These Smoked Beef Birria Burgers are a fun twist on the classic burger! With juicy, smoky beef and tasty spices, they’re perfect for a backyard BBQ or a cozy dinner at home.
What makes these burgers special is the melt-in-your-mouth beef and vibrant flavors. I could eat them every day! Pair them with some crispy fries and a cold drink for a happy meal! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I suggest using 80/20 ground beef for these burgers. It has the right fat content to keep them juicy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, 90/10 or ground turkey can work too, though they might be less juicy.
Beef Birria: The heart of this recipe is the shredded birria. If you don’t have leftover birria, you can use store-bought or even substitute with shredded rotisserie chicken seasoned with similar spices to capture that flavor.
Burger Buns: Brioche buns add a nice sweetness and softness. If you can’t find brioche, other soft buns, like potato rolls or sesame seed buns, are great choices too!
Cilantro and Onion: Fresh cilantro brings brightness to the burger. If cilantro isn’t your thing, try fresh parsley instead. You can also swap white onion for red onion for a milder flavor.
How Do I Smoke the Patties Perfectly?
Smoking patties can seem tricky, but it’s all about maintaining a steady temperature. Here’s how you can do it:
- Ensure your smoker or grill is preheated to 225-250°F (110-120°C) before placing your patties.
- Use wood chips like mesquite or hickory for great smoky flavor. Soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning too quickly.
- Put the patties directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and smoke them for 45 minutes to 1 hour, checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
- For a crust, you can briefly sear them on high heat right after smoking, which adds texture!
Smoked Beef Birria Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burger:
- 2 lbs ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
- 1 lb beef birria, shredded (slow-cooked, shredded beef with birria spices)
- 4 burger buns (brioche or preferred type)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter for toasting buns
- Optional: birria consommé (sauce) for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus about 1 hour for smoking the patties. Get ready to enjoy your delicious burgers around 1 hour and 15 minutes after you start!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Birria Beef:
First, if you don’t have shredded birria ready, you’ll need to slow cook a beef cut like chuck roast with traditional birria spices (ancho chili, guajillo, garlic, cumin, oregano, cloves, cinnamon) until it’s nice and tender. Once cooked, shred the beef and save some of the cooking juices (this is your consommé) to keep it juicy later!
2. Making the Patties:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly until well combined. Shape the mixture into 4 patties. Make them slightly wider than your buns since they’ll shrink a bit while cooking.
3. Preheating the Smoker or Grill:
Now it’s time to get things smoky! Preheat your smoker or grill to 225-250°F (110-120°C). For that delicious smoky flavor, use wood chips like mesquite or oak—just soak them in water for about 30 minutes before using.
4. Smoking the Patties:
Carefully place your burger patties on the grill grates, then close the lid. Smoke the patties for about 45 minutes to 1 hour until they reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for medium rare or until they reach your desired doneness. A meat thermometer is handy here!
5. Finishing Patties on Direct Heat (Optional):
If you’d like your patties to have a nice sear, you can sear them over high heat for 1-2 minutes on each side after they’ve been smoked. This adds a delightful crust!
6. Toasting the Buns:
In a skillet, heat a little vegetable oil or butter over medium heat. Toast the buns cut-side down until they’re golden brown. This step adds flavor and keeps the buns from getting soggy!
7. Assembling the Burgers:
Start with your toasted bun bottom. Place a smoked beef patty on top, then generously heap on the shredded birria beef. Sprinkle some freshly chopped onion and cilantro over it for that yummy finish.
8. Serving:
Finish off by placing the bun top on. Serve these burgers immediately while they’re hot, and don’t forget to offer a small bowl of that yummy birria consommé for dipping!
Enjoy your smoky, flavorful Smoked Beef Birria Burgers that combine the richness of birria with the classic burger experience!
FAQs for Smoked Beef Birria Burgers
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef to make a leaner burger. However, keep in mind that turkey tends to dry out faster, so be sure to monitor the cooking time and internal temperature closely to keep it juicy.
How Can I Adjust the Spiciness of the Burgers?
If you prefer milder flavors, you can reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it entirely from the seasoning. Alternatively, add more spices like cumin or smoked paprika to enhance the flavor without adding heat.
Can I Make the Patties Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the burger patties a day in advance, shape them, and store them in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cook them within 24 hours for the best taste and texture.
What Should I Do with Leftover Birria?
If you have leftover shredded birria, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s also delicious in tacos, burritos, or served over rice! You can reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
