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Flavorful Birria-Style Smash Burger Recipe with Easy Consomme Dipping Sauce

birria-style smash burger - featured image

A juicy, spicy birria-style smash burger with a crispy caramelized crust served alongside a rich, smoky consomme dipping sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight meals or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 2 tbsp birria seasoning mix (blend of dried chilies, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 cups (475 ml) beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tsp chipotle powder (or smoked paprika)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 soft burger buns (brioche or potato buns)
  • 4 oz (115 g) shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (75 g) diced white onion
  • ¼ cup (15 g) fresh cilantro leaves
  • Pickled jalapeños (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef with birria seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and form into 4 equal-sized loose balls. (5 minutes)
  2. In a small saucepan, combine beef broth, chipotle powder, minced garlic, onion powder, and bay leaf. Simmer gently over medium heat for about 15 minutes until slightly thickened and aromatic. Stir in lime juice and season with salt and pepper. Keep warm on low heat. (20 minutes)
  3. Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and heat until shimmering hot. (3 minutes)
  4. Place one beef ball in the skillet and smash firmly with a spatula into a thin patty about ¼ inch thick. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy and browned. Flip, top with shredded cheese, and cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and burger is cooked through. Repeat with remaining patties. (15 minutes)
  5. Slice buns in half and toast face-down in the skillet until golden and slightly crisp, about 1 minute. (2 minutes)
  6. Assemble burgers by placing each patty on the bottom bun. Top with diced onion, cilantro, and optional pickled jalapeños. Cover with the top bun. (5 minutes)
  7. Serve immediately with warm consomme dipping sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

Use an 80/20 ground beef blend for best juiciness and crust. Don’t overmix the beef to keep patties tender. Smash patties firmly and quickly for caramelized edges. Keep consomme at a gentle simmer and serve warm. Toast buns to prevent sogginess from dipping sauce. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Vegetarian option: substitute beef with black bean or plant-based patties and use vegetable broth for consomme.

Nutrition

Keywords: birria, smash burger, consomme dipping sauce, Tex-Mex burger, quick dinner, spicy burger, crispy burger, easy recipe