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Slow Cooker Birria

Delicious slow-cooked beef birria perfect for tacos or main dishes.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 dried guajillo chiles
  • 2 dried California chiles
  • 3 whole chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 14 oz fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 0.5 large white onion diced small
  • 4 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2.75 pounds beef tender roast or chuck roast
  • 17 average corn tortillas corn preferred, can substitute with flour
  • 2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese
  • 1 cup white onion finely diced for garnishing
  • 0.67 cup cilantro finely minced for garnishing
  • to taste lime wedges for serving

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Rinse and stem the dried chiles, then cut them in half and shake out the seeds. Place all the chiles into the ceramic insert of your slow cooker.
  2. Add remaining ingredients through bay leaves into the slow cooker and whisk to combine. Set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides for 2-3 minutes until brown crust forms.
  4. Place seared beef into slow cooker, pour sauce over, and cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours or on LOW for 7-8 hours, flipping the meat periodically.
  5. Remove beef from slow cooker, shred with two forks, and transfer to a large bowl.
  6. Use an immersion blender to blend the chile mixture until smooth, then mix with shredded beef, reserving some for serving.
  7. Warm tortillas and fill with shredded beef and cheese, then fold and crisp in a skillet for 2-3 minutes per side.
  8. Serve tacos with chopped onions, cilantro, lime wedges, and a side of consommé for dipping.

Notes

This slow cooker birria is perfect for tacos or a hearty main dish, full of smoky flavors and tender beef.