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Slow cooker beef birria stew served in a bowl with fresh toppings

Mexican Beef Stew

Birria de Res is a flavorful Mexican beef stew featuring tender roast beef, rich spices, and a savory broth, perfect for cozy dinners or festive occasions.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 375
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beef and Broth
  • 4 lbs tender roast beef Cuts like chuck roast or brisket work well
  • 3-4 cups water For the broth
  • 5 pieces dried chile guajillo Adds smoky flavor
  • 2 pieces dried chile ancho For depth of flavor
  • 2 cloves garlic For aroma
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano Enhances flavor
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme Enhances flavor
  • 1 piece clove For festive hint
  • 1/4 piece whole cinnamon stick Adds warmth
  • 1 tablespoon beef bouillon Enhances meatiness
  • 2 leaves laurel leaves For herbal flavor
  • 2 tablespoons oil For searing
  • to taste salt For seasoning
  • to taste pepper For seasoning

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat a griddle or pan on medium heat. Toast the dried chiles for 2-3 minutes, turning frequently to avoid burning.
  2. Transfer toasted chiles to a heatproof bowl and pour in 1 cup of hot water. Let soak for about 5 minutes until pliable.
  3. Seed and devein the chiles, saving the soaking water. In a blender, combine the saved water, chiles, garlic, oregano, thyme, clove, cinnamon, bouillon, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
Cooking
  1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Season the roast beef with salt and pepper. Sear the beef thoroughly on all sides until browned and fragrant.
  2. Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker. Pour in the blended chile mixture, adding enough water to cover the meat completely. Set the slow cooker on low and let cook for 6-8 hours until the beef is tender and easy to shred.
Serving
  1. Once cooked, remove the beef from the cooker and shred it with two forks. Serve hot, garnished with diced onions, chopped cilantro, and warm tortillas.

Notes

To elevate your Birria de Res, consider making a double batch of the sauce and freeze for future meals. Experiment with different types of chiles for varying heat levels or add lime juice before serving.