Beef Birria
A hearty and aromatic traditional Mexican beef stew known for its bold flavors, perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 2 lbs beef short ribs
- 4 dried guajillo peppers
- 4 dried ancho peppers
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 4 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Onion, chopped, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Corn tortillas, for Quesabirria tacos
Instructions
Preparation
- In a dry skillet over medium-high heat, toast the guajillo and ancho peppers for about 3-5 minutes until fragrant. Be sure to turn them often as they can burn quickly. Remove the stems and seeds afterward.
- In a blender, combine the toasted peppers with the chopped onion, garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, and a splash of beef broth. Blend until smooth and set aside.
Cooking
- In a large pot, add the beef chuck roast and short ribs. Pour the blended sauce over the meat and add the remaining beef broth. Season generously with salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste.
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally until the meat is tender enough to shred easily.
- Once the beef is done, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat using two forks and return it to the pot to absorb more flavor.
Assembly
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Dip each corn tortilla into the broth briefly, then place it on the skillet. Add shredded meat and a sprinkle of cheese, folding it in half to cook until crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Ladle the beef birria into bowls, garnishing with fresh cilantro, chopped onion, and lime wedges. Tacos can be served on the side with extra broth for dipping.
Notes
For elevated enjoyment, consider offering an assortment of salsas and pickled jalapeños as toppings. Leftover birria is fantastic in enchiladas or burritos, transforming it into a completely different meal.