Go Back
Birria Mac & Cheese Bake

Birria Mac & Cheese Bake

Creamy mac and cheese loaded with smoky, slow-cooked birria beef, baked until golden, and topped with melted cheese for a spicy, cheesy twist on classic comfort food.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 8 People
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Birria:
  • 3 lbs beef chuck roast cut into large chunks
  • 6 dried guajillo chiles stemmed and seeded
  • 3 dried ancho chiles stemmed and seeded
  • 2 dried pasilla chiles optional, for more depth
  • 1 medium onion quartered
  • 5 cloves of garlic
  • 3 medium Roma tomatoes halved
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Mac & Cheese Base:
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Topping:
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
Optional Add-Ins:
  • Roasted poblano or jalapeño slices
  • Crispy tortilla strips
  • Pickled red onions for serving

Method
 

  1. Make birria beef by simmering it in chile sauce until tender, then shred.
  2. Boil pasta until al dente, then set aside.
  3. Make creamy cheese sauce with cheddar, Oaxaca, and mozzarella.
  4. Mix pasta, birria beef, consommé, and sauce in a baking dish.
  5. Top with cheese and bake until golden and bubbly.
  6. Garnish with cilantro and serve warm.