There’s nothing like the sound of cheese bubbling and crisping in a hot skillet on a cozy evening. This Birria Grilled Cheese brings all the comfort of your favorite childhood sandwich, layered with spicy, slow-cooked birria and melting cheese. It’s been trending for good reason who wouldn’t want to dip a cheesy, crunchy sandwich into flavorful broth?
This dish combines gooey cheese with tender, seasoned beef wrapped in golden, crispy bread. It’s like your go-to grilled cheese, but with a delightful twist. The surprise here? You get a warm dipping sauce on the side! Best part? You can whip it up using simple ingredients right from your pantry.
I stumbled upon this recipe while reminiscing about those family taco nights back in 2018. The first time I served it, my husband couldn’t stop smilingcheese and broth everywhere! The key I discovered? Use the leftover braising liquid to soak the bread for extra flavor. After years of perfecting these recipes, I promise this fun twist will have your family asking for more.
This birria grilled cheese recipe is a mouthwatering spin on a classic grilled cheese sandwich, featuring slow-cooked shredded beef drenched in rich red enchilada sauce. Enjoy a quesabirria grilled cheese loaded with queso fresco, mozzarella, and fresh cilantro, all pressed between buttery Texas toast for a crispy edge birria cheese toast experience. Perfect for fans of cheesy birria melts and dipping sauce birria grilled cheese treats, this homemade birria cheese sandwich brings a tasty Tex Mex birria sandwich right to your table.
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high and pour in the olive oil.
Once hot, add the chuck roast and brown each side for about 3 to 5 minutes just until it develops a nice crust.
Transfer the browned beef to a slow cooker, then sprinkle with beef bouillon powder and pour the red enchilada sauce over it.
Cover and let it cook on low for around 10 hours until the meat is tender and shreds easily.
After cooking, lift the roast out and pull it apart with two forks, then stir the shredded meat back into the cooking juices.
Set a skillet on medium-high heat to prepare for grilling the sandwiches.
Spread butter on one side of each slice of Texas toast evenly.
Place the bread butter-side down on the skillet, and while it cooks, build your sandwich by layering ½ cup shredded beef, about 1 tablespoon of diced onion, ¼ cup queso fresco, ¼ cup shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of cilantro on one slice.
Top with another buttered slice of bread, butter side up.
Lower heat to medium-low and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the bread turns golden and the cheese begins to melt.
Flip the sandwich carefully and cook another 5 to 7 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese is fully melted.
Remove the sandwich from the skillet using a spatula and repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Serve your birria grilled cheese sandwiches warm alongside some of the leftover cooking juices for delicious dipping.
Notes
*Using store-bought or premade shredded birria beef cuts down prep time to approximately 20 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cozy Comfort: Picture that crispy, cheesy goodness warming your heart like a hug on a chilly evening.
Ultimate Flavor: The combination of slow-cooked, savory beef and melty cheese is downright irresistible a perfect upgrade to your classic grilled cheese.
Perfect for Dipping: The leftover juices serve as a delicious dipping sauce, making every bite even more satisfying.
Family-Friendly: This hearty meal is sure to bring smiles to the dinner table, big or small!
Key Ingredients & Tools
To whip up this birria grilled cheese, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients and a few trusty tools:
Ingredients:
3 pounds chuck roast
1 can (28 ounces) red enchilada sauce
Onions, queso fresco, and mozzarella for that cheesy goodness
Cast-iron skillet for grilling the sandwiches to crispy perfection
Two forks for shredding the beef like a pro
How It Works Step-by-Step
Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in your cast-iron skillet. Sear the chuck roast on both sides until golden brown about 3-5 minutes each side.
Slow Cook: Transfer the seared beef into your slow cooker. Sprinkle bouillon and pour the enchilada sauce over it. Cover and cook on low for 10 hours until it’s juicy and tender.
Shred the Beef: Once cooked, remove the beef and shred it using two forks. Mix it back with the delicious juices in the slow cooker.
Grill It Up: Preheat your skillet over medium heat. Butter one side of Texas toast and arrange it in the skillet. Layer it with beef, cheese, and onions, then top it with another slice of bread, buttered side up.
Flip & Crunch: Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Don’t rush let that cheese melt beautifully inside!
Troubleshooting Tips
If the Cheese Doesn’t Melt: Lower the heat and cover the skillet for a few minutes to let the steam help melt the cheese.
For Extra Crispiness: Make sure to use enough butter and don’t overcrowd the skillet. Give each sandwich space to get that perfect crunch!
Too Dry? Add a bit of the leftover juices from the slow cooker to the sandwich or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side.
Tweaks & Variations
Feel free to get creative with your birria grilled cheese! Here are a few ideas:
Creamier Cheese: Mix in pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
Add Veggies: Toss in some sautéed peppers or mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor.
Herbs and Spices: Add a little cumin or paprika to the beef for added warmth and smokiness.
Ingredient
Suggested Swap
Chuck Roast
Brisket or Short Ribs
Queso Fresco
Feta or Goat Cheese
Texas Toast
Regular Bread or Ciabatta
Serving & Storage Tips
Serving: Serve your sandwiches hot, with the leftover juices on the side for dipping perfection!
Storing: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on a skillet to preserve that crispy texture.
Freezing: To freeze, separately store the meat and grilled sandwiches. Reheat and assemble when you’re ready to indulge.
Expert Says
Combining rich birria with gooey cheese in a BIRRIA GRILLED CHEESE creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The slow-cooked meat contributes collagen, lending a tender quality, while the high-fat content in the cheese not only enhances flavor but also aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, making each bite satisfying.
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The Journey to My Perfect Birria Grilled Cheese
After a few too many soggy attempts, this Birria Grilled Cheese finally came together just right! I learned the importance of letting the tortillas crisp adequately before adding that gooey melted cheese. Each bite now is a warm hug that takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where flavors were always worth the wait.
FAQs ( Birria Grilled Cheese )
What is birria and what are its main ingredients?
Birria is a flavorful Mexican stew traditionally made with beef, goat, or lamb, and is seasoned with spices like chili, cumin, and thyme. This dish is often served with broth and tortillas. It’s the star ingredient in many variations, including the grilled cheese sandwich version.
Can I make the birria ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the birria a day in advance, as the flavors improve overnight. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container and reheat when you’re ready to make your grilled cheese sandwiches.
What type of cheese is best for this sandwich?
For a perfect melt, use a combination of mozzarella and Oaxaca cheese. These cheeses provide great stretch and a mild flavor that complements the spices in the birria. Feel free to experiment with cheddar for added sharpness.
How do I make the dipping sauce?
The dipping sauce is simply the reserved birria broth. To enhance the flavor, add a squeeze of lime juice and some chopped onions. This adds a refreshing kick when dipped into the crispy grilled cheese.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add sautéed peppers, onions, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. These can be added to the grilled cheese for a delicious twist while keeping the flavors balanced.
Conclusion
You’ll love how this birria grilled cheese turns out golden, crispy edges, and gooey cheese that’s bursting with flavor! Perfect for a cozy dinner, it’s a comforting upgrade to a classic favorite. Cooking doesn’t get easier than this.
For a flavor twist, try adding a splash of hot sauce or swapping in pepper jack cheese for some extra zing! And don’t forget any leftovers are best reheated in a skillet for that delightful crunch. A trick I learned from my aunt’s kitchen!
Did you grow up enjoying cheesy delights like this? Share your kitchen stories or photos! I’d love to hear how your version turned out. Don’t forget to save this recipe to share with loved ones after all, happiness is best when it’s homemade!
