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Birria Grilled Cheese Recipe

Birria Grilled Cheese Recipe


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4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 hours
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Spicy Mexican birria grilled cheese melds rich, tender braised beef with melted cheese in a crispy, golden sandwich. Comfort meets culinary excitement as traditional birria flavors elevate this classic American favorite, promising you a mouthwatering experience with each savory bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 56 Beef Short Ribs

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1.5 tablespoons Kosher Salt
  • 2 tablespoons Black Pepper
  • 1.5 tablespoons Garlic Powder
  • 1.5 tablespoons Mexican Oregano
  • 1 tablespoon Sea Salt

Chiles and Aromatics:

  • 3 Ancho Chiles (stemmed & seeded)
  • 3 Guajillo Chiles (stemmed & seeded)
  • 0.5 White Onion (sliced)
  • 0.5 cup Red Onions (chopped)
  • 810 Garlic Cloves
  • 2 Cinnamon Sticks
  • 2 Bay Leaves

Additional Ingredients:

  • Canola Oil (as needed)
  • 2 cups Water
  • 23 cups Beef Broth
  • 3 cups Shredded Jack Cheese
  • 0.5 cup Cilantro (chopped)
  • Thick Cut Sliced Bread

Instructions

  1. Fire up the grill to 375°F and heat a Dutch oven for 3-4 minutes to prepare for the chile roasting process.
  2. Carefully char ancho and guajillo chiles along with garlic cloves in the Dutch oven for 30-45 seconds per side, developing deep, smoky flavors. Pour water and simmer for 7-8 minutes, then remove from heat.
  3. Transform the roasted chiles, garlic, onion, and chipotle into a silky, vibrant sauce by blending until completely smooth. Transfer the mixture to a separate bowl.
  4. Generously season short ribs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear the meat in the Dutch oven until achieving a rich, caramelized exterior. Introduce the chile paste, beef broth, and braising seasonings, then slow-cook for 3.5-4.5 hours until meat becomes incredibly tender.
  5. Remove bones, bay leaves, and cinnamon sticks from the braised meat. Strain the sauce to create a pristine consommé, then meticulously shred the beef into succulent pieces.
  6. Heat a skillet with oil and butter. Construct the grilled cheese by layering bread, cheese, shredded beef, and additional cheese. Grill until achieving a golden-brown, crispy exterior on both sides.
  7. Present the grilled cheese alongside the consommé, garnishing with fresh red onions and chopped cilantro for a vibrant, aromatic finish.

Notes

  • Choose short ribs with good marbling for extra tenderness and rich flavor that melts in your mouth during slow cooking.
  • Toast chilies carefully to release deep, smoky aromatics without burning, which can create bitter undertones in the sauce.
  • Strain the consommé through a fine-mesh sieve to ensure a silky, clean broth without any unwanted beef bits or spice particles.
  • Try cheese varieties like Oaxaca, Chihuahua, or monterey jack for different melting characteristics and flavor profiles in the grilled cheese.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 650 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 1200 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 45 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg