These Smoked Beef Birria Burgers are a fun twist on your regular burger. Juicy beef packed with spices, topped with gooey melted cheese, and served on a bun—what’s not to love?
There’s something special about that smoky flavor combined with rich cheese. I like to add a little extra salsa to mine—just enough to make it messy and delicious! 😄
They’re simple to make, too! Just season the beef, smoke it, and stack it all together for a meal that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef Chuck: I love using 80/20 for these burgers. The fat keeps them juicy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken, but add a bit of fat like olive oil to keep them moist.
Shredded Beef Birria: This is where the flavor comes from! If you don’t have access to birria, roast or slow-cook some beef with similar spices (chili powder, cumin). You can even use leftover pot roast for convenience!
Cheese: I recommend Oaxaca or Monterey Jack for their meltiness. If you’re dairy-free, try a vegan cheese that melts well, like a cashew-based one, though it may alter the flavor.
Birria Consommé: This rich broth is what makes the burger extra juicy. If you don’t have any, beef broth mixed with a bit of chipotle sauce can work in a pinch.
What’s the Best Way to Handle Ground Beef for Burgers?
The key to juicy burgers is how you mix and form the ground beef. Use your hands to gently combine the beef with the seasoning. Don’t overmix, as this can make them tough. Form patties about 3/4 inch thick, as they will shrink during cooking.
- Keep the meat cold during mixing to help maintain juiciness.
- Indent the center of each patty slightly; this helps them cook evenly and prevents puffing up.
- Properly season the outside of the patties just before cooking for extra flavor.
By following these tips and ingredient insights, you’ll be set to make delicious Smoked Beef Birria Burgers that are bursting with flavor and sure to impress!
Smoked Beef Birria Burgers with Melty Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs ground beef chuck (80/20)
- 1 cup shredded beef birria (slow-cooked and shredded beef with birria spices)
- 1/2 cup birria consommé (juicy broth from birria cooking)
- 1 tbsp birria seasoning blend (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, pepper)
- 4 slices melting cheese (e.g. Oaxaca, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack)
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
- 1/4 cup chopped white onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Butter for toasting buns
- Optional: pickled jalapeños or sliced avocado for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and about 1 to 1.5 hours for smoking the burgers. With a little patience, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy in under 2 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheating the Smoker:
Start by preheating your smoker to 225°F (110°C). Using great woods like oak or mesquite will add that tantalizing smoky flavor to your beef burgers!
2. Preparing the Beef Mixture:
In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef with the birria seasoning blend. It’s important not to overmix—this keeps your burgers tender and juicy!
3. Forming The Patties:
Shape the beef mixture into 4 equal patties, about 3/4 inch thick. You want them to be thick enough to stay juicy while cooking.
4. Smoking the Patties:
Place the patties on the smoker grate and let them smoke for about 1 to 1.5 hours. Check for an internal temperature of 155°F (68°C), as they will continue to cook to 160°F (71°C) after you take them off the heat.
5. Melting the Cheese:
About 10 minutes before the patties are done, place a slice of cheese on each burger. Let it melt into that delicious, gooey goodness!
6. Toasting the Buns:
While the burgers finish smoking, take a skillet or grill, add a little butter, and toast the hamburger buns until they are golden brown and crispy.
7. Assembling the Burgers:
To assemble, place each cheese-topped patty on the bottom bun. Add a generous scoop of shredded birria beef on top of each patty.
8. Adding the Consommé:
Spoon some birria consommé over the shredded beef—it adds a lovely moisture and rich flavor!
9. Topping and Serving:
Sprinkle chopped onion and cilantro on top, along with any optional toppings you like, such as pickled jalapeños or avocado slices. Put the top bun on to complete the burger.
10. Enjoying Your Creation:
Serve immediately, and don’t forget to offer some extra birria consommé on the side for dipping—it’s THE BEST!
Enjoy your bright, smoky, juicy burgers that bring the rich flavors of birria and melty cheese into every bite! 🌮🍔
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Leftover Shredded Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover shredded beef from a previous birria recipe is perfect for these burgers. Just warm it up before adding it to the burger so it integrates well with the melted cheese.
What If I Don’t Have a Smoker?
No worries! You can cook the patties on a grill or stovetop skillet. For added flavor, try using a smoker box with wood chips if grilling, or just cook them over medium heat in a skillet until they reach the desired temperature.
How Should I Store Leftover Burgers?
Store leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the oven or on the stovetop to preserve their juiciness. You can also microwave them, but be cautious as they may dry out.
Can I Make These Burgers Spicy?
Definitely! You can add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for an extra kick. Additionally, serving them with spicy salsa or hot sauce can elevate the heat level to your liking!
