Authentic Slowcooked Shredded Beef Birria

Shredded Meat Birria The Real Deal Jaliscos Best

By Emily TorresSeptember 28, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Unleash Your Inner Chef!

Fancy a trip to Mexico without leaving your kitchen? I know, sounds like a right ol’ fib! But trust me, this Shredded Meat Birria: The Real deal is as close as you can get.

Honestly, it's like a warm hug on a chilly day. Ever wonder how some stews have that je ne sais quoi ? This one is savory, spicy, and incredibly tender.

A Taste of Jalisco Right Here

This isn’t just any beef stew. It’s birria de res , a traditional Mexican beef stew from Jalisco. I first had it during my backpacking trip, and I knew I had to recreate that magic.

It's a medium difficulty recipe. The prep takes about 45 minutes, and then it simmers for 3- 4 hours. This recipe yields enough to feed 6-8 hungry souls.

Why You'll Love This Birria Recipe

Did you know beef is packed with iron? So, this shredded beef birria is not just tasty but also a good source of iron.

This is perfect for a weekend gathering or any time you fancy a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine. What makes this birria recipe special? It's the depth of flavour, achieved through slow cooking and a blend of earthy spices.

Plus, turning it into birria tacos ? Oh my gosh!

Now, let's get cracking on the ingredients. The core of this dish revolves around chuck roast, the backbone that will render into the beautiful shredded beef birria .

Don't worry about the list seeming long. It's mostly spices and chiles that create that incredible depth of flavour in this authentic birria recipe .

I’ve made this many times, and honestly, it’s easier than a Sunday roast. Let's spice up our lives with some beef birria Jalisco style !

Ingredients & Equipment for Shredded Meat Birria: The Real Deal

Authentic Slowcooked Shredded Beef Birria presentation

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. You want the real Shredded Meat Birria: The Real deal? You need the right gear and ingredients.

No cutting corners here, alright? This isn’t your nan's stew, this is authentic birria recipe !

Main Ingredients: The Backbone of Beef Birria Jalisco Style

Let's break it down into beef and chile goodness. This shredded beef birria will blow your mind.

Beef: 3 lbs (1.36 kg) beef chuck roast. Cut it into big chunks, like something Hagrid would serve. Make sure it’s well marbled. That fat is flavour!
Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil. Anything neutral will do.
Onion: 1 large onion, roughly chopped. Don’t be precious about it.
Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Fresh is best, always.
Bay Leaves: 2 . Adds a subtle depth.
Oregano: 1 tsp dried oregano. Mexican oregano is ace, but any will do in a pinch.
Cumin: 1 tsp ground cumin. Warm and earthy, lovely jubbly.
Cinnamon: 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon. Just a hint!
Cloves: 1/4 tsp ground cloves. Bit of festive spice, innit.
Beef Broth: 8 cups (1.9 liters) . Quality stock makes a difference. Or water if you're strapped, but it won’t be quite the same.

Essential Spice Combinations for Maximum Flavour: A Birria Recipe Secret!

This is where the magic happens for homemade birria ! Don't skip the birria de res chilli mix.

Dried Chiles: 6 guajillo, 2 ancho, and 2 cascabel (optional). De-stemmed and seeded.
Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tsp . For a bit of tang.
Thyme: 1/2 tsp dried.
Ginger: 1/4 tsp ground.

Want a sub? New Mexico Chiles are fine.

Equipment Needed: Simple & Straightforward

Right, less faff, more flavour.

Large Pot: Dutch oven is ideal. Big enough for all that beef!
Blender: Or food processor for that chile sauce.
Tongs: For searing the beef.
Slotted Spoon: To get the beef out of the broth.

Fancy a slow cooker birria ? Chuck it all in the slow cooker instead! Easy birria recipe ! The pot can do double duty. Don’t be a plonker.

Cooking Up Some Magic: Your Guide to Authentic Slow Cooked Shredded Beef Birria

Right, so you wanna make Shredded Meat Birria: The Real deal? Forget that fancy restaurant stuff. We're talking proper Mexican beef stew, the kind your abuela would make.

Honestly, this authentic birria recipe will knock your socks off.

Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place

First things first: get organised! It's all about that mise en place , you know? Chop your onions, mince your garlic, and get your spices ready.

Rehydrate those dried chiles 6 guajillo, 2 ancho, and maybe 2 cascabel if you like a kick in hot water for like 20- 30 minutes .

Trust me, this makes all the difference in your birria recipe . And for safety, watch that blender, yeah? We don't need any kitchen mishaps.

step-by-step: From Pot to Plate

Ready to roll? Let’s get this Shredded Beef Birria: The Real deal cookin'.

Sear the beef. Brown those chunks of chuck roast in oil. Season with salt and pepper. Get a nice colour on them, about 5- 7 minutes per batch.
Sauté the aromatics. Onions and garlic go in next. Cook them until they're soft, about 5 minutes .
Blend the chile sauce. Drain those chiles and blend them with vinegar, thyme, ginger, and some of that soaking liquid. Aim for a smooth sauce.
Combine everything. Pour the chile sauce over the beef. Add the spices and beef broth.
Slow cook it. Cover it up and simmer for 3- 4 hours , or until the beef is fall apart tender. Or, you can use a slow cooker or an oven at 325° F ( 160° C) .

