Birria Pizza Is The Ultimate Comfort Food

Imagine biting into a slice of pizza loaded with juicy, slow-cooked birria beef, gooey melted cheese, and a crispy crust infused with bold Mexican flavors. Sounds irresistible, right? Birria pizza is the perfect fusion of Mexican and Italian cuisine, combining the smoky richness of birria with the cheesy indulgence of pizza. Whether you’re a die-hard foodie or just love comfort food, this dish is a must-try. Let’s dive into what makes birria pizza so special and how you can make it at home!

What Makes Birria Pizza So Special?

If you’re a fan of bold flavors and gooey, cheesy goodness, birria pizza might just be your new favorite comfort food. Imagine the slow-cooked, spicy richness of Mexican adobada combined with the crispy perfection of a well-baked pizza. Sounds amazing, right?

In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about birria pizza—from its origins to how you can make the best homemade version. Plus, we’ll share tips, common problems, and solutions to ensure your birria pizza turns out absolutely delicious!

“Birria pizza takes the best of both worlds: the smoky, slow-cooked richness of birria and the comforting, cheesy delight of pizza.”

The Origins of Birria: A Mexican Culinary Treasure

Before we jump into birria pizza, let’s talk about where birria itself comes from. Birria is a traditional Mexican dish that originated in Jalisco, Mexico. It’s made by slow-cooking beef (or sometimes goat) in a rich, spicy sauce made with adobo-style chilies, garlic, and Mexican spices.

Originally, birria was eaten as a stew with tortillas. But in recent years, food lovers started experimenting—first with birria tacos, then quesabirria, and now, the ultimate fusion dish: birria pizza.

How Birria Pizza Became a Fusion Food Sensation

Mexican-Italian fusion food is nothing new, but birria pizza is truly next level. This trend started gaining popularity in places like Los Angeles and New York, where chefs began layering shredded birria meat, Oaxaca cheese, and fresh cilantro on top of crispy pizza crust.

Restaurants across the U.S. now offer birria pizza, and it’s even become a social media sensation, with thousands of foodies posting their cheesy, meaty slices online. If you’re in New York, you can check out some incredible spots that serve authentic, creative pizzas!

What is Birria Pizza?

So, what exactly is birria pizza? It’s a perfect balance between Mexican spices and Italian tradition. Here’s what makes it unique:

• Slow-cooked, juicy birria beef – Tender, flavorful, and packed with smoky chili goodness.
• Melted Oaxaca and mozzarella cheese – Stringy, cheesy perfection that blends well with the rich birria sauce.
• A crispy, golden crust – To soak up all the delicious birria consommé (broth).
• Fresh toppings – Cilantro, onions, and even a squeeze of lime for that authentic Mexican touch.

Traditional Birria vs. Birria Pizza: Key Differences

Why Birria Pizza is the Perfect Comfort Food

What makes a dish a true comfort food? It’s all about the perfect combination of flavors, textures, and nostalgia. Birria pizza checks all those boxes:

• Warm and cheesy – Because what’s more comforting than melted cheese?
• Flavor-packed – The smoky and spicy birria meat brings a deep, rich taste.
• Crispy yet soft – A crunchy crust with soft, juicy toppings = perfection.
• Dippable – Many people love dipping their pizza in rich consommé, just like they do with birria tacos.

Essential Ingredients for Birria Pizza

Ready to make birria pizza at home? It’s easier than you think! Here’s what you’ll need:

Now that we have our ingredients, let’s get cooking! In the next section, we’ll go step-by-step on how to cook and assemble your birria pizza like a pro.

“Homemade birria pizza is easier than you think—slow cook your beef, build your flavors, and enjoy a cheesy, spicy slice!”

Step-by-Step Birria Pizza Recipe

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to put everything together. Follow this easy step-by-step guide to make the ultimate homemade birria pizza!

