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Slow Cooker Beef Birria

Slow Cooker Beef Birria
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Slow Cooker Beef Birria is a cozy and deeply flavorful Mexican-inspired dish featuring tender beef chuck roast slow-cooked with a rich blend of dried guajillo and ancho chilies, tomatoes, spices, and aromatics. This hands-off recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth meat and a vibrant, complex sauce perfect for stews, tacos, or dipping consomé. Ideal for busy days or weekend meals, it’s family-friendly, meal prep friendly, and offers versatile serving and variation options.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 3 to 4 pounds Beef Chuck Roast

Chilies and Vegetables

  • 4 Dried Guajillo Chilies
  • 3 Dried Ancho Chilies
  • 3 medium Tomatoes
  • 1 medium Onion
  • 4 cloves Garlic

Spices and Herbs

  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • 1 tablespoon Mexican Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

Liquids and Others

  • 3 cups Beef Broth
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons Oil for searing

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chili Sauce: Rehydrate the dried guajillo and ancho chilies in hot water for about 15 minutes until softened. Then blend the softened chilies with tomatoes, onion, garlic, apple cider vinegar, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, Mexican oregano, and salt into a smooth, flavorful sauce that will be the heart of your birria.
  2. Season and Sear the Beef: Pat the beef chuck roast dry. Generously season all sides with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat and quickly sear the beef on all sides until browned to lock in flavor before transferring it to the slow cooker.
  3. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the seared beef in the slow cooker. Pour the prepared chili sauce over the beef. Add beef broth and bay leaves. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours until the beef is tender and easily shreddable.
  4. Shred and Serve: Once cooked, remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it with forks. Return the shredded beef to the sauce to absorb all the rich flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Notes

  • Toast cumin and cinnamon lightly before blending to enhance aroma.
  • Don’t skip searing the beef to add deeper flavor and better texture.
  • Remove chili seeds before blending for a smoother, less bitter sauce.
  • Cook on low heat for optimal tenderness and flavor melding.
  • Skim excess fat from the surface before shredding for a leaner broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef birria, slow cooker birria, Mexican beef stew, birria tacos, slow cooked beef

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/slow-cooker-beef-birria/