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Birria Pizza Recipe

Birria Pizza

A fusion of traditional Mexican Birria and pizza, combining savory beef with melted cheese and crispy tortillas.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Assembling & Baking 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Fusion, Mexican
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Birria Beef
  • 2.5 lbs beef chuck roast or short ribs, or brisket
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 5 dried guajillo chiles stems and seeds removed
  • 3 dried ancho chiles stems and seeds removed
  • 2 dried chiles de árbol optional, for heat
  • 1 medium onion quartered
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 1 Roma tomato
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon optional but authentic
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons oil for searing
For the Pizza Assembly
  • 4 large burrito-size flour tortillas 10–12 inch
  • 2.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese optional mix
  • 0.25 cup birria oil from the beef — orange-red layer of fat
  • Fresh cilantro and diced onions optional for garnish
  • Lime wedges optional for serving

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Blender
  • Dutch Oven

Method
 

  1. Toast the dried guajillo, ancho, and chile de árbol in a skillet for 30 seconds per side until fragrant.
  2. Boil them in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes to soften, then transfer to a blender.
  3. Add onion, tomato, garlic, vinegar, cumin, oregano, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Blend into a smooth sauce.
  4. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks until browned on all sides.
  5. Pour in your blended chile sauce and the beef broth. Add bay leaves.
  6. Cover and simmer on low for 2½–3 hours (or pressure cook 1 hour) until the meat is tender and easily shredded.
  7. Shred the beef with forks and separate about ¼ cup of the orange-red birria oil floating on top for cooking.
  8. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and brush with some birria oil.
  9. Lay down one tortilla and brush the top lightly with more birria oil.
  10. Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese (about 1 cup).
  11. Add a thick layer of shredded birria beef evenly across the surface.
  12. Top with a second layer of cheese (another cup) and place a second tortilla on top.
  13. Brush the top tortilla with birria oil to help it crisp and get that signature orange color.
  14. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing lightly, until both sides are golden, crispy, and the cheese is melted through.
  15. Let it rest for 2 minutes before slicing into 8 wedges.
  16. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and diced onion if desired.
  17. Serve hot with a side of birria consomé for dipping.
  18. Add a squeeze of lime before eating.

Notes

This Birria Pizza is a delicious fusion of Mexican flavors and Italian pizza. The rich, spicy birria beef pairs wonderfully with melted cheese and a crispy tortilla base. Customize with your favorite toppings and serve with a side of consomé.