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Mexican Birria Recipe First Image

Birria


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  • Author: Chef John
  • Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

A flavorful Mexican stew made with marinated beef, perfect for tacos or as a hearty dish.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 kg (3–4 lbs) beef chuck roast or short ribs
  • 3 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
  • 2 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
  • 2 dried pasilla chiles, stemmed and seeded
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups beef broth (for cooking)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Corn tortillas
  • Chopped onion, cilantro, lime wedges, and shredded cheese (optional toppings)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chiles: Toast dried chiles lightly in a dry skillet for 1–2 minutes. Soak in hot water for 15 minutes until softened.
  2. Make the marinade: Blend soaked chiles, garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, cloves, beef broth, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Marinate the meat: Rub the beef with the chile paste. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
  4. Cook the birria: In a large pot or Dutch oven, add marinated beef, 2 cups beef broth, and bay leaf. Simmer covered on low heat for 2½–3 hours until meat is tender and falling apart.
  5. Shred meat: Remove meat and shred with forks. Return to the sauce to soak.
  6. Serve: Serve with warm corn tortillas and toppings like onion, cilantro, lime, and cheese. Optionally, use the cooking broth (consomé) for dipping tacos.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, let the meat marinate overnight.
  • Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the types or amounts of chiles used.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Braised
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg