Disneyland-Inspired Beef Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Welcome to the world of magic where you can recreate the enchanting flavors of Disneyland right in your kitchen with the Copycat Disneyland Beef Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Inspired by the legendary sandwich that has the internet buzzing, this recipe promises to bring the taste of the theme park directly to your taste buds without the long lines or hefty prices.

Picture this – succulent slow-cooked beef bathed in spiced enchilada sauce, nestled between slices of sourdough bread with gooey pepper jack cheese, and a dollop of tangy salsa verde. As you grill this masterpiece, the cheese melts into a golden, crispy perfection, offering a symphony of textures and flavors in every bite. The sandwich that made my brother-in-law’s eyes widen with delight and had my Disney-enthusiast neighbor begging for more, is now within your reach.

Learning from trial and error, I discovered that patience is key to achieving that fall-apart tender beef, and that the salsa verde is indeed the secret ingredient that elevates this sandwich to a whole new level. Whether you’re planning a special family dinner or looking to impress your Disney-loving friends at a gathering, this recipe is sure to make you a star in your own kitchen. So, roll up your sleeves, get ready to savor the magic, and let’s dive into creating a culinary masterpiece that will transport you to the happiest place on earth with every delicious bite.

Quick Benefits

• Recreates the famous beef birria grilled cheese sandwich from Disneyland at a fraction of the cost
• Incredibly tender and flavorful slow-cooked beef in spiced enchilada sauce
• Perfect contrast of textures with melty cheese and crispy sourdough bread
• Versatile recipe with variations like adding pickled jalapeños or trying different cheeses

Why You’ll Love This Disneyland-Inspired Beef Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

• Authentic Disneyland Experience at Home
• Incredible Flavor and Texture
• Versatile and Customizable
• Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly
• Enhanced Eating Experience

Ingredients for Disneyland-Inspired Beef Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich

For the Beef

• ½ tablespoon salt
• 2 bay leaves
• ½ tablespoon black pepper
• 4 pounds top round roast, cut into 3 pieces
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 (28 ounce) can enchilada sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 3 cups beef stock, divided
• 1 large onion, cut into 4 pieces
• 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

For the Grilled Cheese Sandwich

• 1 (16 ounce) jar salsa verde (about 1 tablespoon per sandwich)
• Butter, softened
• 20 slices sourdough bread
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped (about 1 teaspoon per sandwich)
• 30 slices pepper jack cheese

How to Make Disneyland-Inspired Beef Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Step 1: Prepare the beef

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut beef into 3 large pieces. In a large Dutch oven, combine enchilada sauce, oregano, cumin, ginger, 1 cup beef stock, apple cider vinegar, onion, garlic, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Cook the beef

Place the beef in the sauce mixture, cover, and bake for 3½ hours or until the beef is easily shredded.

Step 3: Shred and finish beef

Shred the beef and return it to the Dutch oven. Stir in the remaining 2 cups of beef stock.

Step 4: Prepare sandwich

Spread butter on one side of two slices of sourdough bread. Heat skillet or griddle over medium heat.

Step 5: Start grilling

Lay both slices of bread, buttered side down, on a hot skillet. Top each slice with 1½ slices of pepper jack cheese.

Step 6: Add filling and finish

Place shredded beef on top of cheese using tongs, then spoon salsa verde over beef and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Top with another bread slice and grill until golden brown and crunchy. Repeat for remaining sandwiches.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the copycat Disneyland beef birria grilled cheese sandwiches, storing the leftover cooked beef is simple. The shredded beef can be kept in the refrigerator for about 5 days, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify over time. If you have more than needed for immediate consumption, consider portioning and freezing the shredded beef for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy the delicious beef birria grilled cheese sandwiches at a later time without the need to cook the beef from scratch.

While the sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh to savor the contrast of textures and flavors, you can also prep the components ahead of time for a quick assembly when you’re ready to eat. By having the beef, cheese, and bread ready to go, you can effortlessly put together and grill the sandwiches whenever you’re craving that theme park magic in the comfort of your own home. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a quick and satisfying meal, having the components prepped and stored properly allows you to enjoy the copycat Disneyland beef birria grilled cheese sandwiches whenever the mood strikes.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make a vegetarian version of this sandwich, you can substitute the beef with jackfruit or portobello mushrooms for a similar texture and savory flavor profile. Alternatively, you could use seitan or tempeh as a meat substitute for a protein-packed alternative.

