Birria Grilled Cheese with Au Jus Dipping Sauce

 So the other day I was on either Instagram or TikTok one, I don't remember, watching April from The Tipsy Housewife's stories from Disneyland, and she was eating something called a Birria Grilled Cheese.  Listen, when I tell you I did not hesitate to recreate this, I am in no way over exaggerating.  I knew instantly I needed to have it.  

I have an AMAZING recipe for Crockpot Birria Tacos that I will link (HERE), so the rest was as simple as deciding what bread and cheese I wanted to use.  I can't wait to share this one with you so...

Let's Get Started!  

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

• My Prepared BIRRIA TACO MEAT
• Thick Cut Texas Toast Style Bread
• Munster Cheese 
• Butter

BIRRIA MEAT INGREDIENTS:

• 1 3lb Chuck Roast, browed on all sides
• 3 Dried California Chilies
• 3 Dried Arbol Chilies
• 1 Onion, quartered
• 2 Carrots, cut into large sections
• 2 Celery Stalks, cut into large sections
• 6 tsp Garlic, minced
• 3 Bay Leaves
• 1 tsp Chili Powder
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 1 tsp Oregano
• 1 12 oz can of Tomato Paste
• 6-8 cups Beef Broth
• Salt to taste

WHAT IS BIRRIA TACO MEAT ANYWAY?

According to Wikipedia "Birria is a meat stew or soup made from goat, beef, lamb, mutton, or chicken. The meat is marinated in an adobo made of vinegar, dried chiles, garlic, and herbs and spices before being cooked in a broth. Birria is a Mexican dish from the state of Jalisco"  

WHAT MAKES BIRRIA MEAT SO SPECIAL?

So what makes Birria taco meat more special than other taco meat?  Well, if you are asking my professional opinion, I think it has a lot to do with all of the interesting, rich and bold flavors that develop during the stewing process.  This isn't just a slab of meat with some taco seasoning and beef broth.  There are unique spices that captivate the senses like none other.  

WHERE CAN I FIND THE CHILIES LISTED IN YOUR RECIPE?

There are two kinds of dried chilies that I list in my recipe for Crockpot Birria Tacos, California and Arbol Chilies.  You can usually find these chilies at your local ethinic market,  but if you live in a more rural area like I do, you can order them relatively inexpensively from AMAZON.  

Here is the affiliate link to the EXACT California chilies I used (HERE)

And here is the affiliate link to the Arbol Chilies I used (HERE).

And before you ask, YES!  Yes the chilies are a MUST for this recipe.  I mean sure, if you don't want to invest then use taco seasoning, but TRUST ME when I say it will not be the same.  

HOW TO MAKE BIRRIA GRILLED CHEESE WITH AU JUS DIPPING SAUCE:

1. Brown the chuck roast on all sides and place into the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chillies, tomato paste, and spices to the slow cooker.
3. Add the broth to the crockpot, cover, and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours.
4. After 8-10 hours remove the cooked beef from the slow cooker and shred.
5. Strain the broth from the vegetables and dried chillies into a bowl. Return the strained au jus (broth)           back to the crockpot and add the shredded beef.
6. Let the Munster Cheese and butter come to room temperature.
7. Slather both pieces of Texas Toast with butter.  Place butter side down into a hat pan.  Add 2 slices of cheese, top with shredded Birria beef that has been drained, add 2 more slices of cheese and top with the other slice of bread butter side up.  
8. Once the cheese has started to melt and butter turns golden brown and crips flip and allow the other side to cook.  
9. Serve with a side of the au jus broth to dip in and ENJOY!  

Happy Eating Y'all!

~The Kitchen Wife~

HERE'S THE PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD: