Get ready to enjoy these juicy smoked beef birria burgers! Packed with flavor from spices and smoky goodness, they are sure to make your taste buds happy. Topped with melted cheese, they’re a true treat!
Honestly, who can resist a burger this tasty? I love serving them with some fresh toppings and a side of chips. Perfect for a backyard BBQ or any cozy night in! 🍔😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using chuck or brisket for a juicy burger. If you’re looking for leaner options, ground turkey or chicken can work, but they will change the flavor and texture.
Birria Beef: Shredded birria-style beef is essential for topping. If you don’t have birria on hand, consider using pulled pork or beef carnitas for a similar texture and flavor.
Birria Sauce: This adds depth to your burgers. If birria sauce is unavailable, you can try taco sauce or a spicy enchilada sauce as an alternative.
Buns: Brioche buns are smooth and buttery, making them perfect for this burger. If you want a healthier choice, whole wheat or gluten-free buns can be used; just ensure they are sturdy enough to hold the fillings.
How Do I Get Perfectly Smoked Beef Patties?
Smoking beef patties can be straightforward if you follow these tips. The key is to keep the temperature steady for that rich, smoky flavor.
- Make sure your smoker reaches a temperature between 225-250°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temp.
- Avoid opening the smoker frequently; each time you do, heat escapes. Keep the lid closed as much as possible!
- Using quality wood chips, like oak or mesquite, can really elevate the flavor. Soak them for 30 minutes before use for better smoke.
By using these techniques, your smoked beef birria burgers will be tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Enjoy your cooking!
Smoked Beef Birria Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 2 lbs ground beef (preferably chuck or brisket blend)
- 1 cup birria-style beef, shredded (cooked in birria sauce)
- 3 tablespoons birria sauce (consommé)
- 1 tablespoon chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- 4 Brioche or hamburger buns
- 1/2 cup chopped white onion
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Butter for toasting buns
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of preparation and around 1.5 hours of smoking time, totaling about 2 hours. You’ll spend a few minutes mixing the ingredients, assembling the patties, and then just let the smoker work its magic as the flavors develop beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Birria Beef:
If you haven’t cooked the birria beef yet, do so by simmering it in birria sauce until it’s tender. Once done, shred it finely and set aside about 1 cup of the shredded beef along with 3 tablespoons of the birria sauce for later.
2. Making the Burger Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with chipotle powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently—just until combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as that can make your burgers tough!
3. Forming the Patties:
Divide the seasoned ground beef mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a thick burger patty, ensuring they’re a little wider than your buns because they will shrink slightly while cooking.
4. Preheating the Smoker or Grill:
Preheat your smoker to a temperature of 225–250°F (107–121°C). You can use wood chips like oak or mesquite to impart a wonderful smoky flavor to the burgers.
5. Smoking the Patties:
Place the patties on the smoker grate and let them smoke for about 1-1.5 hours, keeping an eye on them. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 155-160°F (68-71°C) for the perfect doneness.
6. Toasting the Buns:
While the burgers are smoking, lightly butter the brioche buns. Toast them on a skillet or directly over the heat until they are golden and slightly crispy.
7. Assembling the Burgers:
Once the patties are ready, take a toasted bun and place a smoked beef patty on the bottom half. Generously top it with the reserved shredded birria beef and drizzle with some birria sauce. For a fresh kick, sprinkle on chopped onions and cilantro.
8. Serving:
Top the burgers with the other half of the bun and serve them immediately! You can also offer a side of birria consommé for dipping, which makes for an extra flavorful treat!
Enjoy your smoky, juicy, and flavorful birria burgers! They are sure to impress with their perfect balance of spice and savory richness! 🍔🌮
Frequently Asked Questions about Smoked Beef Birria Burgers
Can I Use Other Types of Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can use ground turkey, pork, or even a mix of meats. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly with different meats.
What If I Don’t Have a Smoker?
No problem! You can still achieve great flavor by grilling the patties over indirect heat on a charcoal or gas grill. Alternatively, you can cook them in a skillet on the stovetop for about 4-5 minutes per side, adjusting the cooking time as needed!
How Can I Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat them on the grill or in the oven until warmed through. Avoid microwaving them if possible to maintain their texture.
Can I Make the Beef Birria Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the birria beef in advance! Cook it according to the recipe, then cool and refrigerate it. Just reheat it gently before assembling the burgers. This saves time on the day you plan to serve the burgers!
