Get ready to fall head over heels for the most incredible fusion sandwich you’ve ever tasted!
Last weekend, I tried my first birria grilled cheese at a local taco truck, and it completely blew my mind. The rich, smoky birria beef paired with melted cheese between crispy bread was pure heaven in every single bite.
Did you know that Birria originated in the Mexican state of Jalisco in the 1950s and was traditionally made with goat meat? However, beef birria gained popularity in the 2000s and quickly gained traction on social media.
After weeks of testing and tweaking, I’ve perfected a recipe that combines the best of Mexican birria and classic American grilled cheese.
This sandwich is about to become your new weekend favorite!
Ingredients You’ll NeedFor the Birria Beef
For the Grilled Cheese
For Serving
|
Recipe Notes
| Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes |
| Method: Braised and grilled | Category: Main dish | Cuisine: Mexican-American fusion |
Let’s Get Cooking – Step by Step!
Making the perfect birria grilled cheese takes some time, but the unique flavors are worth every minute!
The key is making tender, flavorful birria beef first, then creating the ultimate cheesy sandwich. Time to bring this viral sensation to your kitchen!
1. Prepare the Chile Sauce
Start by removing stems and seeds from all the dried chiles. Place them in a large pot with enough water to cover and bring to a boil. Cook for 10 minutes until the chiles are soft and pliable.
Remove the chiles and place them in a blender with 2 cups of the cooking liquid, quartered onion, and garlic cloves. Blend until smooth and strain through a fine-mesh strainer.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the straining step! It removes any tough pieces and creates a silky smooth sauce.
2. Cook the Birria Beef
Season the beef chunks and short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown the meat on all sides, working in batches if needed.
Add the strained chile sauce, beef broth, bay leaves, cumin, and oregano to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 3-4 hours, until the meat shreds easily with a fork.
Pro Tip: The meat is ready when it falls apart with just a gentle touch of your fork!
3. Shred and Strain the Meat
Remove the beef from the pot and shred it using two forks. Strain the cooking liquid through a fine mesh strainer to remove any solids, creating your birria broth for dipping.
Keep the shredded meat warm and set aside about 2 cups of the clear broth for serving. The remaining broth can be stored for future use or enjoyed as soup.
Pro Tip: Skim any excess fat from the broth for a cleaner dipping experience!
4. Prepare the Sandwich Assembly
Lay out the sourdough bread slices and butter one side of each slice. Mix the Oaxaca and cheddar cheeses together in a bowl for easy assembly.
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the bread butter-side down and begin building your sandwiches with cheese, shredded birria beef, sliced onions, and cilantro.
Pro Tip: Don’t overfill the sandwiches or they’ll be hard to flip and the filling might spill out!
5. Grill to Melted Perfection
Cook the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes on one side, until golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the second side is golden and the cheese is completely melted.
Press down gently with a spatula to help the cheese melt evenly and create better contact with the pan. Remove from heat and let cool for 1 minute before cutting.
Pro Tip: Cut diagonally for the best presentation and easier dipping into the warm broth!
Nutrition Facts
This hearty sandwich delivers both incredible flavor and satisfying nutrition!
| Nutrition Information | Per Sandwich (makes 4) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 485 |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Sodium | 890mg |
| Fat | 28g |
| Carbs | 32g |
| Protein | 35g |
Note: These are approximate values based on standard ingredients. Actual nutrition may vary depending on your specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Storage & Serving Secrets
Keep your birria grilled cheese at its melted, crispy best with these helpful tips!
- Storing: Leftover birria beef stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container
- Reheating: Warm the beef in a skillet with a splash of broth to restore moisture
- Make-ahead magic: Prepare the birria beef up to 2 days ahead, then assemble sandwiches when ready to serve
- Serving size: This recipe makes 4 generous sandwiches, perfect for a family meal
Make It Your Own: Creative Twists!
Change this basic recipe into exciting new flavor adventures:
Cheese Variations
- Pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick
- Queso blanco for authentic Mexican flavor
- Gouda for a smoky, rich taste
Bread Options
- Bolillo rolls for traditional Mexican style
- Texas toast for extra thick and crispy
- Brioche for a buttery, sweet contrast
Extra Toppings
- Pickled jalapeños for tangy heat
- Avocado slices for creamy richness
- Crispy onions for added texture
Perfect Pairings for Your Birria Grilled Cheese
These hearty sandwiches shine brightest when paired with the right accompaniments!
1. Traditional Mexican Sides
Mexican rice and refried beans create a genuine and filling meal. The rice soaks up any extra birria broth beautifully.
Add some pickled jalapeños and crema on the side to round out this classic combination that feels like home.
2. Fresh and Light Options
Pico de gallo or fresh salsa adds bright, fresh flavors that cut through the rich, cheesy sandwich perfectly.
A simple cucumber and radish salad with lime juice provides a refreshing crunch that balances the melted cheese.
3. Beverage Pairings
Cold Mexican beer or horchata pairs wonderfully with these golden beauties. The drinks help balance the rich, savory flavors.
Try a crisp lager like Modelo or Pacifico, or opt for a non-alcoholic option, such as a creamy horchata or a refreshing agua fresca.
4. Party Appetizer Style
Cut into smaller triangles and serve with small bowls of warm birria broth for dipping at your next gathering.
Arrange them on a platter with lime wedges and chopped white onions for an impressive party spread that disappears fast.
Change Your Comfort Food Game Tonight!
I can’t believe how great this birria grilled cheese turned out! Every time I make it, my whole family goes crazy for that perfect combo of crispy bread, gooey cheese, and tender beef.
The best part? Dipping it in that rich, flavorful broth – it’s like a warm hug in food form!
This recipe has become our go-to weekend treat, and I know it’ll become yours too. Sure, it takes a few hours, but trust me, it’s totally worth the wait. Your kitchen will smell incredible, and everyone will be asking for seconds.
So what are you waiting for? Fire up that stove and get ready for the most epic sandwich of your life! Have you tried making birria grilled cheese before?
Tell me about your favorite fusion foods in the comments below – I’m always looking for my next delicious experiment!
