Ingredients
Scale
For the Birria
- 2 pounds halal beef chuck or short ribs, cut into chunks
- 3 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded
- 2 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded
- 2 dried pasilla chilies, stemmed and seeded
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cups beef broth (halal-certified)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Grilled Cheese
- 12 slices of bread (sourdough, brioche, or your choice)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced onions
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Birria
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chilies for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Place the toasted chilies in a bowl, cover with hot water, and let them soak for 10-15 minutes.
- In a blender, combine the soaked chilies, garlic, onion, tomato, apple cider vinegar, cumin, paprika, and oregano. Blend until smooth.
Step 2: Cook the Birria
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks and sear on all sides until browned.
- Pour the chili mixture over the beef, add the cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and shreds easily.
Step 3: Prepare the Consommé
- Strain the birria cooking liquid into a separate bowl to create the consommé. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Keep the consommé warm for serving as a dipping sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
- Butter one side of each bread slice. Place a slice of bread, butter-side down, in a hot skillet or griddle.
- Sprinkle a mix of mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheese onto the bread, then add a layer of shredded birria beef.
- Top with another slice of bread, butter-side up. Grill the sandwich for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Step 5: Serve
- Slice the sandwiches in half and serve immediately with a small bowl of consommé for dipping. Garnish with chopped cilantro and diced onions if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours (for birria) + 10 minutes (for sandwiches)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich with consommé for dipping
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g