Description
Slow-cooked Mexican birria is a rich, spicy stew infused with dried chilies, herbs, and tender meat. This easy crockpot recipe delivers authentic flavors, perfect for birria tacos or a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
Prepare the Chilies:
- Remove stems and seeds from dried chilies.
- Boil water in a small pot, add chilies, and let soften for 10 minutes.
Make the Sauce:
- Blend softened chilies, 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.
Prepare the Meat:
- Cut the meat into large chunks and season with salt.
Assemble in the Crockpot:
- Place meat in the crockpot and pour blended sauce over it.
- Add bay leaves and cinnamon stick.
- Pour in enough 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 meat is tender and shreds easily.
Shred and Serve:
- Remove meat and shred with forks.
- Strain the broth and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve as a stew with tortillas, cilantro, and lime wedges, or use for tacos.
Notes
- Protein Swap: Use lamb, pork, or chicken instead of beef or goat.
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of chilies for milder or spicier broth.
- Additional Seasonings: Add tomatoes or Mexican chocolate for extra depth.
- Vegan Option: Substitute jackfruit or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 hours (low) / 5–6 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: mexican inspired
Keywords: birria, Mexican stew, crockpot birria, slow cooker, birria tacos