Birria

Why Make This Recipe

Birria is a rich and flavorful Mexican dish that warms the heart and delights the taste buds. Making birria at home allows you to experience the authentic taste of this traditional dish, often served at celebrations and gatherings. The slow cooking method makes the beef tender and infuses it with spices, creating a combination that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s perfect for sharing!

How to Make Birria

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs beef chuck or brisket
• 4 dried guajillo chilies
• 2 dried ancho chilies
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Soak the dried chilies in hot water for 15-20 minutes until soft. After they are soft, remove the stems and seeds.
2. In a blender, combine the soaked chilies, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, and a bit of beef broth. Blend until smooth.
3. In the slow cooker, add the beef, chili sauce, remaining beef broth, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours or until the beef is tender.
5. Once the beef is tender, shred it and serve in tacos or bowls with your favorite toppings.

How to Serve Birria

Birria is best served in tacos or bowls. You can fill warm corn tortillas with the shredded beef and top it with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Alternatively, serve it in a bowl with a side of the broth and your favorite toppings, such as avocado, radishes, or cheese for extra flavor.

How to Store Birria

To store birria, allow it to cool completely and then place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate the broth and meat if you plan to freeze them.

Tips to Make Birria

• Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chilies according to your taste.
• If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can use a Dutch oven on the stovetop. Just adjust the cooking time and ensure it simmers gently.
• Letting the birria sit for a day enhances the flavors. So make it a day ahead to enjoy even better taste.

Variation

For a quicker version, you can use a pressure cooker instead of a slow cooker. This will reduce the cooking time significantly while still delivering delicious results.

FAQs

1. Can I use other cuts of meat for birria?
Yes, you can use other cuts like lamb or goat, but beef is the most common. Each will give a different taste and texture.

2. What can I serve with birria aside from tacos?
You can serve it with rice, beans, or simply as a soup. It pairs well with corn tortillas or crusty bread.

3. Is birria spicy?
The spice level can vary depending on the number of chilies used. Feel free to adjust the quantity to suit your spice preference.

Slow Cooker Birria

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: angela
• Total Time: 500 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A rich and flavorful Mexican birria dish made with tender beef and infused with spices, perfect for sharing during celebrations.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 lbs beef chuck or brisket
• 4 dried guajillo chilies
• 2 dried ancho chilies
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Soak the dried chilies in hot water for 15-20 minutes until soft. After they are soft, remove the stems and seeds.
2. Combine the soaked chilies, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, and a bit of beef broth in a blender. Blend until smooth.
3. Add the beef, chili sauce, remaining beef broth, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
4. Cook on low for 480 minutes or until the beef is tender.
5. Shred the beef and serve in tacos or bowls with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chilies. For a quicker version, use a pressure cooker instead of a slow cooker.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 480 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 45g
• Cholesterol: 100mg