Birria de Res is a deeply flavorful Mexican beef stew that’s slowly simmered with dried chiles and spices until the meat is fall-apart tender. Traditionally served as a stew or in tacos with consomé for dipping, it’s a bold, rich, comforting dish perfect for sharing.
🍴 Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Meat & Marinade:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast (or a mix of chuck and short ribs)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 dried guajillo chiles
- 2 dried ancho chiles
- 2 dried pasilla chiles
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 small onion, quartered
- 5 garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 bay leaves
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
Optional for Serving:
- Corn tortillas
- Chopped white onion
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Shredded cheese
🔥 Instructions
Prepare the Chiles:
Remove stems and seeds from all dried chiles. Toast them briefly in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then soak in hot water for 15 minutes until softened.
Make the Marinade:
In a blender, combine softened chiles, onion, garlic, vinegar, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, cloves, tomato paste, and 1 cup of beef broth. Blend until smooth.
Marinate the Beef:
Cut beef into large chunks and season with salt and pepper. Place in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over the meat. Cover and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the fridge.
Simmer the Stew:
Transfer the marinated beef and marinade to a large pot or Dutch oven. Add remaining beef broth and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 3–4 hours, until meat is fork-tender.
Shred the Beef:
Remove beef and shred with two forks. Discard bay leaves. If desired, return the shredded beef to the pot to soak in the consomé (broth).
Serve It Up:
Serve as a stew or tuck the meat into corn tortillas, dip in the broth, and sear on a hot griddle for crispy Birria tacos. Top with onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Help You Create the Best Birria de Res
- 🌶️ Dried Guajillo Chiles — A key chile for authentic Birria flavor—mild and fruity with deep red color.
- 🍲 Dutch Oven — Perfect for slow-cooking your stew evenly and locking in flavor.
- 🍴 Taco Press — Freshly pressed tortillas take your Birria tacos to the next level.
- 🧄 Garlic Press — Makes prepping garlic for your marinade quick and easy.
- 🌿 Dried Mexican Oregano — Adds a citrusy herbal note that complements the rich chile broth.
💡 Helpful Tip: Want crispy Birria tacos? Dip your tortilla in the consomé before filling and searing it in a hot skillet. The result: crispy, cheesy, beefy perfection with every bite.
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