Step 1: Prepare the Birria Meat

Birria is all about deep, slow-cooked flavors. Here’s how to make it:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium heat.
2. Add the beef chunks and sear on all sides until browned (this locks in the flavor).
3. Remove the beef and set aside.
4. In the same pot, add the dried guajillo and ancho chilies (seeds removed) and toast for about 1 minute.
5. Blend the toasted chilies with garlic, onions, vinegar, and Mexican spices to create a smooth sauce.
6. Return the beef to the pot, pour in the chili sauce, and add beef broth.
7. Cover and simmer for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender and falls apart easily.

Once the meat is ready, shred it with two forks and mix it with some of the flavorful birria consommé.

Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Dough

Whether you’re using store-bought or homemade dough, make sure to:

• Roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface.
• Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
• Place the dough on a pizza stone or baking sheet.

Want to learn more about the perfect pizza dough? Check out this guide on how to make a 12-inch pizza.

Step 3: Assemble Your Birria Pizza

Now for the fun part! Here’s how to assemble your pizza:

1. Spread a thin layer of birria consommé over the pizza dough (this replaces traditional pizza sauce).
2. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Oaxaca and mozzarella cheese.
3. Add the shredded birria beef evenly across the pizza.
4. Optionally, add pickled jalapeños or extra chili flakes for spice.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, top your birria pizza with:

• Freshly chopped cilantro
• Diced onions
• A squeeze of lime juice

And don’t forget—serve it with a side of birria consommé for dipping!

Common Problems and Solutions When Making Birria Pizza

Even the best home chefs run into problems. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

Problem: My Birria Meat is Too Tough

Solution: The key to tender birria meat is slow-cooking. If your meat is tough, it probably needs more time. Keep simmering for another hour and check again.

Problem: My Pizza Crust is Soggy

Solution: To prevent a soggy crust:

• Use a preheated pizza stone for a crispier base.
• Brush a thin layer of olive oil on the dough before adding toppings.
• Avoid adding too much consommé—it should be a light layer, not a sauce flood.

Problem: My Pizza is Too Spicy

Solution: If your birria is too spicy, balance it out with:

• Extra cheese
• A drizzle of sour cream
• Sweet caramelized onions

Where to Find the Best Birria Pizza Near You

If you’re not in the mood to cook, you can still enjoy birria pizza at some of the best restaurants in NYC, Brooklyn, and beyond.

Top Birria Pizza Spots in NYC

• Birria-Landia – Famous for their quesabirria tacos, but their pizza is next level!
• Emmy Squared – Known for Detroit-style pizza, they’ve created a birria pizza masterpiece.
• La Birria NYC – A go-to for anyone craving authentic Mexican flavors.

For more creative pizza spots, check out Donatos Pizza.

“If you’re in NYC, don’t miss out on trying a restaurant-made birria pizza—it’s a game changer!”

Health Aspects: Is Birria Pizza Healthy?

As delicious as birria pizza is, you might be wondering: Is it healthy? The answer depends on how it’s made. Let’s break down the nutritional aspects of this dish.

How Many Calories Are in a Slice of Birria Pizza?

On average, a slice of birria pizza contains:

The calorie count varies depending on the crust, cheese, and toppings used. If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider these tweaks:

• Use whole wheat pizza dough or a low-carb alternative.
• Opt for leaner beef cuts or substitute with chicken.
• Reduce the cheese amount or use low-fat cheese.

Can You Make a Healthier Version of Birria Pizza?

Yes! Here are some healthy twists:

• Keto Birria Pizza: Swap the pizza dough for almond flour or cauliflower crust.
• Low-Fat Birria Pizza: Use Greek yogurt cheese and lean shredded chicken.
• Gluten-Free Birria Pizza: Use gluten-free pizza crust or a corn tortilla base.

Fun Variations of Birria Pizza

If you love experimenting in the kitchen, try these creative birria pizza variations:

Quesabirria Pizza: A Cheesy Twist on the Classic

Quesabirria tacos are already a sensation, so why not turn them into a pizza?

• Use a crispy tortilla as the base.
• Layer extra cheese, just like a quesabirria taco.
• Serve with a side of birria consommé for dipping.

For more cheesy recipes, check out this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta for another comfort food option.

