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+ servings

The Best Ever Mexican Birria

A rich and flavorful Mexican stew made with tender meat, spices, and a savory broth, perfect for tacos or served with consomé.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Meat
  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast cut into chunks
  • 1 pound lamb shank optional for added flavor
Spices
  • 3 tablespoons dried guajillo chiles stems and seeds removed
  • 2 tablespoons dried ancho chiles stems and seeds removed
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon oregano Mexican oregano preferred
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
Liquids
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Vegetables
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 medium tomatoes chopped
  • 2 stalks celery chopped
  • 2 medium carrots chopped
Garnishes
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 lime cut into wedges
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1 cup sliced radishes

Method
 

Prepare the Chiles
  1. In a dry skillet, toast the guajillo and ancho chiles over medium heat until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and soak in hot water for 15 minutes.
Blend the Sauce
  1. In a blender, combine the soaked chiles, garlic, cumin, oregano, black pepper, cinnamon, and a cup of beef broth. Blend until smooth.
Brown the Meat
  1. In a Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and lamb, browning on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Stew
  1. In the same pot, add the onion, tomatoes, celery, and carrots. Sauté until softened. Add the blended sauce, meat, remaining broth, water, and vinegar. Bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours until the meat is tender.
Serve
  1. Shred the meat and serve in bowls with broth. Garnish with cilantro, lime wedges, diced onion, and radishes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Birria is traditionally served with a side of consomé for dipping tacos. Adjust spices according to taste.

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