Birria Pizza: The Ultimate Fusion of Mexican and Italian Cuisine

The food world thrives on innovation, and Birria Pizza is proof that fusion cuisine knows no boundaries. This sensational dish combines the bold, spicy flavors of Mexican birria with the cheesy, savory delight of Italian pizza. It’s a match made in culinary heaven and has quickly captured the attention of food lovers worldwide.

Rooted in Jalisco, Mexico, birria has long been a beloved staple, celebrated for its rich flavor and tender meat. However, modern chefs took it a step further by pairing it with crispy pizza dough and melted cheese. The result is Birria Pizza, a dish that is visually appealing, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for dipping into consomé.

What Exactly is Birria Pizza?

Birria Pizza brings together two culinary classics: traditional Mexican birria and Italian pizza. It starts with slow-cooked, marinated meat—typically beef or goat—that’s seasoned with guajillo chilies, adobo sauce, and spices. The meat is then shredded and spread over pizza dough, layered with cheese, and baked to perfection. Finally, the dish is served with consomé, the broth left over from cooking the birria, for dipping or drizzling.

What makes this dish stand out is its multi-sensory appeal. The rich meat, gooey cheese, and crispy crust combine for an unforgettable flavor experience. On top of that, dipping slices into spicy consomé adds an extra layer of indulgence. It’s no surprise that Birria Pizza has become a viral hit on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Learn about the origins of this incredible dish here.

The History: From Jalisco to Food Trucks

Birria’s Roots in Mexican Cuisine

Birria originated in the Mexican state of Jalisco during the colonial era. Historically, goat meat was slow-cooked in a blend of dried chilies, spices, and herbs to tenderize it. This method transformed tough cuts into flavorful, juicy meat served with tortillas and consomé. Over the years, birria became a centerpiece of Mexican celebrations, enjoyed during holidays, weddings, and family gatherings.

The Fusion Evolution

As Mexican cuisine spread globally, chefs started experimenting with birria tacos, quesadillas, and other dishes. Eventually, someone combined birria with pizza, and the fusion instantly resonated with food enthusiasts. The appeal lies not just in the bold flavors but also in the Instagram-worthy presentation. Videos of cheesy slices dipped in vibrant red consomé quickly went viral, fueling its rise to fame. For a foolproof way to make it yourself, follow this detailed guide.

Why is Birria Pizza Trending?

Several factors contribute to the meteoric rise of Birria Pizza:

1. A Flavor Combination Like No Other:
   The pairing of spicy birria meat, crispy crust, and melted cheese is unique and irresistible. Each bite offers a balance of smoky, cheesy, and savory flavors.
2. The Role of Social Media:
   Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have made Birria Pizza a viral sensation. Cheesy slices dunked into steaming consomé look visually stunning and appeal to food lovers everywhere.
3. Street Food Appeal:
   Food trucks and trendy eateries have embraced Birria Pizza because it’s easy to make, portable, and universally loved. It has quickly become a fan favorite in cities across the globe.
4. The Joy of Customization:
   Food lovers enjoy experimenting with toppings, spice levels, and even the type of meat. From chicken to lamb or vegan alternatives like jackfruit, there’s a version for everyone.

Ingredients for Birria Pizza

To make a truly irresistible Birria Pizza, you’ll need a balance of flavorful birria meat, a crispy pizza crust, melted cheese, and garnishes that elevate the dish. Below, I break down the ingredients into their categories with tips to help you achieve the best results.

1. Ingredients for the Birria Meat

The birria meat is the star of the show. A perfect balance of spices, slow-cooked meat, and rich broth is essential to bring the iconic birria flavor to life.

• Beef Chuck Roast or Short Ribs (2–3 lbs)
  • Why it’s important: Chuck roast and short ribs are perfect for slow cooking as they become tender and juicy after hours of simmering.
  • Substitutions: You can use goat, lamb, or even pork shoulder for a different variation of birria. If you prefer leaner meat, opt for chicken thighs, though the flavor will differ slightly.
• Garlic (4 cloves)
  • Why it’s important: Fresh garlic provides an aromatic and savory base for the marinade. It complements the chilies and meat.
  • Tip: Minced garlic paste can work if you’re short on time.
• Onion (1 medium, chopped)
  • Why it’s important: Onion adds natural sweetness and depth to the birria broth as it simmers.
• Cumin (2 tablespoons)
  • Why it’s important: Cumin brings earthy warmth that enhances the spices without overpowering the dish.
• Oregano (1 tablespoon)
  • Why it’s important: Mexican oregano adds a citrusy, peppery note that pairs well with the chilies and meat.
  • Tip: Regular oregano works in a pinch, but Mexican oregano provides more authentic flavor.
• Bay Leaves (2 leaves)
  • Why it’s important: Bay leaves infuse the broth with a subtle herbal aroma as the birria simmers.
• Beef Broth (4 cups)
  • Why it’s important: The broth forms the base of the consomé, absorbing all the flavors of the meat, spices, and chilies.
  • Substitution: Use water with beef bouillon cubes or homemade broth for a richer flavor.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)
  • Why it’s important: Seasoning the meat ensures all the flavors are balanced. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed.