For a gluten-free option, you can replace the sourdough bread with your favorite gluten-free bread or even use corn tortillas to make birria quesadillas instead of sandwiches. Make sure to check that all your other ingredients, such as the beef stock and enchilada sauce, are also gluten-free if needed.

If you want to experiment with different flavors, you can try using different types of cheese like mozzarella or gouda for a unique twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. Additionally, adding roasted bell peppers, caramelized onions, or avocado slices can bring extra layers of flavor and texture to your sandwich.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist, try serving the Copycat Disneyland Beef Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich as sliders for a party or gathering. Cut the sandwiches into smaller portions and secure each one with a toothpick adorned with a colorful flag for easy grabbing and eating. The mini versions are perfect for guests to enjoy without feeling too full, allowing them to savor the rich flavors in a more manageable size.

To elevate the dining experience, consider serving the grilled cheese sandwiches with a side of homemade birria consommé in shot glasses for dipping. The flavorful broth will add an extra layer of richness and depth to each bite, creating a truly immersive dining experience reminiscent of enjoying this iconic dish at Disneyland. Guests can dip their sandwiches or sip the consommé separately, adding a interactive and customizable element to the meal.

FAQs for Disneyland-Inspired Beef Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Can I substitute the top round roast with a different cut of beef?

While top round roast works best for this recipe due to its lean and mildly flavored meat, you can also use chuck roast or brisket for a more tender and flavorful result.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker instead of on the stovetop?

Yes, you can transfer the beef and sauce to a slow cooker after searing and cooking the initial ingredients on the stovetop. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender and shreds easily.

Can I omit the salsa verde from the sandwich?

The salsa verde adds a tangy and bright flavor to the sandwich that complements the richness of the beef and cheese. While you can omit it, the sandwich may lack that special element that makes it unique.

How can I reheat leftover sandwiches?

To reheat leftover sandwiches, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a lid to help melt the cheese and crisp up the bread. Alternatively, you can use a panini press for a faster reheating process.

Conclusion

As you embark on creating your own version of the Copycat Disneyland Beef Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich, remember that the heart of this recipe lies in the slow-cooked, tender beef and the layers of melty cheese and tangy salsa verde. Take your time to let the flavors meld together and trust the process – the end result will be well worth the effort!

Whether you’re reminiscing about a magical trip to Disneyland or simply craving a comforting and indulgent meal, this sandwich is sure to bring a smile to your face with each bite. Get creative with your toppings and sides, and don’t be afraid to put your own spin on this beloved recipe. The joy of cooking is all about making it your own and sharing that delicious experience with those you love. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to savor a taste of Disney magic right in your own home with this unforgettable Copycat Disneyland Beef Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Enjoy!

Disneyland-Inspired Beef Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich

“Recreate the magic of Disneyland with this mouthwatering Beef Birria Grilled Cheese, featuring tender beef, melty pepper jack, and tangy salsa verde on golden sourdough.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time30 Minutes

Cook Time240 Minutes

Total Time270 Minutes

CuisineMexican-American

Skill LevelEasy

Servings10 Servings (10 sandwiches)

Ingredients

For the Beef

• ½ tablespoon salt
• 2 bay leaves
• ½ tablespoon black pepper
• 4 pounds top round roast, cut into 3 pieces
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 (28 ounce) can enchilada sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 3 cups beef stock, divided
• 1 large onion, cut into 4 pieces
• 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

For the Grilled Cheese Sandwich

• 1 (16 ounce) jar salsa verde (about 1 tablespoon per sandwich)
• Butter, softened
• 20 slices sourdough bread
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped (about 1 teaspoon per sandwich)
• 30 slices pepper jack cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut beef into 3 large pieces. In a large Dutch oven, combine enchilada sauce, oregano, cumin, ginger, 1 cup beef stock, apple cider vinegar, onion, garlic, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the beef: Place the beef in the sauce mixture, cover, and bake for 3½ hours or until the beef is easily shredded.
3. Shred and finish beef: Shred the beef and return it to the Dutch oven. Stir in the remaining 2 cups of beef stock.
4. Prepare sandwich: Spread butter on one side of two slices of sourdough bread. Heat skillet or griddle over medium heat.
5. Start grilling: Lay both slices of bread, buttered side down, on a hot skillet. Top each slice with 1½ slices of pepper jack cheese.
6. Add filling and finish: Place shredded beef on top of cheese using tongs, then spoon salsa verde over beef and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Top with another bread slice and grill until golden brown and crunchy. Repeat for remaining sandwiches.