Authentic Beef Birria Recipe: A Flavorful Mexican Stew for Every Occasion

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Create a hearty, flavorful beef birria that’s perfect for serving as a stew or crafting the best tacos ever.

Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 3 hrs 40 mins
Additional Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 10 hrs 10 mins
Servings: 10

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Authentic Flavors: Packed with traditional spices, dried chiles, and slow-cooked tenderness.
  • Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a stew or use it to make birria tacos.
  • Protein-Packed: A satisfying, high-protein meal for any occasion.

Ingredients for Beef Birria

For the Meat:

  • 2 ½ pounds beef chuck, cut into 3- to 4-inch pieces
  • 3 (8-ounce) beef short ribs, halved through the bone
  • 4 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

For the Sauce:

  • 7 dried guajillo chilies, stems and seeds removed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, roughly chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
  • 3 large tomatoes, cored and chopped
  • 2 cups water

For Cooking:

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • ¼ cup white vinegar
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon honey

For Serving:

  • 2 tablespoons finely diced white onion
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 medium lime, sliced

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Meat

  1. Place beef chuck and short ribs in a large soup pot.
  2. Season with salt, oregano, black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, and cloves.
  3. Toss the meat thoroughly until evenly coated with the spices. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Step 2 – Make the Chili Sauce

  1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the dried guajillo chilies and sauté for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
  3. Stir in the onion, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and water.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
  5. Blend the mixture into a smooth purée using an immersion blender or countertop blender.

Step 3 – Combine Ingredients

  1. Remove the soup pot with the meat from the refrigerator.
  2. Strain the chili purée into the pot using a fine mesh strainer.
  3. Add chicken broth, vinegar, bay leaves, and honey. Stir to combine.

Step 4 – Cook the Birria

  1. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
  2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 3 to 4 hours.
  3. Stir occasionally and skim off any fat from the surface as it cooks.

Step 5 – Serve the Birria

  1. Spoon chunks of beef into bowls and ladle the cooking liquid over the top.
  2. Garnish with white onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
  3. Serve with warm tortillas, chili oil, or salsa on the side.

Tips for the Best Beef Birria

  • Use Quality Meat: Beef chuck and short ribs create a tender, flavorful stew.
  • Don’t Skip the Marinade: Allowing the meat to absorb the spices enhances the flavor.
  • Adjust Heat Levels: Add ancho or pasilla chilies for a richer, smokier taste.
  • Reserve the Fat: Skim and save the fat for making crispy birria tacos.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 375
  • Fat: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Protein: 21g

Benefits of Beef Birria

Protein-Rich Meal:

Packed with high-quality protein to keep you full and energized.

Authentic Mexican Flavors:

Traditional spices and chilies provide a rich and satisfying taste.

Gluten-Free Option:

Naturally gluten-free, making it a safe choice for those with dietary restrictions.

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