Mexican Beef Birria
Delicious, Cozy, and Soul-Warming Birria
The Ultimate Mexican Comfort Food
Growing up in sunny Florida with a heart full of Mexico’s rich and vibrant flavors, I share a love story that begins in a kitchen soaked with the aroma of homemade tortillas and warm spices.
On weekends, my happiest moments were spent beside my mama, pressing tortillas and absorbing the secrets of spice magic from my abuela. Those afternoons taught me that food is not just nourishment; it brings love, laughter, and tales shared bite by bite.
Although I still reside in Orlando, my love for Oaxaca’s bustling mercados and abuela’s kitchen lives on, inspiring me to create authentic Mexican recipes like delicious beef birria, perfect for creating new memories around the dinner table.
Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Best Season: All Year Round
Top Reasons to Make It
- Flavor Explosion: This birria is a warm hug for your taste buds, thanks to its unique blend of spices and tender, beefy goodness.
- Family Tradition: Dive into a recipe that holds generations of love and laughter, perfect for sharing at family gatherings or cozy dinners.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a hearty soup, or transform it into tasty street tacos with fresh toppings.
- Easy Slow Cooking Method: Simply set it and forget it! With just a bit of prep, you can leave it to cook low and slow while you go about your day.
- Impressive Meal for Guests: Your friends and family will think you’ve been cooking for hours with this labor-of-love dish that requires minimal active effort.
Ingredients List
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 2 dried guajillo chiles
- 2 dried ancho chiles
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Corn tortillas (for tacos)
- Fresh cilantro and onion (for garnish)
Ingredient Tips
- Beef Chuck Roast: Look for a well-marbled cut; the fat adds richness and tenderness as it cooks low and slow.
- Dried Chiles: When selecting your guajillo and ancho chiles, choose ones that are pliable and deeply colored, indicating freshness and more robust flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the sweetness and flavor depth; opt for whole bulbs instead of pre-minced.
- Broth: For extra flavor, consider using homemade beef broth or a high-quality store-bought one.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a skillet, toast the guajillo and ancho chiles until fragrant, then soak them in warm water for 15 minutes to soften.
- Blend the soaked chiles with garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, and one cup of beef broth until smooth. This will be your flavorful base.
- Cut the beef chuck roast into large chunks and season generously with salt and pepper for that extra flavor boost.
- Place the beef chunks in a crockpot and pour the blended mixture over them, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Add the remaining broth and stir to combine, making sure all ingredients are incorporated.
- Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 8-10 hours, until the beef is super tender and shreds easily.
- Once cooked, serve birria with broth in bowls, garnishing with fresh cilantro and chopped onion. Use warm corn tortillas to create delicious tacos filled with the mouthwatering beef.
Pro Secrets
- Soaking Chiles: Don’t skip soaking; it helps release all the flavor into your dish for a richer broth.
- Cooking Time & Temperature: For maximum tenderness, use a slow cooker on low. You may also use a Dutch oven on low heat if you prefer a stovetop method.
- Resting: Letting the cooked birria rest for at least 15 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Adjusting Spiciness: Feel free to remove the seeds from the chiles before soaking if you prefer a milder flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Pork Birria: Swap beef for pork shoulder for a different twist on this comforting classic, offering a sweet and savory flavor.
- Vegetarian Birria: Substitute beef with mushrooms or jackfruit for a hearty vegetarian option that retains all the flavor.
- Birria Tacos with Cheese: Add quesillo (Oaxacan cheese) to your tacos for an ooey-gooey experience that melts in your mouth.
- Spicy Birria: Kick up the heat by adding extra serrano peppers to the blending process, perfect for those who love a spicy kick.
Perfect Pairings
- Drinks: Serve with traditional Mexican beverages like horchata or agua fresca for a refreshing touch.
- Sides: Pair with Mexican Street Corn (Elote) or a fresh avocado salad to complete your meal.
- Desserts: End your feast with a light Tres Leches cake or churros for a sweet finish.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
To save time, you can prepare the birria a day ahead. Store cooled birria in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Reheat by transferring to a pot and simmering gently until warmed through.
Serving Ideas
Presentation matters! Serve your birria in rustic bowls, garnished with cilantro and onion. For a touch of elegance, use a wooden platter to arrange tacos with cheese and avocado slices, inviting everyone to take their own at the table.
Kitchen Wisdom
- Slow Cooking: Always opt for low heat when slow cooking to keep the meat tender and maintain a full-bodied flavor.
- Stock Up: Keep dried chiles stocked in your pantry for quick, flavorful sauces and soups anytime.
- Taco Tips: Warm your tortillas in a skillet with a touch of oil to enhance their flavor and texture before making tacos.
- Creative Leftovers: Use leftover birria in enchiladas or quesadillas for an entirely new meal the next day.
Storage & Reheating Tips
For convenient reheating, microwave individual portions for about 2 minutes or reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little broth if needed to maintain moisture and flavor.
FAQs
- Can I use another cut of beef? Absolutely! Cuts like brisket or round roast also work well, but the cooking time may vary.
- What if I don’t have a slow cooker? You can make birria on the stovetop using a heavy pot or Dutch oven, adjusting the cooking time as needed until the beef is tender.
- How spicy is this recipe? The heat mainly depends on the dried chiles and any additional ingredients you choose to add. Adjust to your preference!
- Can I make birria ahead of time? Certainly! It tastes even better the next day. Just store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.
- What’s the best way to serve birria? Enjoy it as a soup with warm tortillas for dipping or as delicious tacos filled with the tender meat.
- Can I freeze birria? Yes! Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
- What other dishes can I create with leftover birria? Use leftover birria for burritos, enchiladas, or even as a filling for nachos.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary. Consult a nutritionist for precise info.
Personal Note
This beef birria brings me back to cherished memories of colorful Mexican mercados and cozy kitchens filled with laughter. It’s a recipe that not only warms the soul but helps create new memories while bringing family and friends together. Each bite reminds me of the love and tradition that goes into cooking; it’s a piece of my heart served on a plate.
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you’re inspired to try this delicious Mexican beef birria recipe in your own kitchen. Share it with loved ones, invite them to gather around the table, and make it part of your culinary journey. This dish promises warmth, flavor, and a taste of tradition that’s simply irresistible! Don’t forget to pin your favorite birria photos and share your delightful version with the world!
Print
Mexican Beef Birria
- Total Time: 540 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Delicious, cozy, and soul-warming birria that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 2 dried guajillo chiles
- 2 dried ancho chiles
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Corn tortillas (for tacos)
- Fresh cilantro and onion (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a skillet, toast the guajillo and ancho chiles until fragrant, then soak them in warm water for 15 minutes to soften.
- Blend the soaked chiles with garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, and one cup of beef broth until smooth. This will be your flavorful base.
- Cut the beef chuck roast into large chunks and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Place the beef chunks in a crockpot and pour the blended mixture over them, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Add the remaining broth and stir to combine.
- Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 8-10 hours, until the beef is tender and shreds easily.
- Once cooked, serve birria with broth in bowls, garnishing with fresh cilantro and chopped onion. Use warm corn tortillas to create tacos filled with the beef.
Notes
Soak the chiles for better flavor. Let the cooked birria rest before serving to enhance the taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 510 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