Spicy Birria Pizza: Adding Heat with Guajillo & Ancho Chilies

Love spice? Make your birria pizza extra fiery by:

• Adding extra guajillo and ancho chilies to your birria sauce.
• Sprinkling red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños on top.
• Drizzling with hot honey for a sweet-spicy kick.

Keto & Low-Carb Birria Pizza Options

Want to enjoy birria pizza without the carbs? Try these keto-friendly swaps:

• Use cheese or almond flour crust instead of regular dough.
• Make a birria-stuffed omelet as a low-carb alternative.
• Use portobello mushrooms as mini pizza bases.

FAQs About Birria Pizza

What is Birria Made Of?

Traditional birria is made with slow-cooked beef (or goat), simmered in a sauce of dried chilies, garlic, and spices. The meat is cooked until tender and then shredded.

Is Birria Taco Unhealthy?

Birria tacos can be high in fat due to the slow-cooked meat and cheese. However, you can make them healthier by using leaner meats and less oil.

How Many Calories Are in a Birria Pizza?

A single slice contains 350-450 calories, depending on ingredients. If you want a lower-calorie version, use lean meats and less cheese.

What Does Birria Mean in English Slang?

In Mexican slang, “birria” means something of low quality or insignificant—but trust us, birria pizza is anything but that!

Why You Should Try Birria Pizza Today

Birria pizza is more than just a food trend—it’s a flavor explosion that blends the best of Mexican and Italian cuisine. Whether you’re making it at home or ordering from a top pizzeria, it’s the ultimate comfort food.

“Spicy, cheesy, and full of slow-cooked goodness—birria pizza is the comfort food you didn’t know you needed!”

Want more comfort food inspiration? Check out this guide to delicious pizza options!

Now, it’s time to grab your ingredients and make your own birria pizza masterpiece! 🍕🔥

Related Recipes You Might Like

• Tri-Tip Steak: How to Cook It Perfectly Every Time – If you love rich, flavorful beef like birria, this guide will help you master another tender, juicy cut of meat.
• Goose Cheese: The Unique Dairy Delight You Need to Try – Want to experiment with different cheeses? Goose cheese adds a unique twist to any dish!
• Homemade Twix Bars Recipe – After indulging in birria pizza, why not treat yourself to a homemade sweet dessert?

Birria Pizza

Print Recipe

This Birria Pizza combines the bold flavors of slow-cooked, spicy birria beef with the crispy, cheesy perfection of a freshly baked pizza. The result? A delicious Mexican-Italian fusion that’s both comforting and full of flavor. Serve with birria consommé for dipping and enjoy the ultimate homemade pizza experience!

• Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 slices 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Birria Meat:

• 2 lbs beef chuck or short ribs
• 4 dried guajillo chilies (seeds removed)
• 2 dried ancho chilies (seeds removed)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups beef broth
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Pizza:

• 1 ball pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup birria consommé (for sauce and dipping)
• 2 cups shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup cooked, shredded birria beef
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ¼ cup diced onions
• 1 lime, cut into wedges (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing the crust)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Birria Beef

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat and sear the beef on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, toast the dried chilies for 30 seconds, then blend them with garlic, onion, vinegar, and spices to make a sauce.
3. Return the beef to the pot, add the sauce and beef broth, then cover and simmer for 3-4 hours until tender.
4. Shred the beef and mix it with some of the birria consommé.

Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface.
3. Brush a thin layer of olive oil over the dough for extra crispiness.

Step 3: Assemble the Birria Pizza

1. Spread a thin layer of birria consommé over the pizza dough.
2. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the base.
3. Add shredded birria beef across the pizza.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the pizza from the oven and top with chopped cilantro and diced onions.
2. Serve with a side of birria consommé for dipping.
3. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the pizza for extra flavor.

Notes

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the birria meat in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Spicy Variation: Add sliced pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of hot honey for extra heat.
• Healthier Option: Use a whole wheat crust or a low-carb alternative like a cauliflower crust.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair with a refreshing Mexican agua fresca or a classic margarita.

• Author: Hana Bel
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-Italian Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Birria pizza, homemade birria pizza, best birria pizza recipe, quesabirria pizza, Mexican pizza