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Birria Recipe

Authentic Birria Recipe: A Flavorful Journey to Mexico

This authentic birria recipe elevates comfort food with tender beef and a rich sauce, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 2 pounds Beef Chuck Roast Cut into 3-inch chunks
For the Sauce
  • 3 each Guajillo Chiles Deseeded
  • 3 each Ancho Chilies Deseeded
  • 3 each Arbol Chilies Deseeded
  • 2 each Roma Tomatoes Cut in half
  • 1 each White Onion Quartered
  • 4 cloves Garlic Cloves Unpeeled
  • 2 cups Low-Sodium Beef Broth
  • 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
For Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt Adjust based on taste
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 tablespoon Dried Mexican Oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger
  • 2 each Bay Leaves

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • blender
  • medium saucepan
  • Baking Sheet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Begin by deseeding and rinsing 3 each of guajillo, ancho, and arbol chiles. Place them in a medium saucepan, adding enough water to cover. Simmer on medium heat for about 15 minutes, or until the chiles are softened and plump.
  2. While the chiles simmer, preheat your broiler. Cut 2 roma tomatoes in half, quarter a white onion, and place them on a baking sheet with unpeeled garlic cloves. Broil for 4-6 minutes, watching closely until the skin of the tomatoes and onion is charred.
  3. Transfer the softened chiles and the roasted vegetables into a blender. Add in 2 cups of low-sodium beef broth, ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar, and all your spices. Blend until smooth.
  4. In a slow cooker, arrange the 2 pounds of beef chuck roast cut into 3-inch chunks. Pour the aromatic sauce over the beef, then nestle in 2 bay leaves. Cover and set your slow cooker on low for 8-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
  5. Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the bay leaves from the pot. Using two forks, shred the beef directly in the sauce. Serve your slow-cooked birria in bowls or turn it into tacos with fresh garnishes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 40gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Adjust the amount of arbol chilies based on your spice preference. Sear beef chunks for added flavor before slow cooking if desired.

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