What is Birria grilled cheese and how is it made?

Birria grilled cheese is a fusion dish combining tender, slow-cooked Birria beef with melted cheese, all sandwiched between crispy grilled bread or tortillas. The beef is typically cooked in a seasoned chili sauce until flavorful and juicy. To make it, shredded Birria meat and cheese are layered on bread or tortillas, then grilled until the cheese is melted and the exterior is golden and crisp. The dish is often served with a side of consommé, a rich broth from the cooking liquid, for dipping.

Can I use different types of meat for Birria grilled cheese?

Yes, while traditional Birria is made with goat or beef, you can use beef chuck roast, brisket, or even lamb for your grilled cheese. Choose cuts that become tender with slow cooking. Using pre-made Birria or shredded beef works well too. Adjust cooking times depending on the meat to achieve a juicy, tender filling.

How can I make Birria grilled cheese less or more spicy?

To control the spice level, modify the chili peppers used in the Birria sauce. For less heat, remove seeds from dried chilies or use mild chilies like ancho. To increase spiciness, add chipotle peppers, cayenne pepper, or fresh jalapeños while cooking the meat. Adjust gradually and taste test to match your preferred heat level.

What is the best way to store and reheat Birria grilled cheese leftovers?

Store leftover Birria grilled cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat to keep the bread crispy and melt the cheese evenly. You can also reheat in a toaster oven. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.

Where can I find Birria or pre-made Birria sauce for making Birria grilled cheese?

Pre-made Birria sauce and cooked Birria meat are available in many grocery stores, especially those with Mexican food sections. Specialty Mexican markets often carry homemade or frozen versions. You can also order sauce mixes or Birria kits online, making homemade Birria grilled cheese easier and faster to prepare at home.

Birria Grilled Cheese Recipe With Rich Savory Flavors

Name: Birria Grilled Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 h
Total time: 10 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: – 1 tablespoon olive oil; – 3 pounds chuck roast; – 1 tablespoon beef bouillon powder or 1 bouillon cube; – 1 can (28 ounces) red enchilada sauce; – ½ cup (1 stick or 113 grams) unsalted butter, divided; – 20 slices Texas toast (or equivalent thick bread slices); – 1 medium white onion, finely diced, divided; – 2½ cups (305 grams) queso fresco, divided; – 2½ cups (282.5 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; – 2 teaspoons chopped cilantro, divided

Ingredients

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 3 pounds chuck roast

– 1 tablespoon beef bouillon powder or 1 bouillon cube

– 1 can (28 ounces) red enchilada sauce

– ½ cup (1 stick or 113 grams) unsalted butter, divided

– 20 slices Texas toast (or equivalent thick bread slices)

– 1 medium white onion, finely diced, divided

– 2½ cups (305 grams) queso fresco, divided

– 2½ cups (282.5 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

– 2 teaspoons chopped cilantro, divided

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Instructions

1-First, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the 3 pounds of chuck roast on each side until browned, about 3-5 minutes per side, to lock in the flavors. Transfer the seared beef to a slow cooker, add 1 tablespoon of beef bouillon powder or 1 bouillon cube, and pour in 1 can (28 ounces) of red enchilada sauce.

2-Cover and cook on low for 10 hours until the meat is tender and easy to shred. Once done, remove the beef and shred it with two forks, then return it to the juices in the slow cooker for added moisture. This step is crucial for that signature Birria taste, slow-cooking the beef to perfection.

3-Preheat a skillet to medium-high heat and butter one side of each of the 20 slices of Texas toast using the ½ cup (113 grams) of unsalted butter, divided as needed. Place a slice of bread, buttered side down, in the skillet; top with ½ cup of the shredded beef, 1 tablespoon of the diced white onion, ¼ cup of the queso fresco, ¼ cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and some of the chopped cilantro; then cover with another slice of bread, buttered side up.

4-Cook over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, then flip and cook for another 5-7 minutes until golden brown and the cheese melts. Remove with a spatula and serve with leftover beef juices for dipping. The total preparation time is about 15 minutes prep, 10 hours cooking, and 15 minutes assembly, making it a worthwhile effort for a hearty meal.

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Notes

🔥 Searing beef before slow cooking boosts flavor but can be skipped.
🌶️ Add cayenne or chipotle peppers to adjust spiciness.
❄️ Store cooked shredded beef in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking and Grilling
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Standard

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 703