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Beef Birria and Quesa Birria

A mouthwatering combination of tender beef simmered in rich broth, served with crispy, cheesy tacos.
Prep Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into pieces
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 dried guajillo chilies
  • 2 dried ancho chilies
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • to taste salt and pepper
For Serving
  • Corn tortillas
  • Shredded cheese (like Oaxaca or mozzarella)
  • Cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Remove the stems and seeds from the guajillo and ancho chilies. Soak them in hot water for about 15 minutes until softened.
  2. In a blender, combine the soaked chilies, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, and a half cup of beef broth. Blend until smooth.
Cooking
  1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Add the beef chuck pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Pour the chili mixture over the browned beef and add the remaining beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 2 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
  3. Remove the beef from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded meat to the pot to soak up the flavors.
  4. In a separate pan, lightly toast corn tortillas. Fill each tortilla with shredded beef and cheese, then fold and cook on a skillet until cheese is melted and tortillas are crispy.
Serving
  1. Serve the birria with a bowl of the broth on the side for dipping, garnished with chopped cilantro and lime wedges.

Notes

Use other dried chilies if guajillo or ancho are unavailable. Slow cooking yields the most tender beef—use a pressure cooker for a quicker option. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.