Disneyland Beef Birria Grilled Cheese

This copycat Disneyland beef birria grilled cheese sandwich brings the magic of the park right to your kitchen with piles of juicy shredded beef and melty pepper jack packed between crunchy, golden sourdough. It is made to feed a crowd and is perfect for family weekends or parties whenever you crave a little theme park fun at home.

I first made this when I was missing Disneyland lunches and now it is my go to recipe for impressing friends or indulging on comfort food nights. Nobody can believe how close this tastes to the real thing.

Ingredients

• Top round roast: This cut shreds beautifully when slow cooked so be sure to get a well marbled piece for extra flavor
• Enchilada sauce: Look for one with simple ingredients for the most authentic taste or try a homemade batch if you have time
• Dried oregano: Brightens the beef and balances heavier spices purchase from a shop with high turnover to ensure it is fragrant and vivid green
• Ground cumin: Gives the essential earthy base to the birria use freshly ground for biggest punch
• Ground ginger: Adds a unique warmth go for ground ginger that smells potent
• Beef stock: Use a rich stock for best results homemade or a good quality boxed brand makes a difference
• Apple cider vinegar: Breaks down the beef fibers and adds tanginess choose an unfiltered variety for depth
• Large onion and garlic: These aromatics meld into the sauce during roasting for maximum flavor choose fresh firm onions and plump garlic cloves
• Bay leaves: Bring a subtle layer of herbal flavor always buy whole leaves that snap cleanly
• Salt and black pepper: To bring everything together freshly cracked pepper makes a world of difference
• Sourdough bread: Tangy chewy slices that crisp up beautifully pick a sturdy fresh loaf
• Pepper jack cheese: Melts creamy with a faint spicy kick go for a deli sliced cheese for the best melt and stretch
• Salsa verde: Adds acidity and brightness to the richness jarred or fresh both work as long as it is zippy
• Fresh cilantro: Gives a pop of herbal color stick with vibrant green leaves
• Butter: Helps caramelize the crust for a golden crunch use real butter for the best flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Beef:

Cut the top round roast into three even pieces This gives more surface for browning and helps the flavors soak in

Combine Ingredients:

In a large Dutch oven gently stir in the enchilada sauce dried oregano cumin ground ginger one cup beef stock apple cider vinegar onion garlic bay leaves salt and pepper Give everything a quick mix

Add Beef to Pot:

Nestle the beef pieces into the sauce making sure they are almost fully submerged This ensures each piece gets a flavorful bath

Slow Roast the Beef:

Cover the Dutch oven tightly Bake at 350 degrees for about three and a half hours or until the meat is fork tender and shreds with no effort This develops all the rich flavors

Shred and Moisten:

Take the beef out and shred fully using two forks Return the shredded beef and juices to the pot and stir in the last two cups of beef stock This gives that juicy sandwich stuffing

Butter the Bread:

Spread a generous layer of softened butter on one side of each sourdough slice This will give the iconic golden crunchy texture

Build the Sandwich:

On a hot griddle or skillet lay down two slices of bread buttered side down Pile one and a half slices of pepper jack cheese on each slice

Add Beef and Extras:

Top the cheese with a hearty tangle of hot birria beef Add a spoonful of salsa verde then sprinkle with fresh cilantro for brightness

Grill to Golden Brown:

Lay the second slice of bread on top and grill Flip as needed until both sides are deeply golden and crisp and the cheese is melted Remove and repeat for each sandwich

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I absolutely love watching the cheese stretch out with every bite and the smell of the beef roasting always takes me back to a fun vacation memory with my family. This recipe has become our snow day tradition and everyone gathers in the kitchen as the sandwiches come off the skillet.

Storage Tips

You can cook the beef up to three days before building the sandwiches. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of stock. Fully assembled grilled cheese sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh but leftover sandwiches can be wrapped tightly and reheated in a skillet to recapture the crispy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have top round roast you can use brisket chuck or even boneless short ribs. For a lighter take shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked pork shoulder work beautifully in the same sauce. Any sturdy white bread can swap for sourdough in a pinch and Monterey Jack cheese is a mild substitute for pepper jack if you want less spice.

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Serving Suggestions

These sandwiches make a feast on their own but are also great with a simple avocado salad a handful of tortilla chips or a cup of cold agua fresca. Cut the sandwiches in halves or quarters for sharing at parties. For extra decadence serve a small bowl of the beef juices alongside for dipping.

Cultural Context

Birria originally comes from Jalisco Mexico where it is classically made as a celebratory meal. Disneyland brought it to national fame by turning the spicy beef stew into a gooey grilled cheese and now everyone can try it even if you never make it to the park. This sandwich is a fusion of comfort food and authentic flavor.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should the beef cook for tender results?

Bake the beef covered for about 3½ hours, or until it's easily shredded with a fork. This slow process allows maximum flavor and tenderness.

→ Which bread works best for this sandwich?

Sourdough is recommended for its sturdy texture and tangy flavor, but any artisan bread with a crisp crust can be used.

→ Can another cheese be used instead of pepper jack?

Absolutely! Monterey jack, cheddar, or a blend of melty cheeses work well, though pepper jack adds a gentle kick and extra creaminess.

→ What's the purpose of salsa verde in the sandwich?

Salsa verde adds brightness and acidity, balancing the savory richness of the birria beef and cheese for a more layered flavor.

→ How can leftovers be stored and reheated?

Wrap leftover sandwiches tightly and refrigerate. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to regain crispness and melty cheese texture.

→ Is it possible to prepare the beef ahead?

Definitely. Cook and shred the beef in advance, then store in its juices. Assemble and grill sandwiches just before serving for best results.