Combine the bold flavors of traditional birria with the cheesy indulgence of pizza in this exciting fusion dish.
Birria pizza features tender, slow-cooked beef, a rich consomé sauce, and gooey melted cheese on a crispy crust.
It’s a perfect choice for parties, family dinners, or a creative way to enjoy leftovers.
Pair it with a side of lime wedges and fresh cilantro for an unforgettable meal.
Recipe Information
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cooking Time: 4 hours (for birria) + 20 minutes (for pizza)
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican Fusion
- Servings: 4-6
- Calories: 550 per slice
- Estimated Cost: $20
Equipment Needed
- Dutch oven or slow cooker (for birria)
- Large skillet
- Rolling pin (optional, if making homemade dough)
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Tongs
- Basting brush
- Measuring cups and spoons
Nutritional Information (Per Slice)
- Calories: 550
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 28g
Ingredients List
For the Birria
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast or short ribs
- 2 dried guajillo chiles (seeded)
- 2 dried ancho chiles (seeded)
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
- 1 medium onion (quartered)
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pizza
- 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup birria consomé (strained broth)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup cooked birria meat (shredded)
- ½ medium red onion (sliced thinly)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Birria
Toast the guajillo and ancho chiles in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant. Soak them in hot water for 10 minutes.
Blend the soaked chiles with the chipotle pepper, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, and 1 cup of beef broth until smooth.
Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear it in a Dutch oven until browned on all sides.
Pour the blended sauce over the beef. Add the remaining beef broth, cumin, oregano, and bay leaf.
Cover and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours (or 8 hours in a slow cooker) until the meat is tender and easily shreds. Remove the meat and strain the consomé for later use.
Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Base
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a baking sheet or parchment paper.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
Brush a thin layer of birria consomé onto the pizza dough.
Sprinkle an even layer of mozzarella and Oaxaca cheese over the dough.
Add the shredded birria meat and sliced red onion.
Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Drizzle a small amount of consomé over the baked pizza for extra flavor.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Slice and enjoy while warm, with extra consomé for dipping.
Cooking Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare the birria meat and consomé in advance to save time on pizza night.
- Crispier Crust: Preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone to achieve a perfectly crispy base.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chipotle and ancho chiles to your desired heat level.
Alternative Ingredients for Birria Pizza
Birria pizza is wonderfully versatile, allowing for substitutions to suit dietary preferences, ingredient availability, or a creative twist. If beef isn’t your preference, you can use chicken, lamb, or even pork as the base for the birria.
Vegetarian options include using jackfruit or shredded portobello mushrooms, which absorb the flavors of the birria sauce beautifully.
For the consomé, replace beef broth with vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian-friendly while maintaining a flavorful sauce.
When it comes to the cheese, feel free to experiment with different types. Traditional mozzarella can be swapped for cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked gouda for a more distinct flavor profile. Dairy-free or plant-based cheeses are excellent options for those avoiding dairy.
Instead of pizza dough, consider using naan bread, tortillas, or even cauliflower crusts for a gluten-free or low-carb version. For added toppings, roasted bell peppers, jalapeños, or a drizzle of avocado crema can elevate the pizza while complementing the bold birria flavors.
The Bottom Line
Birria pizza is a creative fusion dish that blends rich, flavorful ingredients into a satisfying meal. With its tender meat, savory consomé, and gooey cheese on a crisp crust, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress.
The flexibility of its ingredients allows you to customize the recipe, ensuring it suits your preferences while maintaining its delicious essence.
