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Birria Grilled Cheese Recipe

Birria Grilled Cheese Recipe - Delicious Meal Ideas

In a world where comfort food reigns supreme, finding the perfect balance between savory and cheesy is like striking gold. When I stumbled upon birria grilled cheese, I knew I had found a dish that would not just fill my belly but also ignite my taste buds. 
Picture this: hot, tender beef nestled between gooey melted cheese, all sandwiched between thick slices of crispy bread. It’s a culinary masterpiece born from the rich traditions of Mexican cuisine, now infused with the beloved concept of grilled cheese. Buckle up for a mouthwatering journey through the flavors and techniques that make this dish a standout.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 800
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chiles:
  • 3 ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
  • 3 guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
  • 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 1/2 white onion, thinly sliced
  • 8-10 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 2 cups water or beef broth for richer flavor
Braising + Seasonings:
  • 2-3 cups beef broth or more for desired braising liquid
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Mexican oregano
  • 2 tablespoons ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sea salt or adjust to taste
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 bay leaves
Beef:
  • 5-6 beef short ribs
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • Canola oil, as needed for searing
Grilled Cheese:
  • 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese or a mix of Monterey Jack and Pepper Jack for a spicy kick
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Thick-cut sliced bread sourdough or rustic bread works well
Additional Flavor Enhancements:
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika to complement the chiles
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice for a zesty finish

Method
 

Step 1: Preparing the Birria
  1. Start by rehydrating the dried chiles. Place the ancho and guajillo chiles in a pot of hot water. Let them soak for about 15-20 minutes until they soften. Once ready, blend them in a blender with the chipotle peppers, sliced onion, garlic cloves, and 2 cups of water (or beef broth). Blend until smooth, creating a vibrant red sauce.
Step 2: Braising the Beef
  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some canola oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef short ribs with kosher salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear each side until browned. This step locks in moisture and flavor. Remove the beef from the pot once browned.
    Pour the chile sauce into the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Add the seared beef back to the pot along with the beef broth, oregano, pepper, salt, cinnamon sticks, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Allow the beef to cook for about 3-4 hours, or until it's super tender and falling apart.
Step 3: Shredding the Beef
  1. Once cooked, carefully remove the beef from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the beef with two forks. It should fall apart effortlessly, soaking up all those incredible flavors. Strain the remaining liquid if you wish for a cleaner broth, retaining some for dipping later.
Step 4: Assembling the Sandwich
  1. Now it’s time for the fun part. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Butter one side of your chosen bread and place it butter-side down in the skillet. On the unbuttered side, layer a generous amount of shredded beef followed by a heap of cheese. Sprinkle red onion and cilantro on top. If you like a bit of heat, add some sliced jalapeños. Place another slice of bread on top, buttered-side up.
Step 5: Grilling the Sandwich
  1. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side, or until golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip it over and grill the other side until the cheese melts completely and the outside is equally golden. Feel free to press down with a spatula to help it along.
Step 6: Serving it Up
  1. Once your birria grilled cheese is ready, remove it from the skillet. Cut it in half and serve it warm, perhaps with a side of the rich braising liquid for dipping. You can also top it with additional cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for an added zing.

Notes

  • Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality beef short ribs and cheese. It makes a noticeable difference.
  • Don’t Rush the Braise: Patience is key. Low and slow cooking allows for maximum flavor extraction.
  • Crispy Bread: Use thick, sturdy bread to contain the cheese and fillings without falling apart.
  • Customize Fillings: Feel free to add extra ingredients like avocado or even roasted peppers for added flavor.
  • Grill It Right: Ensure your skillet is hot enough to create a crispy crust without burning the bread.