Birria Pro Tips from Someone Who’s Been There

Honestly, the most important tip I can give you: taste as you go! And don't be afraid to adjust the seasoning.

Also, a common mistake is not browning the beef properly. This adds SO much flavor. Don't skip it!

And hey, if you're short on time, you can make the chile sauce a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge.

It will be the best birria tacos you have ever made!

Now, go on and make some amazing beef birria Jalisco style . I hope it tastes amazing.

Recipe Notes for the Best Shredded Meat Birria: The Real Deal

Right, so you're ready to make some proper authentic birria recipe ? Ace! Before you get going, here are a few bits and bobs I've picked up making this birria recipe over the years.

Little things that make all the difference. Trust me, these tips will help you make the best homemade birria ever.

Fancy Presentation: Plating & Drinks for Birria Tacos

Okay, first things first: presentation. Nobody wants a beige blob on a plate, right? For the full Mexican beef stew experience, I like to serve my shredded beef birria in shallow bowls.

Garnish with loads of fresh cilantro and finely chopped white onion. A squeeze of lime is absolutely essential, too.

For drinks, you can't go wrong with a classic Mexican Coke (the glass bottle one!) or a refreshing agua fresca.

If you're feeling a bit naughty, a michelada goes down a treat. And some birria tacos are also very tasty.

Storage Secrets: Keeping Your Slow Cooker Birria Fresh

Honestly, this beef birria Jalisco style is so good, there's never much left over. But if you do have some, here's what to do.

Refrigeration: Let the birria cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to 3 days.

Honestly though, you're better off freezing it if you're not gonna eat it within 24 hours.

Freezing: This easy birria recipe freezes like a dream! Portion it out into freezer safe bags or containers. It'll keep for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems a bit dry.

Just make sure it’s piping hot, at least 74° C ( 165° F) , before serving.

Mix It Up: Shredded Beef Birria Variations

Fancy a change? No problem! You can easily tweak this birria de res to suit your needs.

Dietary Adaptations: For a low-carb version, skip the tortillas and serve the shredded beef birria over cauliflower rice. You could use keto tortillas too.

Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, add some grilled corn kernels to the birria for a sweet and smoky twist. During winter, a pinch of chipotle powder adds extra warmth.

Nutrition Nuggets: Health Benefits of Beef Birria Jalisco Style

Right, so Shredded Meat Birria: The Real deal isn't exactly a health food, let's be real. It's a rich, indulgent treat.

However, it's also packed with protein from the beef. Plus, the chiles and spices offer some antioxidant benefits.

Just be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you're using store-bought broth.

So there you have it. Some easy birria recipe pointers to help you on your way. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

And most importantly, have fun! You've got this!

Delicious Birria Recipe Ultimate Mexican Beef Stew

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is "Shredded Meat Birria: The Real", and why all the fuss?

Think of it as the ultimate Mexican comfort food! Shredded Meat Birria is a rich, flavourful stew traditionally made with beef that's been slow cooked in a blend of chillies and spices until fall apart tender. It's then shredded and served in the flavourful broth with onions, cilantro, and lime.

Honestly, it’s so good, it’s almost criminal!

I'm a bit of a novice in the kitchen, is "Shredded Meat Birria: The Real" too advanced for me?

Don't you worry your little head about that! While it takes a bit of time, this recipe is more about patience than complicated techniques. Just follow the steps carefully, and you'll be channelling your inner Rick Stein in no time.

The secret is to let the beef simmer low and slow that’s what unlocks all the flavour!

Can I make "Shredded Meat Birria: The Real" ahead of time, and how should I store it?

Absolutely, you can! In fact, Birria often tastes even better the next day after the flavours have had a chance to meld together. Store the birria in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage (up to 2-3 months). Just be sure to thaw it completely before reheating.

Is there any way to spice up my "Shredded Meat Birria: The Real"? I like a bit of a kick!

You’ve come to the right place! If you want to dial up the heat, try adding a few dried chile de árbol to the chile sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You could also finely chop a serrano pepper and add it during the sautéing of the onions and garlic.

Just remember, a little goes a long way, so add gradually and taste as you go!

I'm watching my waistline is "Shredded Meat Birria: The Real" a healthy choice?

While delicious, Birria can be relatively high in calories and fat, depending on the cut of beef used. To make it healthier, trim any excess fat from the beef before cooking, and consider using a leaner cut of meat.

Serving it with plenty of fresh cilantro, onion, and lime, along with smaller portions of tortillas, can also help balance things out. You can also control sodium levels by using a low-sodium broth!

What if I can't find all the specific chiles called for in the "Shredded Meat Birria: The Real" recipe? Are there any substitutes?

No worries, substitutions are totally acceptable! If you can't find guajillo chiles, New Mexico chiles are a good alternative. For ancho chiles, you can use pasilla chiles. If you can't find cascabel chiles, just skip them they're mainly for extra heat.

The key is to use a mix of mild and slightly smoky chiles to achieve that authentic Birria flavour.