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Birria Grilled Cheese Recipe

Birria Grilled Cheese Recipe - Simple Easy Meals

Before diving into the magic of birria grilled cheese, let’s consider what might complement this delectable dish. It’s all about balance, right? 
First off, a refreshing avocado salad can provide a cool contrast to the rich flavors. The creaminess of the avocado pairs excellently with the spicy elements in the grilled cheese.
Next, think about a side of pickled vegetables. They add a crunch and a tang that cuts through the richness, refreshing your palate between bites.Lastly, a hearty salsa fresca is a must. Fresh tomatoes, cilantro, lime, and onions make a vibrant dip, enhancing the flavor of the sandwich even more. Now that we’ve covered our bases, let’s dig into this amazing dish!
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 5 hours
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 417
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chiles:
  • 3 Ancho Dried Chiles, stemmed and seeds removed
  • 3 Guajillo Dried Chiles, stemmed and seeds removed
  • 1/4 cup Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce
  • 1/2 White Onion, thinly sliced
  • 8-10 Fresh Garlic Cloves
  • 2 cups Hot Water
Beef:
  • 5-6 Bone-In Beef Short Ribs
  • 1 1/2 tbsp Coarse Kosher Salt
  • 1 1/2 tbsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 1/2 tbsp Onion Powder
  • Canola or Vegetable Oil for searing
Braising + Seasonings:
  • 2-3 cups Rich Beef Broth
  • 1 1/2 tbsp Mexican Oregano
  • 2 tbsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 tbsp Sea Salt
  • 2 Cinnamon Sticks
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
Grilled Cheese:
  • 3 cups Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Finely Chopped Red Onion
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro, roughly chopped
  • Thick Sliced Bread, lightly toasted
  • 1 tbsp Butter

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Birria
  1. Start by soaking the dried chiles. Place them in a bowl of hot water for about 20 minutes until they soften. Once they’re pliable, toss them into a blender along with the chipotle peppers, garlic, onion, and hot water. Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Step 2: Sear the Meat
  1. Next, heat your oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef short ribs with salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Sear the meat on all sides until browned. This step is vital; it locks in the flavors.
Step 3: Braise with Flavors
  1. Add the blended chili mixture to the pot, followed by the rich beef broth, oregano, additional black pepper, sea salt, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, and brown sugar.
    Stir everything together and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cover, letting the beef braise for about 3-4 hours until it's tender and falling off the bone.
Step 4: Assemble the Grilled Cheese
  1. Once your birria is cooked to perfection, shred the meat. Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly butter one side of your bread slices. On the unbuttered side, layer shredded beef, cheese, onions, and cilantro. Top with another slice of bread, buttered side up.
Step 5: Grill Away
  1. Place your sandwich in the skillet, flipping after a few minutes once the bread is golden brown. Continue grilling until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is crispy all over.
Step 6: Serve
  1. Slice it in half, let the cheesy goodness ooze out, and enjoy every bite. Dip into the leftover birria broth for that extra flavor hit.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh spices and quality beef for the best flavor. Cheap ingredients will give you less than stellar results.
  • Don’t Rush the Braising: Allowing the beef to braise for the recommended time is key to developing deep flavors.
  • Experiment with Cheese: While Monterey Jack is fantastic, don’t shy away from trying other melting cheeses like Oaxaca or even sharp cheddar for a unique twist.
  • Save Your Broth: Use any remaining birria broth as a dipping sauce. It elevates the whole eating experience.
  • Toast Your Bread Right: Ensure the bread is toasted to a perfect crunch before grilling to prevent sogginess.