Flavor-Packed Birria Pizza

This flavor-packed Birria Pizza is the ultimate fusion dish that brings together the best of both worlds – rich, savory birria with crispy pizza perfection. If you’ve got leftover beef birria, this pizza is a delicious way to reinvent it. With layers of melted cheese, tender shredded beef, and birria consommé, all on a crispy pizza crust, it’s a meal that hits all the right notes. Don’t forget to serve some of that flavorful consommé on the side for dipping!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creative Leftovers: Transform your leftover birria into a mouthwatering pizza that’s crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.

• Crispy, Flavorful Crust: The pizza crust comes out perfectly crisp and golden, offering the perfect base for the rich birria toppings.

• Cheese Lover’s Dream: Topped with gooey melted cheese, this pizza is a savory indulgence that everyone will love.

• Dipping Sauce: The birria consommé served on the side elevates the pizza, giving you a delicious dipping experience.

• Customizable: Feel free to add your own twist with extra toppings or different cheese choices to make it just the way you like it.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

• 2-3 tbsp cornmeal

• 1 ½ cups birria consommé, divided

• 2 cups shredded Oaxaca or Mozzarella cheese

• 1 ½ cups leftover beef birria

• ½ medium red onion or white onion, peeled, halved, and thinly sliced into half moons

• Fresh cilantro, for serving

• Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 500°F. If you’re using a pizza stone, place it on the bottom rack of your oven. Allow it to heat for about 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a rimmed baking sheet or cast-iron skillet.

2. Roll or stretch the pizza dough to your desired size. Ensure it’s about ¼-½ inch thick in the center with slightly taller edges. Roll it out onto parchment paper, lightly floured to avoid sticking.

3. If you have a pizza peel, sprinkle it with cornmeal and transfer the dough onto it. If you don’t have a pizza peel, assemble the pizza directly on parchment paper sprinkled with cornmeal.

4. Spoon about ⅓ cup of birria consommé over the dough, keeping the edges free of sauce. Spread it into a thin, even layer.

5. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese over the consommé layer. Top with 1 ½ cups of leftover birria, then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top.

6. Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted.

7. While the pizza cooks, heat the reserved consommé in a small saucepan or microwave. Once warm, transfer it to a bowl for dipping.

8. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with sliced red onions and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and a side of warm consommé for dipping.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Cook time: 15 minutes

• Inactive time: 45 minutes (for heating the oven and stone)

• Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add some jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili flakes for a spicy version of this pizza.

• Cheese Variations: Use a blend of cheeses like Pepper Jack for a tangy kick or a 4-cheese Mexican blend for extra flavor.

• Veggie Options: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even some roasted corn to give this pizza a veggie boost.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pizza dough if you’re looking for a gluten-free option.

Storage/Reheating

• Storing Leftovers: Keep leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Freeze slices of pizza wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Reheat pizza slices in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or use a microwave for 1-2 minutes until warm.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pizza dough a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

Can I use pre-made birria consommé?

Absolutely! You can purchase pre-made birria consommé if you don’t have leftover birria.

How can I keep the pizza crust crispy?

Make sure you spread the consommé in a thin layer to avoid sogginess. Preheating the oven and pizza stone will also help the crust stay crispy.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to swap out mozzarella for Oaxaca cheese or use a combination of your favorite cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a spicy Pepper Jack.

Can I add more toppings to this pizza?

Definitely! Feel free to get creative with extra toppings like grilled vegetables, spicy sausage, or even avocado slices for extra flavor.

How do I make this pizza extra cheesy?

If you’re a cheese lover, you can add extra cheese to both the base layer and top for an even cheesier bite.

Can I use a cast-iron skillet instead of a pizza stone?

Yes, you can use a cast-iron skillet or a regular baking sheet if you don’t have a pizza stone. The key is ensuring the cooking surface is preheated.

How do I prevent the pizza from being too greasy?

Use lean beef for the birria and ensure you drain off any excess fat before assembling the pizza to keep the pizza from being greasy.

Can I cook this pizza in a pizza oven?

Yes, a pizza oven would work great for this recipe! Just follow the same instructions and adjust the cooking time as needed.

What can I serve this pizza with?

Serve this pizza with a side of fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This Crispy Birria Pizza is a game-changer, offering a bold, savory twist on traditional pizza. With rich birria, melted cheese, and the addition of warm consommé for dipping, this pizza brings the flavors of Mexican cuisine into the familiar comfort of a pizza. Perfect for a fun meal any day of the week, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests!