These Smoky Beef Birria Burgers are a tasty twist on classic burgers! Juicy beef mixed with smoky spices is sandwiched between soft buns, topped with melty cheese—yum!
Every bite is full of flavor, and who doesn’t love that cheesy goodness? I like to serve mine with extra dipping sauce on the side. It’s the perfect way to protect your burger from getting lonely! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using 80/20 beef is my favorite because it keeps the burgers juicy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, 90/10 works well too, but just be careful not to overcook it.
Cheese: I love using Oaxaca cheese for that perfect melt. However, mozzarella or Monterey Jack are great substitutes if you can’t find it. They melt beautifully and add extra creaminess!
Brioche Buns: Brioche buns add a sweet, soft touch to the burgers. If you want something healthier, consider whole wheat or even gluten-free buns.
Dried Peppers: Guajillo and ancho peppers are key for authentic flavor. If unavailable, you can use chili powder as an alternative, but it won’t be quite the same.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Birria Sauce?
Making birria sauce might seem daunting, but it’s quite simple! Start by toasting the dried peppers to bring out their flavors. Then soak them until they soften, which makes blending easier.
- Toast the peppers in a skillet for about 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
- After soaking, blend them with spices and broth until smooth.
- Simmer the sauce to deepen the flavors before using it in your beef mixture.
This sauce is versatile and the perfect dip for your burgers too!
How Do You Keep the Burgers from Falling Apart?
To maintain the shape and integrity of your beef patties, avoid overmixing the meat. The more you handle it, the tougher the burgers get.
- Gently combine your ingredients, and form patties without packing them too tightly.
- Also, ensure your pan or grill is hot enough to create a nice crust, which helps hold everything together.
And don’t forget to let them rest for a few minutes after cooking; they’ll firm up a bit more!
How to Make Smoky Beef Birria Burgers with Melty Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 2 lbs ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 slices of melty cheese (e.g., Oaxaca, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack)
- 4 brioche or soft burger buns
- 1 cup chopped white onion
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Optional: Lime wedges for serving
For the Birria Sauce:
- 4 dried guajillo peppers, seeded and stemmed
- 2 dried ancho chili peppers, seeded and stemmed
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 30-45 minutes for cooking. You’ll spend some time preparing the sauce, mixing the burgers, and cooking them to perfection.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Birria Sauce:
Start by toasting the dried guajillo and ancho peppers in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until they are fragrant. Then, transfer them to a bowl and cover with hot water to soak for about 15 minutes or until softened.
Next, drain the soaked peppers and add them to a blender along with chipotle peppers, garlic, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, vinegar, and beef broth. Blend everything until smooth, creating a rich and flavorful sauce. Pour this sauce into a saucepan, bring to a simmer, and cook for an additional 15 minutes to meld the flavors together. Season with salt to taste.
2. Make the Birria Beef Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with 1 cup of the prepared birria sauce, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Combine the ingredients well but be careful not to overwork the meat, as that can make the burgers tough.
3. Form Patties:
Divide the beef mixture into 4 equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a thick patty, making a small indentation in the center with your thumb. This helps them cook evenly and hold their shape.
4. Cook the Burgers:
Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Add the patties to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes until they are nicely charred on one side. Flip the patties and place a slice of melty cheese on each one immediately after flipping. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese has melted and the burgers reach your desired doneness.
5. Assemble the Burgers:
While the burgers are cooking, lightly toast the brioche buns on the skillet or grill. Once the patties are done, place them on the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Top with a generous spoonful of shredded birria beef, if you like, and sprinkle with chopped onions and cilantro. Cap it off with the top halves of the buns.
6. Serve:
Serve the burgers hot with a side bowl of the birria sauce for dipping. If you’d like, garnish with lime wedges for an extra zesty kick!
Enjoy your smoky, spicy, cheesy beef birria burgers with the authentic flavor of Mexican birria and the fun of a classic cheeseburger!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great alternatives for a leaner burger. Just keep in mind that they may require less cooking time, so check for doneness around 3-4 minutes per side.
Can I Make the Birria Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the birria sauce in advance! It keeps well in the fridge for up to a week or can be frozen for up to three months. Just reheat it before mixing it with the ground meat.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Dried Peppers?
If you don’t have dried guajillo or ancho peppers, you can substitute with 2-3 tablespoons of chili powder. Keep in mind that it will alter the flavor slightly, but it will still result in a tasty sauce!
How Do I Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water to keep them moist. Enjoy them with fresh toppings for a quick meal!
