Easy Barbacoa Mexican Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Sizzling Barbacoa Mexican Grilled Cheese Sandwich | Perfect Fusion of Flavors

Dive into the delectable world of our Easy Barbacoa Mexican Grilled Cheese Sandwich, where the zest and zestiness of Mexican street cuisine meets the comforting embrace of an American classic. This sandwich isn’t just a meal; it’s an adventure between slices of sourdough, featuring a tantalizing blend of spicy, smoky barbacoa and creamy, melting cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a quick and satisfying way to spice up your lunch or dinner routine!

Inspiration:

Inspired by the vibrant street markets of Mexico and the cozy diners of America, this grilled cheese sandwich marries rich barbacoa beef with melty pepper jack cheese. The addition of chipotle and lime captures the essence of Mexican cuisine while nestled between slices of golden-brown sourdough, making each bite a delightful fusion of cultures.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Explosive Flavors: The combination of spicy barbacoa and creamy cheese ensures a flavor-packed experience with every bite.

• Easy to Make: With prep and cook time totaling only 25 minutes, this sandwich is perfect for a quick lunch or a hassle-free dinner.

• Customizable: Whether you like it extra cheesy or with a hint of cilantro, this sandwich welcomes all your favorite tweaks.

• Visually Appealing: Served on rustic sourdough with a golden crust, it’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Quick Grocery List:

For the Barbacoa:

• Shredded barbacoa beef (pre-cooked)

• Chipotle chili powder

• Cumin

• Lime juice

For the Sandwich:

• Sourdough bread

• Butter, softened

• Pepper jack cheese

• Caramelized onions (optional)

• Chopped cilantro (optional)

Things to Consider Before Preparing Your Meal:

• Prep & Cook Time: Total 25 minutes

• Equipment Checklist: Skillet, mixing bowl, spatula

• Dietary Adjustments: Can substitute pepper jack cheese with cheddar for a milder taste

• Serving Size: Makes 4 sandwiches

Easy Barbacoa Mexican Grilled Cheese Sandwich

DifficultyEasy

Servings4

Prep time15 minutes

Cook time10 minutes

Total time25 minutes

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Ingredients

For the Barbacoa:

• 2 cups shredded barbacoa beef , (pre-cooked)
• 1 tsp chipotle chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1 tbsp lime juice

For the Sandwich:

• 8 slices sourdough bread
• 4 tbsp butter, softened
• 8 slices pepper jack cheese
• 1/2 cup caramelized onions, (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, (optional)

Let's Get Cooking!

Instructions:

• 1

  Preparing the Grilled Cheese:

  • Preheat your skillet or griddle over medium heat.

  • Mix the barbacoa beef with chipotle chili powder, cumin, and lime juice in a bowl. Stir until evenly seasoned.

  • Butter one side of each bread slice. On the non-buttered side, lay a slice of cheese, a generous amount of barbacoa, caramelized onions, and sprinkle with cilantro.

  • Top with another slice of cheese and cover with another bread slice, buttered side up.

  • Grill each sandwich for about 5 minutes on each side or until the bread is golden and the cheese has melted.

  • Serve hot and enjoy the melting flavors!

Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula

Notes

Recipe Notes and Variations

• General Notes: Ensure the barbacoa is moist but not excessively juicy to prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy.

• Substitutions: Swap pepper jack cheese with cheddar for a less spicy option.

• Variations: Add a spread of refried beans on the bread for an extra layer of Mexican flavor.

• Pro Tips:

  • Press down the sandwich lightly with a spatula while grilling to ensure even cooking and cheese melting.

  • For an extra crispy crust, sprinkle a little cheese on the outside of the bread before grilling.

Nutrition

Calories	620
Carbohydrates	52g
Cholesterol	85mg
Fat	33g
Fiber	3g
Protein	34g
Saturated Fat	15g
Sodium	990mg
Sugar	5g
Unsaturated Fat	15g

Let’s Get Cooking:

Pro Tips:

• Prepping the Grill: Ensure your skillet is preheated to just the right temperature (medium heat) to avoid burning the bread.

• Mixing the Barbacoa: After seasoning, let the barbacoa sit for a minute to absorb the flavors of chipotle and lime fully.

• Assembling the Sandwich: Layer the ingredients evenly to distribute the flavors in every bite and prevent any one ingredient from overwhelming the others.

Art Of:

Master the art of the perfect grilled cheese sandwich with these techniques:

• Achieving the Perfect Sear: Control your heat carefully. Too hot, and you burn the bread. Too low, and the cheese won’t melt. Medium heat is just right.

• Balancing Fillings: Too much filling can cause spillage, and too little can be underwhelming. Find the balance to ensure each sandwich is stuffed sufficiently but not excessively.

• Flavor Infusions: Adding a spritz of lime juice directly to the beef after cooking can enhance the zesty profile of your barbacoa.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella for a stringy texture or smoked gouda for a deeper flavor.

• Add Heat: Introduce sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce inside the sandwich for an extra kick.

• Bread Choices: While sourdough is ideal for its firm texture and tangy flavor, feel free to use ciabatta or a hearty rye for a different twist.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving):

• Calories: 620 – Perfect for a satisfying meal that fuels your day.

• Carbohydrates: 52g – Provides energy to power through your activities.

• Cholesterol: 85mg – Moderate intake, can be managed with balanced eating throughout the day.

• Fat: 33g – Delivers richness and satiety, with a focus on flavor.

• Fiber: 3g – Aids in digestion, though additional sources of fiber can be beneficial.

• Protein: 34g – Great for muscle repair and building, making this a post-workout favorite.

• Saturated Fat: 15g – Keep an eye on this if managing heart health.

• Sodium: 990mg – Watch this if on a low-sodium diet; reduce by choosing lower-sodium cheese.

• Sugar: 5g – Low in sugars, which helps maintain a steady energy level.

• Unsaturated Fat: 15g – Contains good fats that help with nutrient absorption.

Storing and Reheating:

Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat on a skillet over low heat to recrisp the bread and melt the cheese without burning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q: Can I make the barbacoa ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Preparing the barbacoa in advance simplifies the process, allowing you to assemble and grill the sandwiches in minutes.

Q: What can I serve with this grilled cheese?
A: A side of tortilla chips and salsa or a fresh garden salad pairs beautifully with this sandwich.

Q: Can I use store-bought barbacoa?
A: Yes, store-bought barbacoa is a perfect time-saver. Just enhance it with lime and spices as directed.

Q: How can I make this sandwich less spicy?
A: Swap the pepper jack cheese with a milder cheese and reduce the chipotle chili powder.

Engage and Share:

Loved making this Barbacoa Mexican Grilled Cheese Sandwich? Share your experience, rate this recipe, or comment below with your own twist! For more delicious adventures, why not try our try some of our other favorites below:

• Pulled Beef Brisket Sandwich with Spicy Coleslaw
• Spiced Mango & Black Bean Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
• Triple Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomato Grilled Cheese

Happy Cooking!