Description
A rich and flavorful Mexican beef stew (Birria) made with tender tri-tip, dried chiles, and aromatic spices, slow-cooked to perfection. Perfect for tacos, quesabirria, or served as a stew with consommé.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 lbs tri-tip beef, cut into large chunks
- 4 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
- 2 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
- 2 dried chiles de árbol (optional, for heat)
- 1 white onion, quartered
- 6 garlic cloves
- 3 Roma tomatoes
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp Mexican oregano
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Corn tortillas (for serving)
- Fresh cilantro, diced onion, lime wedges (for garnish)
Instructions
- Toast the chiles: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the dried chiles for 1-2 minutes per side until fragrant. Soak in hot water for 15 minutes to soften.
- Blend the sauce: In a blender, combine soaked chiles, onion, garlic, tomatoes, cumin, oregano, cloves, and vinegar. Blend until smooth.
- Sear the beef: Season tri-tip with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot pot until browned on all sides.
- Simmer: Pour the blended sauce over the beef. Add beef broth, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 3-4 hours until meat is tender.
- Shred and serve: Remove beef and shred. Strain the consommé (broth) and skim excess fat. Serve birria in tacos with melted cheese (quesabirria) or as a stew with consommé on the side.
- Garnish: Top with fresh cilantro, diced onion, and a squeeze of lime.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of the consommé when making quesabirria tacos.
- Leftover birria freezes well for up to 3 months.
- If tri-tip is unavailable, use chuck roast or brisket.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braised / Slow-Cooked
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (with consommé)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 120mg