2. For the Pizza Base

The pizza crust serves as the foundation of this dish. A good crust needs to be crispy on the outside while remaining soft and chewy on the inside.

• Pizza Dough
  • Why it’s important: Fresh pizza dough provides a chewy, crispy base that holds the weight of the meat and cheese.
  • Options:
    • Use store-bought pizza dough for convenience.
    • For homemade pizza dough, mix flour, yeast, water, salt, and olive oil. Let it rest to develop flavor.
  • Tip: To make the pizza extra crispy, pre-bake the crust for 3–4 minutes before adding toppings.
• Olive Oil (1–2 tablespoons)
  • Why it’s important: Brushing olive oil on the dough before adding toppings enhances its flavor and helps create a golden, crispy crust.
• Mozzarella Cheese (2–3 cups, shredded)
  • Why it’s important: Mozzarella melts beautifully, creating that iconic cheesy stretch. Its mild flavor allows the birria meat to shine.
  • Options: For a richer, creamier texture, mix mozzarella with Oaxaca cheese or Monterey Jack.
• Optional Toppings:
  • Pickled Jalapeños: Add a tangy and spicy kick to balance the richness of the birria.
  • Shredded Oaxaca Cheese: This cheese adds an authentic Mexican touch and pairs perfectly with mozzarella.
  • Avocado Slices: Fresh avocado adds creaminess that balances the bold, spicy flavors.

3. For Garnishes

The garnishes add brightness, freshness, and texture to balance the richness of the Birria Pizza.

• Fresh Cilantro
  • Why it’s important: Cilantro adds a burst of freshness that complements the savory birria meat.
• Diced Onions
  • Why it’s important: Raw onions provide a crisp texture and subtle sharpness, balancing the richness of the pizza.
• Lime Wedges
  • Why it’s important: A squeeze of lime enhances all the flavors, adding a bright citrus note.
• Optional:
  • Radish Slices: Thinly sliced radishes offer a crunchy, peppery bite.
  • Queso Fresco: Crumbled queso fresco can be sprinkled on top for a salty, tangy finish.

4. Ingredients for the Consomé

The consomé is what takes Birria Pizza to the next level. It’s the broth left over after cooking the birria meat, but it can be adjusted for even more flavor.

• Birria Cooking Broth
  • Why it’s important: The broth is packed with the flavor of chilies, spices, and slow-cooked meat juices. It acts as the perfect dipping sauce for pizza slices.
• Lime Juice (1–2 teaspoons, optional)
  • Why it’s important: A splash of lime juice adds a hint of acidity, balancing the richness of the broth.
• Extra Seasoning (Optional)
  • Why it’s important: Taste the broth after straining it, and add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed.
• Fat Skimming Tip:
  • Before serving, skim off the excess fat floating on top of the broth to lighten its texture. However, leaving a bit of fat adds extra flavor.

Optional Ingredients for a Creative Twist

If you want to experiment or elevate your Birria Pizza, consider these optional ingredients:

• Roasted Poblano Peppers: Add them as a topping for a smoky, slightly sweet flavor.
• Chipotle Mayo Drizzle: Combine mayonnaise, lime juice, and chipotle sauce for a creamy, spicy drizzle over the pizza.
• Caramelized Onions: Replace raw onions with caramelized ones for a sweeter, richer flavor.
• Tajin Seasoning: Sprinkle Tajin on top of the finished pizza for a tangy, chili-lime kick.

By carefully selecting and balancing these ingredients, you can create a Birria Pizza that’s packed with flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or customize it with your favorite toppings, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Birria Pizza

1. Preparing the Birria Meat

1. Soften the Chilies:
   • Soak guajillo and ancho chilies in boiling water for 10–15 minutes until soft.
2. Make the Marinade:
   • Blend the softened chilies with chipotle peppers, garlic, cumin, oregano, and onion. Add a bit of broth to thin the mixture.
3. Marinate the Meat:
   • Rub the meat generously with the chili marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Cook the Birria:
   • Place the marinated meat in a large pot or pressure cooker. Add beef broth, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt.
   • Simmer for 3–4 hours on low heat until the meat is tender. Alternatively, use a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time.
5. Shred the Meat:
   • Once cooked, remove the meat and shred it with forks. Reserve the cooking broth (consomé) for dipping.

