Description
Indulgent Crockpot Birria is a rich and flavorful slow-cooked beef dish, perfect for elevating your taco night. Tender chuck roast is simmered with a blend of dried guajillo and ancho chilis, aromatic spices, garlic, and onions to create a deeply savory and slightly spicy stew. The result is melt-in-your-mouth shredded beef infused with vibrant flavors and a hint of lime brightness, ideal for tacos, bowls, or dipping in consommé.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 3 lbs chuck roast
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 large sweet onions, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 limes, juiced
Chilis & Spices
- 4 dried guajillo chilis, soaked
- 2 dried ancho chilis, soaked
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp dried oregano
Liquids
- 4 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all ingredients and soak the guajillo and ancho chilis in hot water for about 15 minutes until softened, preparing them for blending.
- Blend Marinade: In a blender, combine the soaked chilis, minced garlic, chopped onions, ground cumin, dried oregano, and 1 cup of beef broth. Blend until the mixture is smooth and vibrant in color.
- Optional Sear Meat: For enhanced flavor, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chuck roast on all sides until nicely browned, creating a deeper caramelized flavor.
- Combine in Crockpot: Place the seared or raw chuck roast into the crockpot. Pour the blended chili marinade over the meat. Add the remaining 3 cups of beef broth and toss in the bay leaves.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set the crockpot to low and cook the mixture for 8 hours. The meat will become incredibly tender and easily shreddable once fully cooked.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves from the crockpot. Shred the beef directly in the pot using two forks. Squeeze the fresh lime juice over the shredded meat to add a bright, zesty finish before serving.
Notes
- Soaking the dried chilis softens them and mellows their heat for better blending.
- Searing the meat is optional but recommended for richer flavor and color.
- The shredded birria can be served as tacos with garnishes like onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.
- The leftover broth (consommé) is flavorful and perfect for dipping tacos or serving as a soup.
- Adjust chili quantities to control the spice level to your preference.
- If you don’t have a crockpot, you can cook the birria in a low oven at 275°F covered in a Dutch oven for about 8 hours.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: birria, crockpot birria, slow cooker Mexican beef, birria tacos, spicy beef stew, guajillo chilis, ancho chilis, shredded beef
