This Mexican Beef Birria is a slow-cooked, rich beef stew with a deep chili flavor. It makes tender shredded beef and a tasty consomé. Serve it in bowls or in tacos.
Table of Contents
Why make this recipe
This recipe is warm, filling, and easy. You can set a crockpot and come back to cooked, tender beef. It is great for family meals, parties, or tacos night.
how to make Mexican Beef Birria
Make the chile sauce, cook the beef slowly, and shred the meat. Mix the meat with the sauce and use the cooking liquid as consomé. The steps below are simple and clear.
Ingredients :
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 dried guajillo chiles
- 2-3 dried ancho chiles
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 2-3 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- Toast the dried chiles in a dry skillet until fragrant, then soak in hot water for 15 minutes.
- Blend the chiles with onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, and a little beef broth until smooth.
- In a crockpot, add the beef chuck roast, pour the chile sauce over it, and add remaining beef broth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until meat is tender.
- Shred the beef and serve in bowls or make tacos with the meat and consomé.
Mexican Beef Birria
A slow-cooked, rich beef stew with a deep chili flavor, perfect for family meals or tacos night.
- Total Time: 615 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 dried guajillo chiles
- 2–3 dried ancho chiles
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 2–3 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Toast the dried chiles in a dry skillet until fragrant, then soak in hot water for 15 minutes.
- Blend the chiles with onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, and a little beef broth until smooth.
- In a crockpot, add the beef chuck roast, pour the chile sauce over it, and add remaining beef broth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until meat is tender.
- Shred the beef and serve in bowls or make tacos with the meat and consomé.
Notes
For a variation, use short ribs or brisket for different texture. Add a cinnamon stick or cloves for warmer spice notes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 600 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
how to serve Mexican Beef Birria
Serve the shredded beef with warm corn tortillas, chopped onion, cilantro, lime wedges, and a bowl of the consomé for dipping. You can also make quesabirria with cheese and fry the tacos until crisp. For a side idea, try this Sweet Potato Black Bean Casserole.
How to store Mexican Beef Birria
Cool leftover birria to room temperature for no more than two hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
Tips to make Mexican Beef Birria
- Remove stems and seeds from chiles for less heat.
- Blend chiles well for a smooth sauce.
- Brown the roast first for more flavor, if you have time.
- Use low and slow cooking to make the meat fall apart.
- Save some consomé for dipping tacos; it is full of flavor.
Variations
- Use a mix of beef cuts like short ribs or brisket for different texture.
- Add a cinnamon stick or cloves for a warmer spice note.
- Make a spicier version by adding more chiles or a pinch of cayenne.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a pressure cooker instead of a crockpot?
A: Yes. Cook on high pressure for about 60-75 minutes and let natural release for best results.
Q: How spicy is this birria?
A: Spice level depends on the chiles and how many seeds you keep. Remove seeds to lower heat.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Yes. Make it a day ahead and reheat slowly. The flavors often improve after resting overnight.
Q: Is there a vegetarian option?
A: You can substitute jackfruit or mushrooms and use vegetable broth, but the flavor will differ from beef birria.
Conclusion
This Mexican Beef Birria is simple to make and full of flavor. Slow cooking makes the beef tender and the consomé rich. Follow the steps, store leftovers well, and enjoy tasty bowls or tacos.
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