Why Make This Recipe
Beef Birria is a delicious and hearty dish that originates from Mexico. It’s packed with rich flavors and offers a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends. Plus, it’s a great way to warm up during colder months!
How to Make Beef Birria
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 dried guajillo chiles
- 2 dried ancho chiles
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortillas for serving
- Chopped onions and cilantro for garnish
Directions:
- Toast the guajillo and ancho chiles in a dry skillet until fragrant.
- Remove the stems and seeds and soak them in hot water for about 15 minutes.
- In a blender, combine the soaked chiles, beef broth, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Place the beef chunks in the crockpot and pour the blended sauce over them.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Once cooked, shred the beef and serve with tortillas, garnished with onions and cilantro.
How to Serve Beef Birria
Beef Birria is best served with warm tortillas on the side. You can fill the tortillas with the shredded beef and top them with chopped onions and fresh cilantro for added flavor. It also pairs well with a side of rice or beans, making it a complete meal. For a fun twist, serve it with a dipping bowl of the flavorful broth.
How to Store Beef Birria
To store Beef Birria, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, place it in the freezer, where it can last for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.
Tips to Make Beef Birria
- Make sure to toast the chiles well for a deeper flavor.
- If you like spiciness, leave some seeds in the chiles.
- For extra richness, you can add a bit of beef fat or lard to the cooking liquid.
- Serve the broth as a soup alongside the birria for an authentic experience.
Variation
You can also try making Beef Birria with different types of meat, like goat or lamb if you prefer a variation. This will give you a unique twist on the classic dish while still keeping it delicious.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chiles instead of dried chiles?
Yes, fresh chiles can be used, but dried chiles give a more concentrated flavor.
Is Birria spicy?
The spice level depends on the type of chiles you use. Guajillo and ancho chiles are mild, but you can add hotter chiles if you prefer.
Can I cook Beef Birria on the stove instead of a crockpot?
Absolutely! You can simmer the beef and sauce in a large pot on the stove for about 2-3 hours until the meat is tender. Adjust the liquid as needed.
Beef Birria
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 dried guajillo chiles
- 2 dried ancho chiles
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- to taste Salt and pepper
For Serving
- Tortillas for serving
- Chopped onions and cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Toast the guajillo and ancho chiles in a dry skillet until fragrant.
- Remove the stems and seeds and soak them in hot water for about 15 minutes.
Sauce Preparation
- In a blender, combine the soaked chiles, beef broth, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
Cooking
- Place the beef chunks in the crockpot and pour the blended sauce over them.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender.
Serving
- Once cooked, shred the beef and serve with tortillas, garnished with onions and cilantro.