These Smoked Beef Birria Burgers are a tasty twist on a classic! Juicy beef with rich spices and a hint of smokiness make them truly special. Top with fresh toppings for extra yum!
Honestly, who can resist a burger with all those flavors? I love adding some cheese and a squeeze of lime. Trust me, you’ll want seconds—maybe even thirds! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast or Short Ribs: These cuts are perfect for slow cooking as they become tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for something leaner, ground turkey or chicken can substitute but won’t give the same rich flavor.
Dried Chiles: Guajillo, ancho, and pasilla chiles provide deep flavor. Can’t find them? Try using chili powder or chipotle powder. You’ll miss some smokiness, but the flavor will still be tasty!
Ground Beef: I recommend an 80/20 mix for juicy burgers. You can use ground lamb or pork for a different taste. Just adjust the seasonings as needed to match the meat’s flavor.
Buns: Brioche or soft buns hold up well with the juicy filling. Gluten-free buns work well too! Just ensure they’re sturdy enough to hold all the toppings.
How Do You Smoke the Burger Patties Perfectly?
Smoking gives these burgers a unique flavor. To achieve the best results, follow these simple steps:
- Preheat your smoker to 225-250°F (110-120°C).
- Place formed patties on the smoker rack, allowing space between for airflow.
- Smoke the burgers for 45-60 minutes, using a meat thermometer to check they reach 160°F (71°C).
- Let them rest for a few minutes before assembling to let juices redistribute.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a smoker; you can achieve great results on a grill or stovetop skillet! Just cook them until nicely browned and cooked through.
Smoked Beef Birria Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Birria Beef:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast or beef short ribs
- 4 dried guajillo chiles
- 2 dried ancho chiles
- 2 dried pasilla chiles
- 1 cup beef broth
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cinnamon stick
For the Burgers:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 mix recommended)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 hamburger buns (brioche or soft buns preferred)
- Chopped white onion (for topping)
- Chopped fresh cilantro (for topping)
- Sliced cheese (optional; Monterey Jack or Oaxaca cheese works great)
For Serving:
- Lime wedges
- Reserved birria cooking jus (for dipping or moistening burgers)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 30 minutes of prep time plus 8 hours for the beef to cook (if using a slow cooker) or 3-4 hours if using the oven. After that, once the patties are formed, you’ll need about 45-60 minutes of smoking or grilling time. Total time, including preparation and cooking, is approximately 9-10 hours, but don’t worry, most of that is hands-off cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Birria Beef:
Start by toasting the dried guajillo, ancho, and pasilla chiles in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until they’re fragrant. Be careful not to burn them! Remove the stems and seeds, then soak the chiles in hot water for about 15 minutes to rehydrate. Once softened, place the chiles in a blender with beef broth, garlic, onion, apple cider vinegar, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and the cinnamon stick. Blend everything until it’s smooth to create a rich birria sauce.
2. Cook the Beef:
Place the beef chuck roast or short ribs in a slow cooker or large pot, and pour the birria sauce over the meat. Cook on low for 8 hours (or in the oven at 300°F/150°C for 3-4 hours) until the beef is very tender and can be easily shredded. Once done, take the beef out and shred it using two forks. Make sure to reserve the cooking liquid (jus) for later—this will add fantastic flavor to the burgers!
3. Form the Burger Patties:
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with about 1/2 cup of the reserved birria jus (this infuses the burgers with that incredible birria flavor), plus salt and pepper to taste. Mix gently but don’t over-knead the mixture. Divide the meat into 8 equal portions and form into patties.
4. Smoke or Grill the Patties:
Preheat your smoker to 225-250°F (110-120°C). Place the patties on the smoker rack and smoke for about 45-60 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). If you don’t have a smoker, you can grill or cook them in a skillet, but smoking will give you that extra unique flavor profile!
5. Assemble the Burgers:
While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a skillet. Once done, place each smoked beef patty on the bottom bun. Pile on a generous portion of the shredded birria beef, add chopped white onions and fresh cilantro on top, and throw in a slice of cheese if you like it melty. Finish with the top bun.
6. Serve:
Serve the birria burgers hot with fresh lime wedges on the side. Don’t forget the reserved birria jus; it’s perfect for dipping or drizzling on top of your burger for an extra burst of flavor!
Enjoy your delicious, smoky, flavor-packed Smoked Beef Birria Burgers! They’re sure to impress!
FAQ for Smoked Beef Birria Burgers
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for the Birria?
Absolutely! While beef chuck roast or short ribs are ideal for their tenderness and flavor, you can also use brisket or even a mix of meats. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly if using leaner cuts!
How Can I Make These Burgers Spicier?
If you prefer more heat, consider adding chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers to the birria sauce or using hotter dried chiles like arbol chiles. You can also add a spicy mayo or hot sauce to the burgers when assembling!
How Do I Store Leftover Birria and Burger Patties?
Store leftover shredded birria and burger patties in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. For longer storage, you can freeze the birria and patties for up to 3 months; just ensure they’re well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Prepare the Birria Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the birria beef a day in advance, and simply reheat it when you’re ready to form the patties and assemble the burgers. The flavors will even develop further overnight, making them even tastier!
