Crockpot Mexican Beef Birria
This Crockpot Mexican Beef Birria is a rich, slow-cooked shredded beef dish simmered in a deep red chili sauce made from dried Mexican chilies, warm spices, and aromatics. The beef becomes incredibly tender and juicy, perfect for tacos, quesabirria, bowls, or served traditionally with warm tortillas and consommé for dipping.
Equipment
- Crockpot / Slow Cooker
- Large skillet
- Blender
- Tongs
- Two forks (for shredding)
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Large bowl
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 2 dried guajillo chilies stems and seeds removed
- 2 dried ancho chilies stems and seeds removed
- 1-2 dried arbol chilies
- 1 medium white onion chopped
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and lightly toast the guajillo, ancho, and arbol chilies for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Place toasted chilies in a bowl and cover with hot water. Soak for 15 minutes until softened.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and lightly sear the beef chuck roast on all sides for 2–3 minutes per side.
- Add softened chilies, chopped onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, cloves, vinegar, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of beef broth to a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Place the seared beef into the crockpot.
- Pour the blended chili sauce over the beef.
- Add cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and remaining beef broth.
- Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 5–6 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
- Remove the beef from the crockpot and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Shred the beef using two forks.
- Return the shredded beef to the crockpot and stir into the broth.
- Taste and adjust salt if needed before serving.
Notes
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
