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The rich and comforting flavors of Savory Beef Birria make it a quintessential dish in Mexican cuisine. This dish isn't just about sustenance; it embodies a tradition, fostering community and family ties. Traditionally enjoyed during festive occasions or family gatherings, birria offers a warm and hearty meal that is perfect for sharing. The slow-cooked beef, infused with spices and chilies, delivers a perfect balance of depth and richness that is hard to resist.
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Savory Beef Birria - Crafted from Scratch

Beef Birria is a savory Mexican stew made from tender beef chunks simmered in a flavorful chile sauce, served with warm corn tortillas.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword beef, birria, comfort food, Mexican, stew, tortillas
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 450kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef chuck cut into 1-2 inch chunks
  • 4 dried guajillo chiles stems and seeds removed
  • 2 dried ancho chiles stems and seeds removed
  • 1 large onion quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Corn tortillas warmed for serving
  • Fresh cilantro chopped, and onion, diced, for garnishing

Instructions

  • Toast the dried guajillo and ancho chiles in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until aromatic.
  • Blend the cooled chiles, quartered onion, minced garlic, beef broth, ground cumin, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
  • In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Season beef with salt and pepper, then sear in batches until browned.
  • Pour the chile sauce into the pot, scraping up any brown bits, then return the seared beef and add the bay leaf.
  • Cover and reduce heat to low, simmer for 2-3 hours until beef is tender and easily shredded.
  • Remove beef, shred with forks, and return to the pot, stirring to combine with the sauce.
  • Serve in bowls with warm corn tortillas and garnish with chopped cilantro and diced onion.

Notes

Serve with lime wedges for added brightness.