These Smoked Beef Birria Burgers are a tasty twist on a classic! With juicy beef and a bold mix of spices, they are spicy, smoky, and oh-so-satisfying. Perfect for any barbecue!
Let’s be real, who can resist a burger with comforting flavors like these? The smoky taste really takes it up a notch, and they pair well with some fresh toppings. Yum!
I love serving these burgers with some crispy fries or a simple salad on the side. Trust me, you’ll want to keep making these for friends and family—they’ll be a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef Chuck: The 80/20 blend is ideal for juicy burgers. If you’d prefer a leaner option, 85/15 or even turkey could work. Just keep in mind that they’ll be less juicy.
Birria Sauce: You can buy premade birria sauce, but making it fresh with dried chilies is worth the effort. Use chipotle or even a taco sauce as a substitute if you’re in a pinch.
Brioche Buns: I love brioche for its softness and slight sweetness, but any soft burger bun will do. Whole wheat or gluten-free buns can be good alternatives too!
Shredded Beef Birria: This is optional but really adds to the flavor. If you don’t have it, consider adding some cheese or sautéed mushrooms for additional toppings instead.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Smoke on the Burgers?
The smoking process is crucial to getting that delicious flavor. Make sure your grill or smoker is set up for indirect heat to avoid direct flames. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F – 250°F.
- Use wood chips like oak or mesquite for that rich smoke flavor. Soak them for 30 minutes if you’re using a smoker box.
- Place the patties on a rack away from the heat source to allow them to absorb the smoke without burning.
This slow smoking ensures your burgers are flavorful and juicy. Keep an eye on the internal temperature; you want to hit around 155°F for perfectly cooked patties!
How to Make Smoked Beef Birria Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 2 lbs ground beef chuck (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 1/2 cup birria sauce
- 1 cup cooked shredded beef birria (for topping, optional)
- 4 brioche or soft burger buns
- 1/2 cup chopped white onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter (for toasting buns)
- Optional: lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need about 30 minutes for preparation and about 1.5 to 2 hours for smoking the burgers. The total time sums up to approximately 2 to 2.5 hours for a delicious meal that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Birria Sauce:
If you don’t have pre-made birria sauce, start by making your own! Blend soaked dried chilies like guajillo and ancho, along with garlic, cumin, cloves, cinnamon, and oregano. Add vinegar and beef broth, blending until smooth. Simmer this mixture for about 10-15 minutes to enhance the flavors, then season with salt. Remember to reserve half for mixing into the burgers and half for dipping later!
2. Make the Patties:
In a large bowl, place the ground beef and add half of the birria sauce. Mix well until the sauce is integrated throughout the meat. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, then form it into four equally sized patties. Make sure they are slightly thicker in the center to allow for even cooking.
3. Preheat Your Smoker or Grill:
Prepare your smoker or grill for indirect heat, setting it to around 225°F to 250°F (107°C to 121°C). You can add wood chips like oak or mesquite to enhance the smoky flavor!
4. Smoke the Patties:
Once your smoker is ready, place the patties on the grate or smoker rack. Smoke them for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until they reach an internal temperature of 155°F (68°C). The low and slow cooking will infuse them with rich smoky flavors while keeping them juicy.
5. Toast the Buns:
While the burgers are smoking, brush the brioche buns lightly with vegetable oil or melted butter. Toast them on the grill or in a skillet until they turn golden brown and have a deliciously crisp texture.
6. Assemble the Burgers:
Take the bottom half of each toasted bun and place one smoked beef patty on it. If you’re using shredded birria beef, spoon a generous amount on top of each patty. Top with chopped onions and cilantro, then finish with the top half of the bun.
7. Serve:
Serve the burgers hot, paired with a small bowl of warm birria dipping sauce for an extra punch of flavor! You can also add lime wedges for a zesty touch or garnish with pickled jalapenos if you like some heat!
Enjoy your smoky, spicy, and juicy Smoked Beef Birria Burgers, a perfect fusion of Mexican flavors and American barbecue!
FAQs for Smoked Beef Birria Burgers
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While beef chuck provides great flavor and juiciness, you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just be aware that cooking times and moisture might differ slightly.
What If I Don’t Have a Smoker?
No problem! You can use a grill with indirect heat instead. Just place the patties away from the direct heat source and add wood chips for a smokier flavor. Alternatively, you can cook them in a skillet over medium heat; they won’t be smoked but will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Enjoy them on a fresh bun or as a delicious salad topping!
Can I Make the Birria Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The birria sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week, or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat it before mixing into your burger or serving as a dip!
