Name: The Mexican Birria Crockpot Recipe Everyone Loves!
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-483738H32M49S
Total time: PT-483738H32M49S
Cuisine: mexican inspired
Ingredients: 3 lbs beef or goat meat (chuck roast, short ribs, or shank); 4 dried guajillo chilies; 3 dried ancho chilies; 2 dried pasilla chilies; 1 white onion, chopped; 4 garlic cloves; 2 Roma tomatoes; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 2 bay leaves; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp oregano; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 cinnamon stick; 4 cups beef broth or water; Salt to taste; Corn tortillas (optional, for tacos); 1/2 cup chopped cilantro; 2 limes, cut into wedges; 1 cup Mexican cheese (optional, for tacos)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mexican birria is a flavorful, slow-cooked stew known for its rich and spicy broth infused with aromatic chilies, herbs, and tender meat that falls apart with ease. Traditionally made with goat or beef, this dish has gained popularity worldwide, especially when used to create the trendy birria tacos. Cooking it in a crockpot simplifies the process while preserving its authentic taste, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. The slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring a deeply satisfying dish perfect for family meals, gatherings, or a comforting homemade feast.

Ingredients

Beef or goat meat (such as chuck roast or shank)
Dried guajillo chilies
Dried ancho chilies
Dried pasilla chilies
White onion
Garlic cloves
Roma tomatoes
Apple cider vinegar
Bay leaves
Cumin
Oregano
Ground cloves
Black pepper
Cinnamon stick
Beef broth or water
Salt
Corn tortillas (optional, for tacos)
Cilantro
Lime wedges
Mexican cheese (optional, for tacos)

Directions

Prepare the Chilies:
- Remove stems and seeds from the dried chilies.
- In a small pot, bring water to a boil and add the chilies. Let them soften for about 10 minutes.
Make the Sauce:
- Blend softened chilies with tomatoes, onion, garlic, apple cider vinegar, cumin, oregano, ground cloves, black pepper, and a small amount of beef broth until smooth.
- Strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve to remove any solids for a smoother texture.
Prepare the Meat:
- Cut the beef or goat into large chunks.
- Season generously with salt.
Assemble in the Crockpot:
- Place the meat in the crockpot.
- Pour the blended sauce over the meat.
- Add bay leaves and cinnamon stick.
- Pour in enough beef broth or water to cover the meat halfway.
Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 5–6 hours until the meat is tender and easily shreds apart.
Shred and Serve:
- Remove the meat and shred it with forks.
- Strain the broth and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a stew with a side of warm tortillas, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges.
- For tacos, dip tortillas in the rich broth, fill them with shredded meat, cheese, and pan-fry until crispy.

Variations

Protein Swap: Substitute beef or goat with lamb, pork, or chicken for a different flavor profile.
Spice Level: Adjust the number of chilies to make the broth milder or spicier.
Additional Seasonings: Some recipes include tomatoes and Mexican chocolate for extra depth.
Vegan Option: Use jackfruit or mushrooms instead of meat and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 hours (low) or 5–6 hours (high)
Total Time: Up to 10 hours
Servings: 6–8

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover birria in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding broth if necessary to keep it moist.

FAQs

What type of meat is best for birria?

Traditionally, birria is made with goat meat, but beef (chuck roast, short ribs, or shank) is commonly used for an easier-to-source alternative.

Can I make birria in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the sauté function for the sauce, then pressure cook on high for about 45 minutes, followed by a natural release.

How do I make birria tacos?

Dip corn tortillas in the birria broth, fill them with shredded meat and cheese, and fry them in a skillet until crispy.

What can I serve with birria?

It pairs well with rice, beans, pickled onions, or a fresh avocado salad.

Can I make birria ahead of time?

Absolutely! The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious when reheated.

Is birria very spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted based on the number of chilies used. Removing the seeds from the chilies will make it milder.

Can I use store-bought chili paste instead of dried chilies?

Yes, but the flavor may differ slightly. Adjust seasonings to taste.

What’s the best way to strain the sauce?

Use a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solids for a smooth and velvety texture.

Can I cook birria overnight?

Yes, cooking on low overnight allows for a tender, flavorful result by morning.

How do I get crispy birria tacos?

Pan-frying the tacos with a bit of the broth-infused fat gives them their signature crispy texture.

Conclusion

This Mexican birria crockpot recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves rich, slow-cooked flavors with tender meat and aromatic spices. Whether you enjoy it as a comforting stew or crispy birria tacos, it’s a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish. Give it a try and enjoy the deep, authentic taste of birria right from your kitchen!

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