Name: Mouthwatering Crockpot Mexican Beef Birria for a Cozy Feast Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks; 2 pieces dried guajillo chiles, seeded; 2 pieces dried ancho chiles, seeded; 4 cups low-sodium beef broth; 1 piece onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp cumin; 2 tsp Mexican oregano; 1 stick cinnamon

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Introduction

This mouthwatering Crockpot Mexican Beef Birria is the perfect cozy feast for any day. Slow-cooked to tender perfection, this rich and flavorful dish combines traditional Mexican spices with juicy beef for an unforgettable meal.

Two white bowls filled with dark red-brown shredded meat stew, topped with fresh green cilantro leaves, small white and purple diced onion pieces, and wedges of lime resting on the surface. The front bowl shows a deeper view of the thick, rich stew with shredded meat more visible, while the other bowl in the background has a similar composition. To the top left is a small white bowl containing several lime wedges. All items are set on a white marbled surface with a textured cloth partially visible near the small lime bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck roast
2 pieces dried guajillo chiles, seeded
2 pieces dried ancho chiles, seeded
4 cups beef broth, low-sodium
1 piece onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp oregano (preferably Mexican oregano)
1 stick cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Toast the dried guajillo and ancho chiles in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and soak them in hot water for 15 minutes to soften.
Step 2: Drain the chiles and blend them with beef broth, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, and cinnamon stick until smooth to create the birria broth.
Step 3: Place the beef chuck roast in the crockpot and pour the birria broth over the meat, ensuring it is mostly submerged.
Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Step 5: Remove the beef from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the broth and stir to combine.
Step 6: Serve hot with warm tortillas, chopped onions, cilantro, lime wedges, and your favorite salsa.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper flavor, marinate the beef with the blended chile sauce for a few hours before slow cooking.
Substitute beef chuck roast with short ribs or brisket for a different texture.
Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lime juice to the broth before serving to brighten the flavors.
Serve with melted cheese tacos or use the rich broth as a dip for tacos and quesadillas.

Storage

Store leftover birria in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up of a dark bowl filled with three layers: at the bottom, a rich red broth, in the middle, a pile of shredded dark brown meat, and on top, a layer of small white onion pieces, thin green herb leaves, and light green avocado slices positioned on the side, along with two thin lemon slices at the back. The bowl sits on a dark plate surrounded by halved bright green limes and thin pale radish slices. In the foreground, there is a small round white bowl with an orange outside edge filled with finely chopped white onions and green herbs, with a small wooden spoon resting inside. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chiles instead of dried for this recipe?

Dried chiles provide a concentrated smoky and earthy flavor that fresh chiles do not replicate. For authentic taste, dried guajillo and ancho chiles are recommended, but fresh chiles can be used if dried are unavailable—expect a milder, different flavor.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild to moderate heat from the dried chiles, balanced by the sweetness of ancho chiles and warm spices. You can adjust the spiciness by removing seeds from the chiles or adding more if you prefer it hotter.