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Birria

Hearty Birria: Slow-Cooked Goodness Right at Home

Experience a comforting embrace of rich flavors with birria, a hearty Mexican stew perfect for cozy meals.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 9 hours
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 10 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Birria Ingredients
  • 3 lbs Beef Chuck Roast Substitute with brisket for a different texture.
  • 4 pcs Guajillo Chiles Adds depth and mild heat.
  • 2 pcs Ancho Chiles Contributes sweetness and smoky undertones.
  • 2 pcs Arbol Chiles Increases heat level; omit for less spiciness.
  • 4 pcs Roma Tomatoes Substitute with canned diced tomatoes.
  • 1 medium White Onion Yellow onion may work as an alternative.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Cloves Fresh garlic is essential.
  • 4 cups Low-Sodium Beef Broth Substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
  • 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar Lemon juice can be used as an alternative.
  • 2 tbsp Kosher Salt Adjust to taste with sea salt or table salt.
  • 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper Freshly ground is preferred.
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin Coriander can serve as a substitute.
  • 1 tbsp Dried Mexican Oregano Substitute with marjoram if unavailable.
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Cloves
  • 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Ginger
  • 3 pcs Bay Leaves Essential for herbal notes.
Optional Toppings
  • 1 cup Chopped Onion For a crunchy and fresh garnish.
  • 1/2 cup Cilantro Adds freshness and color.
  • 3 pcs Lime Wedges A squeeze brightens the dish.
  • 1 cup Diced Avocado Adds creaminess to your serving.
  • 1 cup Radishes For crispness and zing.

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • high-powered blender
  • Baking sheet
  • Pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Birria
  1. Begin by removing the seeds and stems from the guajillo, ancho, and arbol chiles. Give them a quick rinse under cold water to clean off any debris.
  2. Place the chiles in a pot with enough water to cover them and bring to a simmer. Let them cook for about 15 minutes or until they are softened and fragrant.
  3. Turn your oven to the broil setting and place the roma tomatoes, onion, and garlic on a baking sheet. Broil them for 4-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are lightly charred.
  4. In a high-powered blender, combine the softened chiles, roasted veggies, low-sodium beef broth, apple cider vinegar, and all spices. Blend until completely smooth.
  5. In a slow cooker, place the beef chuck roast and pour the prepared Birria sauce over the meat. Add the bay leaves and set your slow cooker to low for 8-9 hours.
  6. Once cooked, remove the beef from the slow cooker and allow it to cool, then shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return to the sauce.
  7. Serve your delicious Birria as a hearty stew or use it to fill warm tortillas for tasty tacos.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow birria to rest for at least 30 minutes before shredding to enhance flavors. Customize toppings to refresh the dish.

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