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Mexican cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, cultures, and traditions. Among the many culinary gems that grace this rich heritage, Beef Birria stands out as a comforting and hearty dish that warms the soul. With its roots tracing back to the state of Jalisco, birria is a traditional stew that has become a beloved staple across Mexico and beyond. Its significance in Mexican culture cannot be overstated; birria is often served during special occasions and family gatherings, symbolizing unity and togetherness.

Slow Cooker Beef Birria

Dive into the vibrant world of Mexican cuisine with this Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Birria recipe. Celebrated for its rich flavors and comforting warmth, birria is a traditional dish that symbolizes unity in gatherings. This simplified version offers tender beef chuck slow-cooked in a blend of aromatic spices and chilies, filling your home with irresistible aromas. Enjoy it in tacos or as a hearty stew, perfect for sharing with family and friends, making every meal a memorable celebration.
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Ingredients
  

3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks

3 dried guajillo chilies, stems and seeds removed

2 dried ancho chilies, stems and seeds removed

1 medium onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground oregano

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp salt (or to taste)

2 cups beef broth

1 cup tomato sauce

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 bay leaf

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Chopped onion and lime wedges (for serving)

Corn tortillas (for serving)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chilies: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the guajillo and ancho chilies for 1-2 minutes, turning frequently until they become fragrant but not burnt. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly. Once cooled, place the chilies in a blender with 1 cup of beef broth and blend until smooth. Set aside the chili sauce.

    Sear the Meat: In a large skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the meat for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it's browned all over. This step enhances the flavor of the birria.

      Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: In a slow cooker, add the seared beef along with the blended chili sauce, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, the remaining 1 cup of beef broth, tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, and bay leaf. Stir everything together until well combined.

        Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or on high for approximately 4 hours. The beef should be tender and easily shreddable when done.

          Shred the Beef: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the beef from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir it into the flavorful broth.

            Serve: Ladle the birria into bowls, garnishing each with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, some chopped onions, and a wedge of lime. Don’t forget to serve warm corn tortillas on the side for dipping or making tacos.

              Enjoy: Delight in the rich, aromatic birria, perfect for crafting delicious tacos or savoring as a comforting stew.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 8 hours 20 minutes | 6-8 servings