2. Assembling the Pizza

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and place it on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
3. Spread a thin layer of consomé on the dough instead of traditional tomato sauce.
4. Add shredded birria meat evenly across the pizza.
5. Top with generous amounts of shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden.

3. Serve and Garnish

• Warm the consomé and serve it in a bowl alongside the pizza.
• Garnish the pizza with fresh cilantro and diced onions. Add lime wedges for extra zing.

Variations of Birria Pizza

• Different Meats: Swap beef for lamb, chicken, or even pork.
• Vegan Option: Use jackfruit or mushrooms as a substitute for meat.
• Spice it Up: Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for a kick of heat.
• Quesadilla Style: Fold the pizza into a quesadilla for a fun twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a Birria Pizza made of?

Birria Pizza is made by combining elements of traditional Mexican birria with the classic components of pizza. The dish starts with a base of pizza dough that’s topped with shredded birria meat, which has been slow-cooked in a blend of guajillo chilies, ancho chilies, garlic, and aromatic spices. Instead of traditional pizza sauce, the dough is often brushed with a thin layer of consomé, the rich, flavorful broth created during the cooking of the meat.

The toppings include:

• Shredded mozzarella cheese for that gooey, melty texture.
• Optional garnishes such as cilantro, diced onions, and lime wedges to add freshness and brightness.
• Consomé served on the side as a dipping sauce to enhance the overall flavor.

This fusion dish combines the crispy texture of pizza with the savory, spicy richness of birria, making it a unique and indulgent experience.

2. What is the Birria meat made of?

The birria meat is traditionally made with goat meat, which was the original protein of choice in the Mexican state of Jalisco. However, modern adaptations often use beef, particularly cuts like chuck roast, short ribs, or brisket, because they are more accessible and easier to work with.

To make birria meat, the following steps are followed:

1. Marination: The meat is marinated in a flavorful paste made from dried guajillo chilies, ancho chilies, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, garlic, and a mix of spices like cumin, oregano, and cloves.
2. Slow Cooking: The marinated meat is simmered slowly in beef broth or water with additional aromatics like onion and bay leaves. This process tenderizes the meat, infusing it with rich, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors.
3. Shredding: Once fully cooked, the meat is shredded to achieve a soft, pull-apart texture that’s perfect for tacos, quesadillas, or pizza toppings.

The result is juicy, tender meat soaked in bold, complex flavors. The leftover broth becomes the consomé, a delicious dipping sauce that’s served alongside the dish.

3. What do Mexicans call birria?

In Mexican cuisine, birria refers to a traditional meat stew or consommé that originates from the state of Jalisco. It is highly regarded as a celebratory dish, often served during special occasions such as weddings, family gatherings, and holidays. Mexicans traditionally call it simply “birria”, which translates to “exquisite savory dish, full of flavor.”

The word “birria” itself has roots in Mexican Spanish and reflects the dish’s deeply flavorful and comforting qualities. Over time, regional variations of birria have emerged across Mexico, with some areas favoring goat meat (the traditional protein), while others use beef, lamb, or pork.

The term birria is often associated with street food culture in Mexico, particularly in dishes like tacos de birria, quesabirria, and now, Birria Pizza. Regardless of its form, birria is celebrated for its rich, spicy, and aromatic broth (consomé), which plays an essential role in the dining experience.

4. What is a QuesaBirria Pizza?

A QuesaBirria Pizza is an exciting variation of Birria Pizza that combines the flavors of a quesabirria taco with the structure of a pizza. It’s essentially a hybrid dish that draws inspiration from both Mexican quesadillas and Italian pizza.

Here’s what sets it apart:

• Quesabirria Influence: Quesabirria is a popular Mexican dish where birria meat and cheese are sandwiched between tortillas, grilled to perfection, and served with consomé for dipping.
• The Pizza Twist: Instead of tortillas, pizza dough is used as the base. Shredded birria meat, melted Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese, and a layer of consomé sauce are spread over the dough.
• Folded Presentation: While traditional Birria Pizza is flat, a QuesaBirria Pizza is sometimes folded in half (similar to a calzone) to mimic the quesadilla style. This folding method traps the melted cheese and juicy birria meat, creating an even cheesier bite.

The final dish is baked until golden and crispy and is served with a bowl of consomé for dipping—just like quesabirria tacos. This creative fusion is perfect for those who love both tacos and pizza and want a fun, handheld twist on the original Birria Pizza.

Conclusion: The Magic of Birria Pizza

Birria Pizza is more than a trend—it’s a testament to how beautifully food cultures can blend. By combining the spicy richness of birria with the comforting appeal of pizza, this dish delivers an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re making it at home or enjoying it from your favorite food truck, it’s sure to become a favorite.

Ready to dive in? Follow this recipe and start cooking today!