Disneyland's Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Treat yourself to the delicious Copycat Beef Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich from Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe at Disneyland! This tasty sandwich brings together tender beef birria, gooey cheese, and perfectly toasted bread for an unforgettable flavor combo. It's like bringing the magic of Disneyland right to your taste buds with the cozy comfort of a grilled cheese.

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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap "Jump to Recipe" at the top of the page.

About the Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Where to Get It at Disneyland

Disneyland just added a mouthwatering delight to its Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe seasonal offerings menu. Meet the Birria Toasted Cheese Sandwich, a fusion of savory beef birria and melted pepper jack cheese hugged by two slices of golden-brown sourdough.

It's a mix of tender beef slow-cooked in a blend of aromatic spices, then layered with tangy salsa verde and the creamy bite of pepper jack. This sandwich comes with a rich consommé soup for dipping, blending all the flavors in a symphony of taste, just like a beef quesabirria taco.

Imagine biting into this melty creation while surrounded by the enchantment of Disneyland – truly a memory to savor.

Ingredients Needed for Birria Beef

*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.

• Chuck Roast: The star of the dish, this cut of beef becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. You can substitute with another cut of beef like brisket, but chuck roast provides the best texture for birria.
• Beef Broth: Adds richness and depth to the cooking liquid. You can use homemade or store-bought broth, or substitute with water if needed.
• Chopped Onion: Adds sweetness and flavor to the sauce. Yellow or white onions work best.
• Dried Guajillo Chiles: These mild, slightly sweet chiles provide a rich, smoky flavor. You can substitute with ancho chiles or other dried mild chiles if needed.
• Diced Carrot: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce. You can skip this or use parsnips if you prefer.
• Minced Garlic: Essential for flavor; fresh garlic is ideal, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
• Spices: Ancho Chile Powder for mild, smoky heat. Cinnamon Stick for warmth and complexity. Mexican Oregano for a distinct herbal flavor. Bay Leaves for aromatic depth to the broth. Chicken Bouillon for richness. Kosher Salt for seasoning. Cumin for earthiness and warmth. And Ground Coriander to complement the cumin and add a citrusy note.
• Sliced Bread: Use a sturdy, buttery bread like brioche, sourdough, or a French baguette. You can use gluten-free bread if preferred.
• Sliced Cheese: A melty cheese like Oaxaca or mozzarella works best. You can use cheddar or Monterey Jack as a substitute, though the texture will vary.
• Green Chile Salsa: Adds a tangy, spicy kick to the sandwich. You can substitute with your favorite hot sauce or even pico de gallo if you prefer.

How to Make Disneyland's Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

[Step1] Start with a good chuck roast for that tender, juicy beef birria. Season the meat well with kosher salt to get all the flavors going. Next up, I sear each side in the Instant Pot until it's nice and brown. Taking that roast out and cutting it into big chunks is key.

[Step 2] Then, the magic happens. Sauté the onions and carrots right in that same Instant Pot for 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and spices, then cook for one more minute. Pour in the beef broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape the spices off the bottom of the pot. Then add the guajillo chilies, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves.

[Step 3] Place the chunks of beef back in, and let the pressure cooker do its thing on high for 40 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes. A slow cooker works too if that's what you have. You want that meat fork tender.

[Step 4] Remove the meat, peppers, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick from the consommé. Discard the peppers, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick and shred the meat with a fork. Use an immersion blender to combine the sauce ingredients, or remove and place in a counter-top blender. Return both the sauce and shredded beef to the Instant Pot.

[Step 5] For the Sandwiches: Mix the mayonnaise, garlic and salt in a small bowl then slather on one side of thick slices of sourdough. Trust me, it makes a difference. 

[Step 6] Lay a slice of bread, buttered side down, on a hot cast iron skillet or electric griddle. Layer on a slice pepper jack cheese, a scoop of delicious birria meat, a spoonful of salsa verde, and another slice of cheese. Top it with bread, butter side out. You'll know it's time to flip when that bottom slice turns golden brown. When both sides are crispy and the cheese is melting – it's sandwich perfection. And don't forget to dip your delicious grilled cheese sandwiches in the consommé soup. Every bite takes me back to Disneyland!

Helpful Kitchen Tools

• Instant Pot
• Cast Iron Skillet
• Electric Griddle

How to Store Leftover Shredded Beef Birria

To store leftover beef birria, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the birria for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply warm the beef in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through, adding a bit of beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

If you're reheating frozen birria, thaw it overnight in the fridge before warming it up. Once reheated, use it to make your grilled cheese sandwiches by adding the juicy, tender beef between slices of bread with cheese and grilling until golden and melty.

Other Ways to Use Beef Birria

• Birria Tacos: Stuff soft corn tortillas with the juicy beef, top with onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a classic taco experience.
• Birria Quesadillas: Load up tortillas with beef and cheese, then crisp them up in a pan for cheesy, savory quesadillas.
• Birria Nachos: Pile tortilla chips with beef birria, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings like sour cream and guacamole for a nacho feast.
• Birria Burritos: Wrap beef birria, rice, beans, and cheese in a tortilla for a hearty, satisfying burrito.
• Birria Soup: Use the beef and broth to make a delicious, comforting soup—perfect for dipping tortillas or bread.
• Birria Tostadas: Crisp up some tostada shells, then top with birria, shredded lettuce, and a drizzle of crema for a crunchy, tasty treat.
• Birria Empanadas: Stuff empanada dough with beef birria for a handheld, savory snack.
• Birria Pizza: Spread birria over pizza dough, add cheese and bake for a unique and delicious pizza variation.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different type of cheese for the Birria Grilled Cheese? Absolutely, feel free to use Monterey Jack or cheddar if you prefer a milder taste. Pepper Jack adds a hint of heat, so pick cheese that suits your palate.
• What if I don't have an Instant Pot for the beef birria? That’s not a problem at all. You can cook the beef slowly on the stovetop or use a slow cooker. Low and slow is the key for tender beef, aiming for around 8 hours in a slow cooker or 3-4 hours on low heat on the stove.
• How do I get my Birria Grilled Cheese crispy but the meat tender? Start with a preheated pan over medium heat. That's the secret to achieving that desired crunch. Cook slowly, allowing the cheese to melt and the bread to crisp up without burning. For the beef, slow cooking makes it fork tender, ready to melt in your mouth with each bite of this scrumptious sandwich.

More Recipes to Try:

• Toy Story Land Grilled Cheese
• Disneyland's Cheesy Enchilada Soup
• Grinder Salad Sandwich
• Cheeseburger Sloppy Joes

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