These Smoked Beef Birria Burgers are packed with flavor! Imagine a juicy burger mixed with spices and slow-smoked to perfection, giving it a tasty twist everyone will love.
Trust me, once you bite into one of these burgers, you’ll be hooked! I love topping mine with fresh cilantro and onions for that extra yum—it’s a party for your taste buds! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using 80/20 ground beef ensures your burgers are juicy and flavorful. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken, but consider adding some extra fat for moisture, like olive oil.
Birria Marinade: If you can’t find birria marinade, you can make your own! Combine dried guajillo and ancho chiles, garlic, and spices in a blender with vinegar. This gives a similar depth of flavor.
Burger Buns: Classic burger buns work great, but feel free to try brioche or even gluten-free buns for a different texture. Just make sure they can hold up to the juicy burger!
Cheese: I love using Oaxaca cheese for its melty qualities. If you can’t find it, mozzarella or even pepper jack can work. The goal is to have that delicious gooeyness on top of the burger!
How Do I Smoke the Perfect Birria Burger?
Smoking burgers adds an incredible flavor but requires a little patience. Here’s how to achieve that smoky goodness:
- Set your smoker to 225°F (107°C), using wood chips like mesquite for a bold flavor.
- Place the patties on the smoker grate after it’s preheated. Smoking them for 1.5 to 2 hours ensures they stay juicy while absorbing flavors.
- Check with a meat thermometer! You want them to reach an internal temp of 160°F (71°C) for safe eating.
- Don’t forget to melt your cheese during the last 5 minutes—this gives that perfect topping you’re craving.
With these tips, your smoked birria burgers will be a hit! Enjoy the smoky, spicy flavor and feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings.
Smoked Beef Birria Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burger Patties:
- 2 lbs ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
- 1/2 cup birria marinade or birria-style seasoning blend (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Assembling:
- 4 burger buns
- 4 slices mozzarella or Oaxaca cheese
- Optional toppings: pickled jalapeños, extra cilantro, diced onion, lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes of preparation and approximately 2 hours of smoking time. So, grab a drink, hang out, and let the smoker do the work while you look forward to enjoying these tasty burgers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Birria Marinade (if necessary):
Start by making a quick birria seasoning if you don’t have a marinade. Blend together dried chilies such as guajillo and ancho, along with garlic, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, cloves, and a splash of vinegar or citrus juice until smooth.
2. Mix the Patty Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, take the ground beef and stir in the birria marinade or seasoning you’ve prepared, along with minced garlic, chopped onion, cilantro, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly so everything is well combined—this is where all the flavors come together!
3. Shape the Burger Patties:
Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into burger patties, making them slightly larger than your burger buns. This is to account for shrinkage while cooking!
4. Get the Smoker Ready:
Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Use a wood that gives a rich flavor, like mesquite or oak. The smoking magic is about to begin!
5. Smoke the Patties:
Place the patties carefully on the smoker grate and let them smoke for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Keep an eye on the internal temperature—you want them to reach 160°F (71°C) for a perfectly cooked burger.
6. Melt the Cheese:
During the last 5 minutes of smoking, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty. This will melt beautifully and make the burger even more delicious!
7. Toast the Buns:
While the cheese is melting, lightly toast the burger buns on the smoker or grill until they’re golden brown. This adds a great crunch!
8. Assemble Your Burger:
Now comes the fun part! Take a toasted bun, place the smoked birria beef patty on the bottom, and top it with your favorite toppings, like pickled jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and diced onion.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your smoky, juicy burgers with lime wedges on the side. A little squeeze of lime enhances the richness of the flavors. Dig in and enjoy!
Enjoy the smoky, spicy, and juicy flavors of your Smoked Beef Birria Burgers!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can! Ground turkey or chicken are excellent alternatives for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that turkey can dry out more easily, so consider adding a bit of olive oil or saving some of the marinade for moisture.
Can I Freeze Leftover Burgers?
Absolutely! Once cooked, let the burgers cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What Type of Cheese Works Best for These Burgers?
Oaxaca cheese is a fantastic choice for its melting qualities, but mozzarella and pepper jack are also great substitutes. If you want a smoky flavor, try adding smoked gouda for an extra kick!
Can I Make the Burger Patties Ahead of Time?
Certainly! You can prepare the patties earlier in the day or even the night before. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to smoke them. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully!
