Smoked Beef Birria Burgers Recipe

Category: Beef Recipes

These Smoked Beef Birria Burgers are a tasty twist on a classic! Juicy beef is smoked to perfection, then served on a bun with flavorful spices that make your taste buds dance.

Honestly, who can resist a burger with all that smoky goodness? I love piling on toppings like avocado and pickled onions—talk about a flavor party! 🎉

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground Beef Chuck: An 80/20 blend is great for juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken, but keep in mind that they may need a bit of extra fat for moisture.

Dried Chilies: Guajillo and ancho chilies contribute deep flavor. If unavailable, use a mix of chili powder or crushed red pepper for some heat, though flavors will differ.

Beef Broth: This adds moisture and depth. If you prefer a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works well but could change the overall taste.

Shredded Cheese: Oaxaca cheese is ideal for its melting quality, but mozzarella is a close second. Cheddar also works if you want an extra kick of flavor.

Brioche Burger Buns: These are soft and slightly sweet. For a healthier option, whole wheat or gluten-free buns are great substitutions!

How Do I Make Sure My Patties Are Perfectly Cooked?

Cooking the patties just right is key. Here’s how to ensure they’re juicy and flavorful:

  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for 160°F (71°C).
  • Cooking on low heat allows for even cooking, so your burgers won’t burn on the outside before finishing inside.
  • Let the patties rest for a few minutes after smoking. This keeps the juices locked in.

Following these tips will help you create delicious and juicy Smoked Beef Birria Burgers that your friends and family will love!

Smoked Beef Birria Burgers Recipe

How to Make Smoked Beef Birria Burgers

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Burgers:

  • 2 lbs ground beef chuck (80/20 blend)
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 3 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded
  • 2 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small white onion, chopped
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano (preferably Mexican oregano)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese

For Serving:

  • 4 brioche burger buns
  • Butter, for toasting buns
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Pickled red onions or sliced jalapeños, for topping (optional)

How Much Time Will You Need?

You’ll need about 15-20 minutes for preparation and 1.5 to 2 hours for smoking. This means you can enjoy a delicious meal without too much fuss, while the smoker does its magic. Perfect for a weekend BBQ or gathering!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chiles:

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the guajillo and ancho chilies for 1-2 minutes until they smell fragrant. Then, soak them in a bowl of hot water for about 15 minutes until they soften. After soaking, drain the water.

2. Make the Birria Sauce:

In a blender, add your soaked chilies, chipotle peppers, minced garlic, chopped onion, apple cider vinegar, beef broth, ground cumin, oregano, cinnamon, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend the mixture until it’s smooth, creating a tasty birria sauce.

3. Mix the Meat:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with about 1/3 cup of the birria sauce you just made. Mix the meat gently, ensuring you don’t overwork it; this helps keep your burgers tender!

4. Shape the Patties:

Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions, then shape each portion into burger patties. Make them a little larger than your buns as they will shrink while cooking.

5. Set Up the Smoker:

Preheat your smoker to about 225°F (107°C). Use hardwood like hickory or mesquite for that amazing smoky flavor.

6. Smoke the Patties:

Put your patties on the smoker’s grill and smoke them for about 1.5 to 2 hours. They should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This smoking time gives your burgers a delicious depth of flavor!

7. Toast the Buns:

While the burgers are smoking, butter the brioche buns and toast them in a skillet or on the grill until golden brown. This adds a nice crunch!

8. Assemble the Burgers:

Spread a spoonful of the leftover birria sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a smoking hot beef patty on top, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheese to make it melt slightly.

9. Add Toppings:

Top your burgers with fresh cilantro, pickled onions or jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime juice for that extra zing of flavor!

10. Serve:

Finally, place the toasted top bun on your assembled burger and serve it up with extra birria sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling over the top. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Dig into these hearty and smoky Smoked Beef Birria Burgers paired with crispy fries or a fresh Mexican salad for a delightful meal experience!

Smoked Beef Birria Burgers Recipe

FAQ for Smoked Beef Birria Burgers

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?

Yes, you can! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative to beef, though you may need to add a bit of olive oil or butter to keep the patties moist since turkey is drier than beef.

How Can I Make the Burgers Spicier?

If you like a good kick, consider adding more chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or using some crushed red pepper flakes in the meat mixture. Adjust to your taste for the perfect spice level!

Can I Prepare the Burgers in Advance?

Absolutely! You can mix the meat and form the patties ahead of time. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to a day or freeze them for longer. Thaw before smoking.

What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Burgers?

Store any leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

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