The Ultimate Guide to Birria Pizza: Recipe, Tips, and Variations

What is Birria Pizza?

Birria pizza is a delicious fusion of Mexican and Italian cuisine, combining traditional birria’s bold, slow-cooked flavors with the crispy, cheesy goodness of pizza. This dish takes tender, marinated beef or goat birria and layers it over a crispy pizza crust, usually topped with melted cheese and a flavorful consommé for dipping. The result? It is a rich, savory experience that blends the best of both worlds.

The Origins of Birria Pizza

Birria itself originates from Jalisco, Mexico, where it was traditionally made with goat meat and slow-cooked in a spiced broth. In recent years, birria has surged in popularity, especially in the United States, inspiring creative variations beyond the classic birria taco. Birria pizza emerged as part of this trend, likely influenced by food trucks and social media chefs experimenting with ways to enjoy the rich flavors of birria in different formats. This fusion dish retains the essence of traditional birria while introducing a new way to enjoy it—on a cheesy, crispy crust.

How Birria Pizza Differs from Birria Tacos

While birria tacos are made by dipping tortillas in consommé before grilling them with cheese and birria meat, birria pizza offers a more structured base. Instead of tortillas, a pizza crust (sometimes flour tortillas or flatbreads) serves as the foundation, making it crispier and more filling. The cheese also plays a more significant role, creating a gooey layer that complements the rich birria flavors.

Ingredients for the Perfect Birria Pizza:

Crafting the perfect birria pizza starts with two key components: the rich, flavorful birria meat and a crispy, cheesy pizza base. Using high-quality ingredients will ensure your pizza is packed with authentic Mexican flavors.

Essential Ingredients for Birria Meat

Ingredient	Purpose
Beef or Goat (chuck roast, short ribs, or traditional goat meat)	Provides tender, flavorful meat after slow cooking
Dried Chiles (guajillo, ancho, chipotle)	Adds smoky, spicy depth to the broth
Aromatics & Spices (garlic, onions, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, cloves)	Enhances the richness of the marinade
Vinegar & Tomatoes	Balances the flavors with acidity
Consommé (Birria Broth)	Used for dipping and drizzling over the pizza

Key Ingredients for the Pizza Base

Ingredient	Purpose
Pizza Dough or Flatbread	Serves as a sturdy base for the toppings
Cheese (Oaxaca, Mozzarella, or Mexican Blend)	Melts beautifully for a gooey, stretchy texture
Fresh Cilantro & Diced Onions	Adds brightness and a fresh finish
Jalapeños (optional)	Gives a spicy kick
Consommé Drizzle	Keeps the pizza moist and full of flavor

Using these ingredients, you can create a birria pizza that’s juicy, cheesy, and packed with authentic Mexican flavor. Now, let’s start cooking!

How to Make Birria Meat (Step-by-Step):

Making the birria meat is the heart of this recipe. Its rich, tender texture and flavorful broth will elevate your pizza. Follow these steps to create the perfect birria.

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by preparing the marinade, infusing the meat with deep, smoky flavors. Here’s how:

1. Toast the Chiles: Remove the stems and seeds from the guajillo, ancho, and chipotle chiles. Heat them in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes to bring out their flavor, then soak them in warm water for 10–15 minutes.
2. Blend the Marinade: In a blender, combine the soaked chiles with garlic, onions, vinegar, tomatoes, cumin, oregano, and cloves. Add a small amount of water to assist in blending it into a smooth mixture.
3. Marinate the Meat: Coat your choice of beef (chuck roast, short ribs, or goat) in the marinade. For maximum flavor, let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 2: Slow-Cook the Meat

1. Cook the Meat: Transfer the marinated meat to a large pot or slow cooker. Add water to cover the meat and bring it to a simmer. Cook the beef for 3–4 hours on the stove or in the slow cooker on low for 6–8 hours until the meat is fork-tender and easily shreds.
2. Shred the Meat: Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it with forks. Keep some broth (consommé) aside for dipping and drizzling on the pizza.

Now, your flavorful birria meat is ready to be used in your pizza!

Assembling & Baking Birria Pizza:

Once you’ve prepared your birria meat, it’s time to assemble and bake your pizza! This step is where all the delicious flavors come together. Depending on your kitchen setup, you can make birria pizza in the oven or without one.

How to Make Birria Pizza in an Oven

1. Prepare the Dough: Set your oven to 475°F (245°C) and let it preheat. On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your preferred thickness. Transfer it onto a greased baking sheet or pizza stone..
2. Assemble the Pizza: Spread a thin layer of your consommé on the pizza dough as a base sauce. Then, evenly distribute your shredded birria meat over the dough, with a generous amount of Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese.
3. Add Toppings: Sprinkle fresh cilantro, diced onions, and jalapeños (if using) over the cheese. Drizzle a little more consommé on top to add extra flavor and moisture.
4. Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. Serve with a side of consommé for dipping!

How to Make Birria Pizza Without an Oven

If you don’t have an oven, no worries! You can make birria pizza in a skillet:

1. Use a Tortilla or Flatbread: Heat a skillet over medium heat and place a tortilla or flatbread in it.
2. Add Toppings: Follow the steps above, adding consommé, birria meat, cheese, and toppings.
3. Cook: Cover the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the bottom to crisp up.

Either way, you’ll enjoy a mouthwatering birria pizza!

Best Cheese for Birria Pizza:

The cheese is a key element that transforms your birria pizza into a gooey, flavorful masterpiece. When choosing the right cheese, it’s important to consider texture, reliability, and flavor to complement the rich, savory birria. Here are some of the best cheese choices for your pizza.

Top Cheese Choices

1. Oaxaca Cheese: This is the most traditional cheese used in birria pizza. Oaxaca cheese is a semi-soft, white cheese that melts beautifully, offering a creamy texture and mild flavor. Its stringy consistency is perfect for a cheesy pull and complements the spicy birria meat.
2. Mozzarella: A classic pizza cheese, mozzarella is mild and melts smoothly, providing that ideal stretchy, cheesy layer. For birria pizza, opt for whole milk mozzarella for a richer flavor.
3. Mexican Blend: A pre-shredded Mexican cheese blend typically contains a mix of Monterey Jack, cheddar, and other mild cheeses. It melts well and adds a slightly tangy, flavorful bite that complements the spiciness of the birria.

Cheese Blends for Extra Flavor

While you can certainly use a single cheese, creating a blend of different cheeses will elevate the flavor and texture of your birria pizza. Try combining Oaxaca cheese with mozzarella for that perfect melt, or add some sharp cheddar to give the pizza a bold, tangy edge.

For a truly unique experience, add a touch of cotija cheese after baking for a salty, crumbly finish that enhances the overall flavor profile.

With the right combination of cheeses, your birria pizza will be irresistibly cheesy and flavorful!

How to Store & Reheat Birria Pizza:

After enjoying a delicious birria pizza, you may have some leftovers. Proper storage and reheating will ensure your pizza stays as flavorful as it was first made. Here’s how to keep your birria pizza fresh and reheat it perfectly.

Can You Freeze Birria Pizza?

Yes! Birria pizza can be frozen for later enjoyment. To freeze:

1. Assemble the Pizza (Without Baking): If you plan to freeze your pizza, it’s best to assemble it but skip the baking process. This way, the dough and toppings stay fresh.
2. Wrap & Freeze: To prevent freezer burn, tightly wrap the unbaked pizza in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. You can freeze the pizza for up to 3 months.
3. Bake from Frozen: When ready to enjoy, bake the frozen pizza in a preheated oven at 475°F (245°C) for 18–20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.

Best Way to Reheat Birria Pizza

If you have leftover birria pizza and want to reheat it, using an oven or skillet is the best way to keep it crispy and delicious.

1. Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover pizza on a baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Heat for 8–10 minutes, then remove the foil for the last 2 minutes to allow the crust to crisp up.
2. Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the pizza in the skillet, cover, and heat for 5–7 minutes until the cheese melts and the crust crisps.

Both methods preserve the texture and flavor, ensuring a delicious second round of birria pizza!

Is Birria Pizza Spicy?

One of the best parts of birria pizza is its bold, rich flavor, but if you’re wondering whether it’s spicy, the answer depends on how you prepare it. While birria can have a mild heat depending on the chiles used, it’s not inherently fiery. Let’s break down the heat levels in birria pizza and how to adjust them to suit your taste.

