These Smoked Beef Birria Burgers are a tasty twist on classic burgers, featuring juicy beef seasoned with spices and smoked for extra flavor. Each bite is a delicious combination of tender meat and spices!
I love how easy these burgers are to grill up for a backyard cookout. Pair them with some cheese and your favorite toppings, and you’ll have a real crowd-pleaser on your hands! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend for these burgers. The fat keeps them juicy! If you’re looking for leaner options, a solid 85/15 will work, but they may not be as moist.
Birria Sauce: You can use store-bought birria sauce for convenience, but homemade adds a special touch. If time is tight, taco sauce can be a quick substitute, though it lacks that rich depth.
Birria Seasoning: If you can’t find dried guajillo and ancho chilies, you can use chili powder or a taco seasoning mix. Just adjust the amount to taste, as these blends can vary in spice.
Hamburger Buns: Any soft hamburger buns work well. If you prefer a crustier texture, go for brioche or crusty rolls. Gluten-free buns are great for those with dietary restrictions!
How Do You Get the Best Flavor When Smoking the Burgers?
Smoking brings out incredible flavor in these burgers and requires a few key steps. Preheating your smoker is essential, so everything cooks evenly. Here’s how to get it right:
- Keep the smoker at 225-250°F (110-120°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the right temperature.
- Place the patties on the grill grate, making sure they have space to breathe. This helps with even cooking.
- Smoke for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Check internal temperature; it should reach 160°F (71°C).
- To enhance the flavor, consider adding wood chips like hickory, oak, or mesquite for that authentic smoke taste.
By taking your time and following these tips, your Smoked Beef Birria Burgers will come out full of flavor and perfectly juicy!
How to Make Smoked Beef Birria Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Burgers:
- 2 pounds ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
- 1 cup birria sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons birria seasoning (blend of dried chilies such as guajillo and ancho, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, black pepper)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 4-6 hamburger buns, toasted
- Optional Toppings:
- Extra birria sauce for dipping
- Diced onions
- Chopped cilantro
- Melted cheese (e.g., Oaxaca or mozzarella)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 1 to 1.5 hours, including the time to prepare the patties and smoke them. You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep and seasoning, then about 45 minutes to an hour of smoking time. Get ready for some flavorful burgers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Birria Seasoning Mix:
If you don’t have a premade blend, start by toasting dried guajillo and ancho chilies briefly in a pan until they’re fragrant. Remove the seeds and grind the chilies with garlic powder, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, and black pepper in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to make a fine powder.
2. Combine Beef and Seasoning:
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with the birria seasoning and about 1 cup of birria sauce. Use your hands or a spoon to blend everything together until fully incorporated, but try not to overwork the meat. This will keep your burgers tender and juicy!
3. Form the Patties:
Shape the mixture into 4 to 6 equal-sized burger patties. Make them slightly larger than your hamburger buns to account for shrinkage while cooking.
4. Preheat Your Smoker:
Preheat your smoker to about 225-250°F (110-120°C). If you don’t have a smoker, you can set up a grill with indirect heat and wood chips to create smoke—this will also add that delicious smoky flavor!
5. Smoke the Patties:
Place the burger patties on the smoker or grill grate. Smoke for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. You know they’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This is enjoying that deep smoky flavor typical of birria-style cooking.
6. Prepare the Garnish:
While the patties are smoking, mix your chopped onions and cilantro in a small bowl to have them ready for topping your burgers.
7. Toast the Buns:
During the last 5 minutes of smoking, toast the hamburger buns on the grill until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. This adds a lovely texture to your burgers!
8. Assemble the Burgers:
Once the patties are done, place them on the toasted buns. Spoon some of your reserved birria meat on top for that extra flavor, add diced onion and cilantro, and if you’d like, top with melted cheese.
9. Serve Immediately:
Enjoy your Smoked Beef Birria Burgers right away, ideally with a small bowl of birria sauce for dipping. They’re also fantastic served with fries for an extra treat!
Enjoy the juicy, smoky, and richly seasoned beef with the traditional Mexican birria spices that make these burgers uniquely delicious!
FAQ for Smoked Beef Birria Burgers
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. However, they might require a little more moisture, so add a splash of broth or more birria sauce to keep the patties juicy.
How Can I Make These Burgers Spicier?
If you enjoy a spicy kick, consider adding chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers to the beef mixture. You can also increase the amount of chili powder in your birria seasoning for extra heat!
What is the Best Way to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the patties in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
Can I Prepare the Patties in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the burger patties and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before smoking. Form them and place them on a plate with parchment paper in between layers to prevent sticking. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before cooking for even results.
