cooking and preparation!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Birria Sauce and Beef:
If you don’t have pre-made birria stew, start by making the birria. Slow-cook your beef with dried chilies, garlic, onions, and spices until it’s fork-tender. Reserve the rich sauce (consommé) and shred some of the beef for the burger toppings.
2. Make the Burger Patties:
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently but well, taking care not to overwork the meat, which helps maintain its juiciness. Shape the mixture into 4 large patties, about 3/4 inch thick.
3. Smoke the Patties:
Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Once it’s ready, place the patties on the smoker grates. Smoke them for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 135-140°F, which gives you a perfectly juicy medium-rare to medium burger.
4. Toast the Buns:
In the last 10 minutes of smoking, prepare the buns. Cut them in half and spread a little butter or oil on the insides. Toast them on a grill or in a pan until they’re golden brown and delicious.
5. Assemble Your Burgers:
Take the freshly smoked burger patties and place them on the bottom buns. Generously add the shredded birria beef on top of each patty for a burst of flavor.
6. Add Fresh Toppings:
Sprinkle the chopped onions and cilantro over the beef for a fresh crunch that complements the rich flavors.
7. Optional but Delicious Dip:
For an authentic touch, serve your burgers with a bowl of warm birria consommé on the side for dipping! This adds an amazing flavor experience.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Dig into your smoky, spicy, and flavorful Smoked Beef Birria Burgers while they’re hot! They’re best enjoyed fresh, so gather your friends or family and savor every bite!
This recipe combines the rich, complex flavors of traditional birria with the smoky essence of smoked burgers, making for a truly indulgent dining experience. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat for These Burgers?
Yes, you can! While beef chuck is recommended for its juiciness, you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. Just be aware that the flavor profile will change slightly, so adjust the seasonings if needed.
Is Birria Sauce Necessary for This Recipe?
While birria sauce adds incredible flavor, you can substitute it with a rich beef broth mixed with spices if you’re short on time. However, for an authentic taste, I highly recommend using birria sauce!
How Do I Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover assembled burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can gently warm them in the oven or microwave. If possible, reheat the patties separately for the best results.
Can I Prepare the Burgers Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the burger patties in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to smoke them. Just remember to let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
