Authentic Mexican Beef Birria Recipe

This authentic Mexican beef birria recipe is bursting with flavor and is perfect for a festive family meal or special occasion. Tender and succulent shredded beef is slow-cooked in a rich and aromatic broth made with a combination of dried chili peppers, onions, garlic, and spices. The resulting birria is traditionally served with warm tortillas, garnished with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime juice. It's a dish that will transport you to the streets of Mexico and leave you craving for more.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
• 4 dried guajillo chili peppers
• 2 dried ancho chili peppers
• 2 dried pasilla chili peppers
• 1 small onion, roughly chopped
• 6 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Corn tortillas, warmed
• Diced onions, for garnish
• Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the dried chili peppers in a large bowl and cover with boiling water. Let them soak for 15 minutes until softened.
3. In a blender, combine the softened chili peppers, chopped onion, garlic cloves, dried oregano, ground cumin, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth, adding water if needed to thin out the mixture.
4. Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper. Heat a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Sear the beef chunks on all sides until browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
5. Pour the chili pepper mixture into the same pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add the beef broth, water, bay leaves, and the seared beef chunks back into the pot. Stir well to combine.
7. Cover the pot and place it in the preheated oven. Cook for 3 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
8. Remove the pot from the oven and let it cool slightly. Use two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces.
9. Skim off any fat from the surface of the broth, if desired.
10. Serve the beef birria in bowls, accompanied by warmed corn tortillas. Garnish with diced onions, chopped fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice on top.
11. Enjoy this delicious and authentic Mexican beef birria with your family and friends!

Interesting Facts