Description
This easy crockpot birria recipe features slow-cooked beef in a rich, smoky chili sauce. Perfect for tacos, stew, or quesabirria, this authentic Mexican dish is packed with bold flavors and effortless to make.
Ingredients
For the Meat:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast (or a mix of beef and lamb)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp oil (for searing)
For the Sauce:
- 3 dried guajillo chilies, stems and seeds removed
- 2 dried ancho chilies, stems and seeds removed
- 2 dried pasilla chilies, stems and seeds removed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp chili powder
For Serving:
- Corn tortillas
- Chopped onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dried Chilies
Soak the dried chilies in warm water for about 10 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce
Blend the softened chilies, garlic, onion, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, smoked paprika, ground cloves, and chili powder with 1 cup of beef broth until smooth.
3. Sear the Meat
Season the beef with salt and black pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the meat on all sides until browned.
4. Slow Cook the Birria
Transfer seared meat to the crockpot. Pour the blended sauce over the meat, add remaining beef broth and bay leaves. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours until fork-tender.
5. Shred the Meat
Remove the meat from the crockpot, shred it with two forks, then return it to the broth to soak up flavors for 10-15 minutes.
6. Serve
For stew, serve meat and broth in bowls, garnished with onions, cilantro, and lime. For tacos, dip tortillas in broth, fry, and fill with shredded meat and cheese.
Notes
- Spicy: Add extra chili powder or a chipotle pepper.
- Mild: Reduce dried chilies and increase tomato paste.
- Different Proteins: Substitute beef with goat, lamb, or chicken.
- Quesabirria: Add shredded cheese before folding and pan-frying tacos.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 5 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Keywords: Mexican birria, crockpot birria, slow cooker birria, birria tacos, authentic birria recipe