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Birria

Mouthwatering Birria: Slow-Cooked Flavor Explosion at Home

Experience the rich flavors of Birria in this easy, slow-cooked recipe that brings the taste of Jalisco home.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Beef
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Stew
  • 3 pounds Beef Chuck Roast Cut into 3-inch chunks for even cooking and tenderness.
  • 3-4 pieces Guajillo Chiles Adds mild heat and deep flavor for authentic birria taste.
  • 3-4 pieces Ancho Chiles Contributes sweetness and complexity; substitute with pasilla if needed.
  • 2-3 pieces Arbol Chiles Introduces spice; reduce for a milder flavor.
  • 2-3 pieces Roma Tomatoes Provides freshness and tanginess; canned tomatoes can be used.
  • 1 large White Onion Offers an aromatic base flavor; yellow onion can be a substitute.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Cloves Enhances richness; garlic powder is a quick alternative.
  • 4 cups Low-Sodium Beef Broth Key for braising; vegetable broth can be used for vegetarian version.
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar Adds necessary acidity to balance flavors; red wine vinegar is a strong alternative.
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt Essential for flavor enhancement; sea salt works too, adjust to taste.
For the Spice Blend
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper Provides slight heat and enhances overall flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Ground Cumin Adds an earthy depth that complements the meat well.
  • 1 tablespoon Dried Mexican Oregano Essential for authentic flavor; Italian seasoning can substitute.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves Contributes a warm spice note; use sparingly.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon A hint of sweetness balances the dish's savoriness.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger Adds a unique twist to the spice profile.
  • 2 pieces Bay Leaves Imparts earthy notes while cooking; can be omitted.
Optional Toppings
  • 1/2 cup Chopped Onion Provides a fresh crunch when added to servings.
  • 1/2 cup Cilantro Brightens the dish and adds a refreshing taste.
  • 3 pieces Lime Wedges A squeeze of lime enhances the flavors beautifully.

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • blender
  • Medium saucepan
  • Baking sheet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Birria
  1. Prepare the Chilies: Deseed and rinse 3-4 guajillo, ancho, and arbol chilies. Simmer in water for about 15 minutes until softened.
  2. Roast Vegetables: Broil 2-3 Roma tomatoes, a chopped white onion, and garlic cloves for 4-6 minutes until charred.
  3. Blend Sauce: Combine chilies, roasted vegetables, simmering water, beef broth, and spices in a blender. Blend until smooth.
  4. Cook Beef: Place 3 pounds of beef in a slow cooker. Pour the blended sauce over the beef and add 2 bay leaves. Mix gently.
  5. Slow Cook: Set slow cooker to low for 8-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours until beef is fork-tender.
  6. Shred Beef: Remove cooked beef, shred into bite-sized pieces, and return to the sauce.
  7. Serve: Ladle birria into bowls or use to fill tortillas. Garnish with onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Birria is versatile; enjoy it as a stew or in tacos, and consider adding various toppings for extra flavor.

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