Birria de Res reminds me of my maternal grandfather. He was born in a humble town in Zacatecas, Mexico – no neon signs, taxis or 7-11s. Like most Mexicans outside of the city, he didn’t have much of an education, but that didn’t stop him. My grandfather taught himself. He collected every book or magazine he could get his hands on (No Sports Illustrated …. That I know of). Learning was my grandfather’s passion. He was relentless in his pursuit of knowledge.
My grandfather became a violinist, an engineer, a writer, a man beyond his time. Eventually, he made his way to Durango, Mexico – the town where my family is from and where my father currently lives. Each time we visited my abuelito, we would eat Birria de Chivo, or Mexican Stew made with goat. Since goat is hard to find in this country, I’m making this dish with beef. Please know that this is the way we make it in Durango. Other states have their own versions.
Birria de Res screams celebration – birthday parties, Christmas, baby showers. It’s probably because you can make a HUGE pot of this delicious stew, and it feeds large Mexican families. My mom is one of 6 children, and my dad is one of 10 siblings who are currently living. Big families. Big food. Lots of love (and tortillas). Sear the meat on all sides to lock in the flavors. This baby will simmer for hours and hours with yummy spices. Mmm… imagine the smell! It’s Mexcellent! 😀
Both the beef and goat version of this dish are Mexican food classics. Both are amazingly delicious! A big bowl of Birria de Res is the ultimate comfort food. Hearty with deep, robust flavors that will make your tastebuds very happy. Served raw onions, cilantro, and lime. You can’t forget the tortillas and some chile de árbol salsa. iProvecho!
- 4 lbs roast beef
- 3-4 cups water
- 5 chile guajillo
- 2 chile ancho
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 clove
- ¼ whole cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon beef bouillon
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 laurel leaves
- Salt and pepper
- Heat the griddle, or pan.
- Toast the chiles on the griddle for 2-3 minutes.
- Turn frequently.
- Make sure they do not burn.
- If they burn, discard the chiles and start again.
- Once toasted, transfer to a heatproof bowl.
- Add 1 cup hot water and let the chiles soak for 10 minutes.
- Seed and devein the chiles, saving the water.
- Don’t worry if some seeds remain.
- Add the saved water, the chiles, garlic, oregano, cinnamon, thyme, clove, bouillon, salt and pepper in a blender.
- Set aside.
- In a large pot, heat two tablespoons oil.
- Add salt and pepper to the beef.
- Sear the beef on all sides.
- Once the meat is brown, transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add the chile mixture.
- Add water enough to cover the meat.
- Set slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
- Shred beef.
- Serve with diced onions, chopped cilantro, and tortillas.
This looks so good and easy to make! I love that you garnished with cilantro – one of my favs!
Thank you. Hope you give this recipe a go. 🙂
Is the meat in chunks or do you sear the big block of meat?
It’s a big piece of meat. Not chopped.
Do you add the laurel leaves to the blender and blend?
No. Add to the pot. Then remove when the meat is done.
What kind of meat is used?
I think what I used in the picture was chuck roast, but you can use just about any cut of beef. It’s going to cook for hours and will tenderize the meat.
I love how simple this recipe is and the fact that you don’t use an insane amount of weird herbs and spices. Thank you for sharing i will be trying it tomorrow
Awesome! and thank you for your words. Hope you like it.
When you toast the chiles you don’t use oil?
No. I usually add them to the pan and turn often. If you’re roasting chile poblanos, though, yes, add oil.
I don’t have a slow cooker. If I made this in a Dutch oven, how do you recommend I cook it? Thank you
Yes. I’ve made this dish in a Dutch oven many times. It needs to cook look enough for the meat to be tender. Also, keep an eye on it to make sure to check if it has enough liquid.
I cooked this recipe yesterday in my slow cooker and oh my gosh it was so delicious! I have a new born baby and slow cooker recipes is ALL I look for! Seriously you guys need to try it. Thanks for the recipe !!! 🙂
That’s so awesome! Congrats on the baby. 🙂
Thanks for sharing my recipe. This is an all-time favorite.