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Beef Birria

Tender Beef Birria: Your New Favorite Comfort Food

Experience the rich, smoky flavor of Beef Birria, a comforting and customizable Mexican dish.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Course: dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Spice Blend
  • 3 whole Dried Ancho Chiles Replace with other mild dried chiles for less heat.
  • 3 whole Dried Guajillo Chiles Substitute with other dried chiles for flavor variation.
  • 2 whole Chiles de Árbol Omit for a milder version.
  • 1 stick Cinnamon Stick Can substitute with a pinch of ground cinnamon.
  • 1 tablespoon Oregano Mexican oregano preferred.
  • 1 tablespoon Cumin
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves Remove before serving.
For the Meat
  • 3 lbs Chuck Roast Brisket or short ribs can be used instead.
For the Base
  • 2 tablespoon Vegetable Oil Any high smoke point oil can be used.
  • 1 whole Onion Can use shallots for a milder flavor.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Cloves
  • 1 inch Ginger Optional for a different flavor profile.
  • 4 cups Beef Stock Can substitute with low-sodium chicken stock.
  • 1 cup White Vinegar Can substitute with apple cider vinegar.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather a Dutch oven.
  2. Remove the seeds from the dried Ancho, Guajillo, and Chiles de Árbol. Toast chiles in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 4 minutes, stirring until fragrant. Soak the toasted chiles in boiling water for around 15 minutes until they soften.
  3. Pat the chuck roast dry and season it with salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in the Dutch oven and brown the beef in batches for about 15-18 minutes.
  4. Remove the beef from the pot, sauté chopped onion until golden brown (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic and spices, then stir and cook for about 2 minutes.
  5. Deglaze the pot by pouring in beef stock and white vinegar. Blend the soaked chiles and tomatoes until smooth; then pour back into the pot.
  6. Return the browned beef to the Dutch oven, cover it tightly, and bake for about 2½ hours.
  7. Once fork-tender, remove pot from oven and let cool briefly. Shred the beef and stir it back into the sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 32gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 750mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Beef Birria develops richer flavors the next day. Store properly for best taste.

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