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+ servings

The Best Ever Mexican Birria

A rich and flavorful Mexican stew made with tender, slow-cooked meat and a blend of spices, perfect for tacos or served with consommé.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Meat
  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast cut into chunks
  • 1 lb lamb shank cut into chunks
Spices and Seasonings
  • 3 tbsp dried guajillo chiles stems and seeds removed
  • 2 tbsp dried ancho chiles stems and seeds removed
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp oregano Mexican oregano preferred
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt to taste
Vegetables
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups water
Garnishes
  • 1 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 large lime cut into wedges
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1 cup corn tortillas for serving

Method
 

Prepare the Chiles
  1. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the guajillo and ancho chiles until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and soak in hot water for 15 minutes.
Blend the Sauce
  1. In a blender, combine the soaked chiles, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and garlic. Blend until smooth, adding a bit of the soaking water if necessary.
Cook the Meat
  1. In a Dutch oven, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef and lamb chunks on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add the blended sauce and cook for another 5 minutes.
  3. Return the meat to the pot, add beef broth and water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours until the meat is tender.
Serve
  1. Shred the meat and serve in bowls with the broth. Garnish with cilantro, diced onion, and lime wedges. Serve with corn tortillas on the side.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 4mg

Notes

For a spicier version, add a few jalapeños to the sauce.

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