Oven-Roasted Beef Birria

Ingredients

• 5 lb Beef (Suitable for birria (such as chuck roast, shank, or short ribs))
• 12 Guajillo chiles (Cleaned and washed)
• 1 Ancho chile (Cleaned and deveined)
• 10 Black peppercorns
• 1 tbsp Dried oregano
• 6 Bay leaves
• 1 head Garlic (Approximately 10 cloves)
• 1 Onion (Whole)
• 1 piece Cinnamon stick (A small segment)
• 4 Cloves (Whole cloves)
• 0.5 cup Apple cider vinegar (White vinegar can be substituted)
• 0.5 tbsp Cumin
• 2 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste)
• Water (Use the water used to soak the chiles for blending)
• Cilantro (Chopped, for garnish)
• Onion (Diced, for garnish)
• Lime (Wedges for serving)

Steps

1. 1

   Place 12 guajillo chiles and 1 ancho chile in hot water to soften until pliable.

2. 2

   In a blender, combine the softened chiles, 10 black peppercorns, 1 tablespoon of oregano, 6 bay leaves, 1 whole head of garlic (about 10 cloves), 1 whole onion, a small piece of cinnamon, 4 cloves, 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar, and 1/2 tablespoon of cumin.

3. 3

   Add some of the water used to soak the chiles and 2 teaspoons of salt to the blender.

4. 4

   Blend the mixture thoroughly until it is a very smooth sauce.

5. 5

   Place the beef in a large oven-safe roasting pan or mold.

6. 6

   Pour the blended sauce over the meat, ensuring every piece is completely covered and coated.

7. 7

   Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and let the meat marinate for at least 2 hours.

8. 8

   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

9. 9

   Place the covered birria in the oven and cook until the meat is tender and falling apart. This typically takes about 4 hours, though time may vary depending on the cut of meat.

10. 10

    Serve the birria hot with its juices, garnished with chopped onion, cilantro, guacamole, salsa, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Notes

The cooking time is highly dependent on the cut of beef used; check for tenderness at the 3.5-hour mark. You can also prepare this on the stovetop in a heavy pot over low heat if an oven is not available.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• Mexican
• beef
• slow-cooked
• baked
• dinner
• party food