Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Birria Grilled Cheese

  • Author: Chef Maria Sanchez

Description

A decadent fusion of Mexican birria and classic grilled cheese, featuring tender shredded beef, melted cheese, and a rich consommé for dipping. Perfect for a comforting meal with bold flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

  • For the birria beef:
  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast
  • 4 dried guajillo chilies
  • 2 dried ancho chilies
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Salt to taste
  • For the grilled cheese:
  • 8 slices sourdough bread
  • 2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • For serving:
  • 1 cup reserved birria consommé
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

  1. 1. Prepare the birria beef: Remove stems and seeds from dried chilies. Toast in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side.
  2. 2. Blend chilies with onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, paprika, and beef broth until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve.
  3. 3. Place beef in a slow cooker, pour chili mixture over it, add cinnamon stick and vinegar. Cook on low for 8 hours.
  4. 4. Shred the beef, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid (consommé) for dipping.
  5. 5. Make grilled cheese: Butter one side of each bread slice. On unbuttered sides, layer cheeses and birria beef.
  6. 6. Cook sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cheese melts.
  7. 7. Serve immediately with warm consommé, cilantro, and lime wedges.

Notes

For extra flavor, dip assembled sandwiches in consommé before grilling (like a birria quesadilla). Can substitute with goat cheese for a tangy twist. Leftover birria beef freezes well for up to 3 months.