These Smoked Beef Birria Burgers are a delicious twist on the classic burger! Think juicy beef packed with flavor and topped with gooey melted cheese—talk about tasty!
Grilling them adds a smoky touch that’s hard to resist. I love to serve mine with some salsa and a squeeze of lime for extra zing. Yum! Who’s ready for a burger night? 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef Chuck: An 80/20 blend gives the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. If you want a leaner option, go for ground turkey or chicken, though the flavor will differ.
Birria Beef: Use leftover birria beef if you have it for a delicious touch. If you’re short on time, you can buy pre-cooked beef and add your favorite spices for a quick substitute.
Melty Cheese: I love using Oaxaca cheese for its amazing melt. If you can’t find it, mozzarella or Monterey Jack works well, too. Feel free to mix different cheeses for a unique taste!
Brioche Buns: Brioche are rich and soft, perfect for these burgers. You could swap them for whole wheat or gluten-free buns for a healthier option.
What’s the Best Way to Smoke Burgers for Maximum Flavor?
Smoking burgers adds a fantastic layer of flavor. Follow these steps for perfectly smoked patties:
- Preheat the smoker to 225-250°F for a steady cook.
- Place patties directly onto the grates. Avoid flipping until they reach a good sear.
- Cook until the internal temperature hits 160°F; this will take around 45-60 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Top with cheese in the last few minutes, closing the lid to help it melt.
Don’t rush it; a low and slow approach makes a juicy burger full of smoke flavor! Enjoy your cooking!
Smoked Beef Birria Burgers With Melty Cheese
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef chuck (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 cup birria beef, shredded (slow-cooked in birria spices)
- 1 cup beef broth or consommé (from birria cooking liquid)
- 1 tbsp adobo sauce (optional, from chipotle or birria sauce)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 4 slices melty cheese (such as Oaxaca, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack)
- 4 brioche or sandwich buns
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- White onion, finely diced (for garnish)
- Butter (for toasting buns)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and around 1 hour to smoke the burgers. In total, plan for roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes before you can enjoy these delicious burgers. A little patience will reward you with a mouthwatering meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Birria Beef (if not already made):
If you haven’t prepared your birria beef yet, you’ll need to slow cook a chuck roast or short ribs with traditional birria spices like dried chilies, garlic, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, and cloves. Cook until tender, then shred the beef and save some broth or consommé for later.
2. Season the Ground Beef:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently with your hands or a fork until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties tough.
3. Form the Patties:
Divide the seasoned ground beef into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a burger patty, making them slightly larger than the buns since they’ll shrink as they cook.
4. Preheat the Smoker or Grill:
Set your smoker or grill to a temperature of around 225-250°F. This low-and-slow method will let the burgers absorb that delicious smoky flavor.
5. Smoke the Patties:
Once the smoker is hot, place the patties directly on the grates. Smoke for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F for medium-well burgers. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
6. Add Cheese:
About 5 minutes before the patties are done, place a slice of cheese on each patty. Close the lid for a few minutes to let the cheese melt beautifully.
7. Prepare the Buns:
While the cheese is melting, butter the cut sides of your buns. Toast them on the grill or in a skillet until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. This step adds flavor and helps prevent sogginess.
8. Assemble the Burgers:
To assemble, place each cheese-melted patty onto the bottom half of a toasted bun. Top each burger with a generous mound of shredded birria beef.
9. Garnish:
Add a sprinkle of finely diced white onion and chopped cilantro over the birria beef for a fresh pop of flavor.
10. Serve:
Cap off the burger with the top bun and serve immediately. For an extra treat, offer warmed birria consommé on the side for dipping—it’s sure to elevate the experience!
Enjoy these smoky, juicy burgers bursting with rich birria flavor and melty cheese! They’re perfect for gatherings or a delicious family dinner. Bon appétit!
FAQ for Smoked Beef Birria Burgers With Melty Cheese
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, although the flavor will differ. For a richer taste, consider using a blend of beef and pork.
How Do I Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of beef broth to keep them juicy.
Can I Make the Birria Beef Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the birria beef a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and reheat it before assembling the burgers. This can actually enhance the flavors as they sit in the broth!
What If I Don’t Have a Smoker?
No worries! You can grill the burgers on a typical gas or charcoal grill. Just use indirect heat and add some wood chips wrapped in foil for a smoky flavor, or use a stovetop grill pan if you prefer cooking indoors.
