Birria French Dip Sandwiches

Birria French Dip | Recipe Remix

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Time to read 3 min

Turn your leftover birria taco meat into a mouthwatering Birria French Dip—a flavorful twist on the classic French dip sandwich. This dish combines tender, shredded birria with caramelized onions and melted provolone cheese, all nestled in a toasted hoagie roll. Served with a side of rich birria consommé for dipping, it’s a perfect way to repurpose leftovers into a satisfying and savory meal. The French dip sandwich, originally created in Los Angeles in the early 20th century, is known for its simple yet delectable combination of beef, bread, and broth. By infusing this classic with birria, you’re adding a spicy, flavorful twist that’s sure to impress. This recipe serves 4, with each serving consisting of one sandwich and a side of dipping broth

Birria French Dip

Prep time

15 min

Cook time

15 min

Servings

4 servings

Category

Recipe Remix & Leftovers

Origin

InstaBomb Kitchen

Ingredients

  • 2 cups leftover birria taco meat, shredded

  • 4 hoagie rolls

  • 1 large onion, sliced

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 4 slices provolone cheese

  • 2 cups birria consommé (for dipping)

Directions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 10 minutes.

Step 3

Reheat birria meat in the skillet until warmed through.

Step 4

Preheat broiler.

Step 5

Open hoagie rolls and place a slice of provolone cheese on each.

Step 6

Broil until cheese is melted and rolls are toasted.

Step 7

Fill rolls with birria meat and caramelized onions.

Step 8

Serve with birria broth for dipping.

The History of the French Dip Sandwich

The French dip sandwich is a staple of American cuisine, created in Los Angeles in the early 20th century. It is said to have originated from a French immigrant’s deli, where the chef accidentally dipped a sandwich roll into beef drippings, creating a juicy, flavorful sandwich. This accidental invention quickly gained popularity, becoming a beloved menu item in delis and diners across the country. By introducing birria into this classic, you’re blending traditional American comfort food with the rich, spicy flavors of Mexican cuisine.


Interesting Variations

Birria French Dip is versatile and can be customized in various ways to suit your taste preferences:

  1. Cheese Variations: Swap provolone for other cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack to alter the flavor profile. For a stronger cheese taste, try adding a blend of cheeses.

  2. Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the birria meat for an extra layer of heat.

  3. Herb Infusion: Mix fresh herbs like cilantro or thyme into the caramelized onions for added flavor.

  4. Bread Choices: Experiment with different types of rolls or bread, such as ciabatta or baguettes, for a unique twist on the classic hoagie.

Regional Popularity

While the French dip sandwich is widely enjoyed across the United States, birria is a cherished dish in Mexico, particularly in Jalisco. This fusion of Mexican and American flavors reflects the growing trend of culinary crossovers, where traditional dishes from different cultures are combined to create exciting new meals. Birria French Dip is gaining popularity in areas with diverse food scenes, especially where Mexican cuisine is celebrated.


Why This Recipe is Easy and Good

Birria French Dip is not only delicious but also relatively simple to prepare. The use of leftover birria meat streamlines the cooking process, allowing you to quickly assemble the sandwiches with minimal prep time. Caramelizing onions adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the dish, while broiling the hoagie rolls ensures they’re perfectly toasted. The final touch of dipping the sandwich in rich birria consommé enhances the flavors and provides a satisfying, interactive eating experience. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, offering a quick and tasty way to enjoy leftovers.


Tips for Perfect Birria French Dip

  1. Caramelizing Onions: Patience is key when caramelizing onions. Cook them slowly over medium heat to develop their natural sweetness and achieve a deep, rich color.

  2. Consommé Temperature: Ensure the birria consommé is hot when serving to enhance the dipping experience. You can reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

  3. Toasting Rolls: Keep an eye on the rolls while broiling to prevent burning. Toast them just until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.

  4. Serving Suggestions: Pair your Birria French Dip with a side of pickles, coleslaw, or a light salad to complement the rich flavors of the sandwich.

The Fusion of Flavors

Birria French Dip is a prime example of how traditional dishes can be reimagined to create new culinary experiences. By blending the classic French dip sandwich with the spicy, savory elements of birria, you’re not only honoring both cuisines but also creating a dish that’s uniquely satisfying. This fusion highlights the creativity and adaptability of modern cooking, showcasing how leftovers can be transformed into something extraordinary.


Birria French Dip with grilled onions and cheese offers a delicious twist on the classic French dip sandwich, bringing together the best of Mexican and American flavors. With its rich birria meat, caramelized onions, melted cheese, and dipping consommé, this dish is both comforting and exciting. Perfect for using up leftovers and impressing guests, Birria French Dip is a versatile and satisfying option that’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy this fusion of flavors and celebrate the creativity of combining culinary traditions in every bite.

Get the recipe for Birria French Dip Sandwiches!

Birria French Dip