The Ultimate Quesabirria Smash Burger

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By Kevin Cossairt

A Bold Fusion of Birria and Smash Burgers

The first time I tried birria tacos, I was hooked. The deep, slow-cooked richness of the beef, the smoky consommé, and the crispy cheese-crusted tortillas created a bite that was pure magic. But as a lifelong burger lover, I knew there was room to elevate the experience. Enter the Quesabirria Smash Burger—a next-level fusion of bold birria flavors and the perfect sear of a smash burger, all wrapped in a crispy, cheese-crusted tortilla.

Merging these two iconic dishes creates a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. The slow-cooked birria beef is packed with warm spices, falling apart with tenderness, while the smash burger brings an irresistible crust from high-heat searing. By cooking the tortillas with a layer of cheese, you achieve a crispy, golden shell that holds everything together. And let’s not forget the finishing touch—dipping each bite into rich, savory birria consommé takes this burger to a whole new level of indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Unbeatable Flavor: Slow-cooked birria beef meets crispy, caramelized smash burger patties.
  • Crispy, Cheesy Texture: Cheese-crusted tortillas add crunch and richness.
  • Perfect for Griddles & Skillets: Whether using a Blackstone As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this site., cast iron, or stovetop, this is a game-changer.
  • Ultimate Dipping Experience: Hot birria consommé for dunking makes every bite irresistible.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a cookout, game day, or a unique weeknight dinner, this dish impresses every time.

How to Make It

Step 1: Prepare the Birria Beef Start by slow-cooking beef chuck with a blend of dried guajillo and ancho chilies, chipotle in adobo, garlic, onions, and aromatic spices. Let it cook low and slow until the beef is fall-apart tender, then shred it and let it soak in the rich consommé. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to deepen, making the meat ultra-juicy and flavorful.

Step 2: Make the Pickled Red Onions & Jalapeños A simple mix of apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt creates the perfect tangy balance. Let the onions and jalapeños soak up the brine to cut through the richness of the dish. The pickling process enhances the flavor and adds a crisp texture that perfectly contrasts the meat.

Step 3: Create the Consommé Aioli A quick blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, a touch of cooled birria consommé, lime juice, and smoked paprika brings a creamy, smoky contrast to the dish. Chill until ready to serve. This aioli provides a delicious, slightly tangy complement that balances the bold flavors.

Step 4: Smash the Burgers Form loose ground beef balls and smash them onto a hot griddle or cast iron pan. Let the edges crisp up for that signature caramelized crust before flipping. The key to a great smash burger is a high-heat sear that locks in flavor while achieving that signature crispy crust.

Step 5: Build the Quesabirria Smash Burger

  1. Sprinkle shredded cheese directly onto the griddle and place a tortilla on top to create a crispy cheese crust.
  2. Add shredded cheese, a smash burger patty, and a layer of juicy birria beef.
  3. Stuff it with pickled red onions, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro for added depth.
  4. Press a second tortilla on top, then flip and crisp the other side with more cheese. The cheese crust provides a rich, crispy texture that elevates every bite.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy Drizzle with chilled consommé aioli, garnish with extra pickled onions and cilantro, and serve with hot birria consommé on the side for dipping. Each bite delivers crunch, richness, and a burst of bold flavor. The hot consommé enhances the depth of the dish, making it irresistibly delicious.

Final Thoughts & Variations

  • Corn Tortillas: Swap flour tortillas for a more traditional texture.
  • Spice it Up: Add extra jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
  • Extra Cheese: Double the cheese-crusted layers for even more crunch.
  • Make it a Slider: Use smaller tortillas for fun, bite-sized versions.
  • Add Toppings: Try avocado slices, crumbled queso fresco, or a drizzle of spicy salsa for extra depth.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: The birria beef can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to three days.
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The Ultimate Quesabirria Smash Burger

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Description

This Quesabirria Smash Burger is the perfect fusion of juicy smash burgers and rich birria beef, all wrapped in a crispy, cheese-crusted tortilla. The inside is loaded with melty cheese, tangy pickled onions and jalapeños, and fresh cilantro, giving it a perfect balance of flavors. Served with hot birria consommé for dipping and a chilled consommé aioli, every bite is crispy, cheesy, smoky, and bold

Ingredients

Scale

For the Birria Beef & Hot Consommé (Dipping Sauce):

  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast (or short ribs)
  • 2 dried guajillo chilies, deseeded
  • 2 dried ancho chilies, deseeded
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 1 medium onion, quartered
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • For Serving: 1 tablespoon lime juice + 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

For the Pickled Red Onions & Jalapeños (Inside the Burger & Garnish):

  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Chilled Consommé Aioli (Cold Sauce):

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons hot birria consommé (then let it cool before mixing in)
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Smash Burgers:

 

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 small flour tortillas
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese (optional)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (for tortilla crusting) (use Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, or Oaxaca)
  • 1/2 cup pickled red onions & jalapeños (inside the burger)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (inside the burger)
  • Extra pickled onions, jalapeños & cilantro for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Birria Beef & Hot Consommé

  1. Soak the dried guajillo and ancho chilies in hot water for 10 minutes until softened.
  2. In a blender As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this site., combine the softened chilies, chipotle peppers, onion, garlic, apple cider vinegar, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, smoked paprika, salt, and 1 cup of beef broth. Blend until smooth.
  3. Place the beef chuck roast in a slow cooker or Instant Pot and pour the blended sauce over it. Add the remaining beef broth.
    • Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours until tender.
    • Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes, then let it naturally release for 15 minutes.
  4. Once cooked, shred the beef and mix it into the consommé.
  5. For serving: Keep the consommé HOT and stir in lime juice and salt to enhance the flavor.

Step 2: Make the Pickled Onions & Jalapeños

  1. In a small pot, combine 1 cup water, ½ cup apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt over medium heat. Stir until dissolved.
  2. Pour the hot mixture over the sliced red onions and jalapeños in a jar. Let sit for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Step 3: Make the Chilled Consommé Aioli

  1. Take 2 tablespoons of the hot birria consommé and let it cool to room temperature.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, cooled consommé, lime juice, and smoked paprika until smooth.
  3. Refrigerate until ready to serve (served cold).

Step 4: Make the Smash Burgers

  1. In a mixing bowl, season the ground beef with salt and black pepper. Divide into 3-ounce portions and form into loose balls.
  2. Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until smoking hot.
  3. Place a beef portion onto the hot skillet and immediately smash it down using a heavy spatula or burger press until thin. Cook for 2 minutes per side, flipping once, until crispy and browned.
  4. Transfer to a plate and repeat for the remaining burgers.

Step 5: Assemble the Quesabirria Smash Burgers

  1. Heat a large griddle or skillet over medium heat and melt butter.
  2. Sprinkle ¼ cup of shredded cheese directly onto the griddle to create a cheese crust slightly larger than the tortilla.
  3. Immediately place a small flour tortilla on top of the melting cheese.
  4. Add ¼ cup of shredded cheese on top of the tortilla, then place a smash burger patty and shredded birria beef on top.
  5. Add pickled red onions, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro inside, then place the second tortilla on top.
  6. Press down with a spatula and cook until the bottom is crispy and golden (about 2-3 minutes).
  7. Flip and crust the second side with cheese by sprinkling shredded cheese on the griddle before placing the tortilla down. Cook until crispy and cheese is fully melted.
  8. Remove from the heat and repeat for the remaining tortillas and fillings.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

  1. Drizzle each quesabirria smash burger with chilled consommé aioli and top with extra pickled red onions, jalapeños, and cilantro.
  2. Serve with a hot bowl of birria consommé for dipping.
  3. Enjoy the ultimate crispy, cheesy, and beefy fusion burger!

Pro Tips & Variations:

 

  • Extra Cheese Crust: Let the cheese fully crisp before flipping for the perfect crunch.
  • More Heat: Add extra pickled jalapeños inside the burger or to the aioli.
  • Cheese Options: Use Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, or a spicy habanero cheese instead of (or with) Pepper Jack.
  • Tortilla Upgrade: Use corn tortillas for a more authentic quesabirria feel.
  • Dipping Bonus: Stir a little melted cheese into the consommé for a creamy dip.

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Kevin’s Daily Dish Devotional – God Wants His Best for You

Food for the body, food for the soul.

Scripture:
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” — Psalm 84:11 (NIV)

Devotional Thought:

It’s easy to settle for less than God’s best. We get comfortable with what’s familiar, afraid to step out into the unknown. But God never created us for mediocrity—He designed us for more. Just like a chef carefully selects the finest ingredients to craft something extraordinary, God is intentional about every detail of our lives. He wants to give us His very best, but sometimes, we hold onto things that are far less than what He has planned for us.

We might think we know what’s best, but God sees the full picture. When we trust Him, even when it means letting go of what feels safe and familiar, we open the door for Him to bless us in ways we never imagined. Just as a great recipe requires patience and precision, our lives unfold perfectly when we allow God to lead. The process may take time, and we may not always understand it, but His plan is always greater than our own.

I know for me, waiting is the hardest part because I want everything to happen right now. It’s tough when things don’t fall into place as quickly as I’d like, and doubt starts creeping in. But I’ve learned that even when I can’t see it, God is working behind the scenes, putting everything into place. He’s preparing something incredible, something far greater than I could imagine.

In those moments when uncertainty tries to take over, I remind myself of all the ways He has come through for me before—times when I couldn’t see a way forward, but He made a way. He hasn’t let me down yet, and I know He never will. Remembering His faithfulness gives me the strength to keep trusting, even when the path ahead is unclear. So if you’re feeling uncertain or struggling with doubt, take heart—His timing is perfect. Trust His process, and rest in the truth that He never withholds good from those who seek Him. God’s best is always worth the wait.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for loving me enough to want the best for my life. Help me to trust Your timing and Your plans, even when they don’t look like what I expected. Give me the wisdom to let go of anything that is not from You and the faith to believe that what You have prepared is far greater than what I could ever imagine. When uncertainty weighs on my heart, remind me of Your faithfulness and all the ways You have carried me before. Strengthen my trust in You, and let my life reflect Your goodness and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Teen Challenge USA – A Path to Restoration

Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, frustrating, or out of control. You may feel like your story is broken, like something is missing, or like you’ve gone too far to turn things around. But just like a dish that takes time to come together, your life is still in progress. God is working, and there is hope for healing and transformation.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, hopelessness, or feeling lost, Teen Challenge USA offers faith-based recovery programs that provide a path to freedom and restoration. With over 220 locations in the U.S. and 1,400 worldwide, this program has helped countless individuals break free from addiction and rebuild their lives through Christ-centered support, mentorship, and community.

You are not alone. God is still writing your story, and hope is within reach.

For more information or to seek help, visit Teen Challenge USA.

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