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Mexican Birria Tacos & Stew Delight


  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Birria Stew:

  • 3 lbs beef chuck roast or short ribs (or a mix of both)
  • 1 lb beef shank (for extra richness, optional)
  • 2 dried guajillo chiles, seeded and stemmed
  • 2 dried ancho chiles, seeded and stemmed
  • 2 dried chipotle chiles
  • 1 medium white onion, quartered
  • 6 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 2 medium tomatoes, roughly chopped
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 1 tsp black peppercorns
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 6 cups beef broth or water
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • Salt to taste

For the Tacos:

  • 15 small corn tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese (or mozzarella)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Diced white onion
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chiles and Sauce

  1. Toast the Chiles: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast the guajillo, ancho, and chipotle chiles for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
  2. Soak the Chiles: Place the toasted chiles in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for 15-20 minutes until softened.
  3. Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine the soaked chiles, onion, garlic, tomatoes, cinnamon stick, cloves, black peppercorns, oregano, cumin, and 1 cup of the soaking liquid. Blend until smooth and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

  1. Sear the Meat: Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and sear it on all sides until browned. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Remove the meat and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Stew

  1. Deglaze the Pot: Pour the blended chile sauce into the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, to deepen the flavors.
  2. Add the Broth: Return the meat to the pot and add the beef broth or water. Stir in the apple cider vinegar, bay leaves, and additional salt to taste.
  3. Simmer: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Step 4: Prepare the Meat and Consommé

  1. Shred the Meat: Remove the meat from the stew and shred it using two forks. Set aside.
  2. Strain the Broth: Strain the stew to remove solids, creating a rich consommé. Adjust seasoning with salt if necessary. Keep the consommé warm for serving and dipping.

Step 5: Make the Tacos

  1. Dip the Tortillas: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Dip each tortilla into the consommé to coat it lightly with the flavorful broth.
  2. Assemble the Tacos: Place the tortilla on the skillet and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Add a generous portion of the shredded birria meat. Fold the tortilla in half and press gently.
  3. Fry Until Crispy: Cook the taco on each side for 2-3 minutes, or until the tortilla is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Plate and Garnish: Serve the tacos hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, diced onion, and lime wedges.
  2. Dip and Enjoy: Serve with a small bowl of consommé on the side for dipping.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3-4 hours

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2-3 tacos plus stew
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 35g