Understanding Birria Heat Levels

The spiciness of birria comes primarily from the dried chiles used in the marinade, such as guajillo, ancho, and chipotle. These chiles can range from mild to medium heat, adding smoky and earthy notes rather than intense heat. When combined with the other ingredients, like vinegar and tomatoes, the heat is usually balanced with acidity and savory flavors.

However, some people may find the spice level in birria too much, especially if they’re heat-sensitive. The chipotle chile, in particular, can add a smoky heat that might feel stronger depending on how much is used in the marinade.

How to Adjust Spice Levels

• Milder Version: To make the pizza less spicy, you can reduce or remove the chipotle. Using only guajillo and ancho chiles will give you the signature flavor without as much heat.
• Spicy Version: Add extra jalapeños or other hot peppers as toppings for those who enjoy a kick. Drizzling more of the birria broth (consommé) will intensify the flavor without overwhelming the heat.

Ultimately, you can tailor the spice level of your birria pizza to match your preference!

Best Side Dishes & Dipping Sauces:

While birria pizza is delicious, pairing it with the right side dishes and dipping sauces can further elevate the meal. These accompaniments bring additional flavors, textures, and contrasts that complement the rich, savory birria. Let’s explore some must-try side dishes and dipping sauces.

Must-Try Dipping Sauces

1. Birria Consommé: The ultimate dipping sauce for birria pizza is the flavorful consommé, or broth, from the birria meat. This rich, spiced broth is perfect for dipping your pizza slices, adding moisture and depth of flavor.
2. Salsa Verde: A tangy, zesty salsa made from roasted tomatillos, cilantro, onions, and lime, salsa verde adds a fresh, slightly spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the birria.
3. Spicy Mayo or Chipotle Aioli: Try a drizzle of spicy mayo or chipotle aioli for a creamy and tangy contrast. The creaminess balances the heat and adds a luxurious texture to each bite.
4. Pico de Gallo: A fresh and light option, pico de gallo (a mix of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice) offers a refreshing, slightly acidic contrast to the heaviness of the cheese and meat.

Side Dishes That Pair Well

1. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Charred corn on the cob slathered with crema, cheese, chili powder, and lime is a fantastic side that complements the flavors of birria pizza.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans with a touch of garlic and cheese add richness to balance the savory pizza.
3. Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: A simple and classic side, guacamole with crispy tortilla chips provides a creamy, fresh element that pairs perfectly with birria pizza.

These sides and sauces will enhance your birria pizza experience and make a truly satisfying meal!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What makes birria pizza different from birria tacos?

Birria pizza and birria tacos feature the same delicious, slow-cooked, spiced meat, but the main difference lies in the base. Birria tacos use tortillas, often dipped in consommé before being grilled, while birria pizza uses a pizza crust as the foundation. Additionally, birria pizza is topped with cheese, giving it a more prosperous, gooier texture than the simpler taco.

2. Can I make birria pizza without an oven?

Yes! If you don’t have an oven, you can easily make birria pizza on the stove. Use a flatbread or tortilla as the base, then top it with birria meat, cheese, and other toppings. Cover the pan with a lid to melt the cheese, and cook until the bottom becomes crispy. This method still results in a delicious birria pizza.

3. What cheese works best for birria pizza?

Oaxaca cheese is the traditional choice, as it melts beautifully and provides a creamy texture. Mozzarella or a Mexican cheese blend can also work well. For a bolder flavor, you can mix cheeses like sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack to create the perfect cheese pull.

4. Can I freeze birria pizza?

Yes! You can freeze unbaked birria pizza for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and bake it straight from the freezer when ready to enjoy it.

5. How do I reheat birria pizza?

The best way to reheat birria pizza is in the oven or a skillet. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes or in a skillet with a lid for 5–7 minutes until the cheese melts and the crust crisps up.

6. Is birria pizza spicy?

Birria pizza can be mildly spicy, depending on the chiles used in the birria marinade. To adjust the heat level, add or reduce the amount of spicy chiles or use toppings like jalapeños for an extra kick.