These Smoked Beef Birria Burgers are packed with flavor and topped with gooey melted cheese. The slow-cooked beef is juicy, smoky, and oh-so-tasty—perfect for any burger lover!
When I make these, I can’t help but smile. Who wouldn’t want a burger that bursts with spices and has cheese oozing from every side? It’s messy but so worth it! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for the birria because it becomes tender when slow-cooked. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider using brisket or even a well-marbled sirloin.
Dried Chiles: Guajillo and ancho chiles bring rich flavors. If they’re hard to find, you can use a blend of chili powder and smoked paprika for a similar flavor, but fresh chiles won’t give quite the same depth.
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is perfect for juicy burgers. You could opt for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version, but you may want to add a little olive oil to keep them moist!
Melting Cheese: Oaxaca cheese is traditional, but mozzarella or Monterey Jack works well too. If you like a spicier kick, pepper jack can be a fun twist!
How Do I Get the Beef Perfectly Tender and Flavored?
The key to juicy and tender birria is cooking it slow! Here’s how to make sure your beef comes out just right:
- Start by searing the beef in hot oil to lock in flavor.
- After adding the sauce, cover your pot well. If using a smoker, keep that heat steady for several hours.
- Cook until the beef can easily be shredded with a fork; this usually takes around 3-4 hours.
This patience pays off because the longer it cooks, the more tender and flavorful it gets—and trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Smoked Beef Birria Burgers with Melted Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Birria:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast (for birria)
- 3 dried guajillo chiles
- 3 dried ancho chiles
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 medium white onion, quartered
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Burgers:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend for burgers)
- 8 slices of melting cheese (Oaxaca, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack)
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup diced white onion (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and 4 hours to cook the birria until tender. You’ll spend a few minutes forming the burger patties and grilling them, followed by a quick assembly. Overall, set aside about 4 hours and 30 minutes for this mouth-watering experience.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Birria Sauce:
Start by removing the stems and seeds from the guajillo and ancho chiles. Toast the chiles lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant. Then, transfer them to a bowl and pour hot water over the chiles to soak for about 15 minutes until they are softened.
2. Blend the Sauce:
In a blender, combine the soaked chiles, chipotle peppers, garlic, quartered onion, ground cumin, dried oregano, apple cider vinegar, and beef broth. Blend all the ingredients until smooth to create a rich, flavorful birria sauce.
3. Cook the Birria Meat:
Cut the beef chuck roast into large chunks and season with salt and pepper. In a hot pot, sear the beef chunks in vegetable oil until they are browned on all sides. Pour the birria sauce over the seared beef in the pot.
4. Slow Cook the Beef:
Cover the pot and slow cook the beef in a smoker or oven set to 275°F (135°C) for about 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
5. Shred the Beef:
Once cooked, remove the beef from the pot and shred it finely using two forks. Keep the birria sauce (consommé) for dipping later—this adds a delicious touch!
6. Form and Cook the Burger Patties:
Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty slightly larger than your burger buns. Season each patty with salt and pepper. Smoke or grill the patties over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side or until they reach your desired doneness.
7. Melt the Cheese:
In the last minute of cooking, add two slices of cheese on each patty and cover the grill or smoker to allow the cheese to melt beautifully.
8. Toast the Buns:
While the cheese is melting, toast the burger buns lightly on the grill or in a pan until they are golden brown.
9. Assemble the Burgers:
Once everything is ready, start building your burgers! Place the cheese-melted patties onto the bottom bun and spoon on a generous amount of shredded birria beef.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish the burgers with chopped onion and fresh cilantro, then place the top bun on. Serve your burgers hot with a side of the birria consommé for dipping, and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors!
Bon appétit! Your deliciously smoky, tender, and spicy Smoked Beef Birria Burgers with melted cheese are ready to impress! 🍔
FAQ for Smoked Beef Birria Burgers with Melted Cheese
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for the Birria?
Yes! While beef chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use brisket or a well-marbled sirloin. Just ensure whatever cut you choose has enough fat to keep the meat moist during cooking.
How Do I Store Leftover Birria or Burgers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the shredded birria beef in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Make the Birria Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The birria sauce and shredded beef can be made a day in advance. Just reheat it on the stove over low heat before assembling the burgers. This allows the flavors to meld even more!
What Can I Serve with Smoked Beef Birria Burgers?
These burgers are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with sides like crispy fries, a refreshing salad, or grilled vegetables. Don’t forget to have the consommé for dipping—it really enhances the meal!
