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Is Birria Beef or Pork?

Birria Beef


  • Author: Crystal
  • Total Time: 4 hours (excluding marinating)
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Tender, slow-cooked beef birria bathed in a smoky chili-cumin broth—this viral Mexican dish is a flavor explosion! Perfect for tacos, quesabirrias, or sipping its rich consommé. #BirriaBoss

 


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs beef chuck roast (or pork shoulder)
  • 4 dried guajillo chilies (stems/seeds removed)
  • 2 dried ancho chilies (stems/seeds removed)
  • 1 onion (quartered)
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Corn tortillas (for serving)
  • Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, lime wedges, pickled onions

Instructions

  1. Toast chilies: Dry-toast guajillo and ancho chilies in a skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes. Soak in hot water for 20 minutes.
  2. Blend sauce: Drain chilies, then blend with onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, vinegar, and 1 cup broth until smooth.
  3. Marinate beef: Coat beef in sauce, cover, and refrigerate overnight (or at least 2 hours).
  4. Cook: Sear beef in a Dutch oven, then add remaining broth and cinnamon. Simmer covered for 3 hours until tender.
  5. Shred: Remove beef, shred with forks, and strain broth (consommé). Serve with warm tortillas and consommé for dipping.

Notes

  • Chili swap: No guajillos? Use pasilla or chipotle peppers.
  • Faster cook: Use a pressure cooker (1 hour on high).
  • Storage: Meat + broth keep for 3 days in the fridge or 3 months frozen.
  • Pro tip: Fry tacos in the consommé’s fat for extra crispiness!
  • Prep Time: 30 mins (+ marinate 8 hours)
  • Cook Time: 3.5 hours
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Braising
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup meat + broth
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 890mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 45g
  • Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: authentic birria beef, easy birria recipe, birria tacos, Mexican stew