Ingredients
For the Meat:
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast (or short ribs, or a mix)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Birria Sauce:
- 4 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded
- 2 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded
- 2 dried chipotle chilies
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
For Serving:
- Warm corn tortillas
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Diced white onion
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chilies
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the guajillo, ancho, and chipotle chilies for about 30 seconds on each side until fragrant.
- Transfer the chilies to a bowl and cover with hot water for 10 minutes to soften.
Step 2: Blend the Sauce
- Drain the softened chilies and add them to a blender with beef broth, onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and tomato.
- Blend until smooth. Strain the sauce for a smoother texture, if desired.
Step 3: Sear the Meat
- Season the beef with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and sear the beef on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side).
Step 4: Simmer the Birria
- Pour the blended sauce over the seared beef, adding extra beef broth if needed to fully submerge the meat.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fall-apart tender.
Step 5: Shred & Serve
- Remove the beef from the pot and shred it with forks.
- Return the shredded beef to the sauce and simmer for another 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 6: Enjoy
- Serve the birria as a stew with warm corn tortillas or use the meat to make tacos.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced onion, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Notes
- Taco Version: Use the shredded beef to fill tortillas with cheese, grill them to make quesabirria, and dip in the broth.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the beef with mushrooms or a mix of beans and vegetables for a plant-based version.
- Spicy Kick: Adjust the number of chipotle chilies or add extra dried chilies for more heat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow-Cooked
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free