Imagine the rich aroma of tender beef simmering with fragrant spices, filling your kitchen with warmth and anticipation.
Birria Burritos are a cozy and indulgent treat, surprisingly simple to create.
As the beef slowly cooks, it transforms into a melt-in-your-mouth filling, wrapped in toasty tortillas with gooey cheese.
It’s a delightful evolution from humble ingredients to a Mexican favorite. Let’s bring this comforting dish to life in your home.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 blender
- 1 large skillet
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 ladle
- 1 set of tongs
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
- 5 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
- 3 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups beef broth
- 12 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing the Birria Burrito, here’s a suggested timeline that includes prep, cooking, and resting times, along with some additional time for reading and understanding the recipe:
Timeline for Preparing Birria Burrito:
Preparation and Reading Time:
– 0:00 – 0:15 (15 minutes): Read through the entire recipe, gather all ingredients and equipment, and set up your workspace.
Prep Time:
- 0:15 – 0:45 (30 minutes):
- Cut the beef chuck roast into chunks.
- Prepare the dried chiles by stemming and seeding them.
- Quarter the onion and peel the garlic cloves.
Cooking Time:
- 0:45 – 0:55 (10 minutes): Boil the dried chiles in a pot of water until they’re softened.
- 0:55 – 1:05 (10 minutes): Drain the chiles and blend them with onion, garlic, vinegar, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- 1:05 – 4:05 (3 hours): Combine beef chunks and blended sauce in a large pot, cover with beef broth, and simmer over low heat until the meat is tender.
Resting and Finishing Time:
- 4:05 – 4:20 (15 minutes): Remove the beef and shred it using two forks. Allow it to rest slightly.
- 4:20 – 4:30 (10 minutes): Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly toast each tortilla.
- 4:30 – 4:45 (15 minutes): Assemble the burritos by spooning shredded beef onto each tortilla, adding cheese, onion, and cilantro. Roll the tortillas and optionally grill them briefly for a crispy finish.
Additional Notes:
- Serve Duration: Serve warm with lime wedges on the side.
- Optional: Prepare the birria beef a day in advance for enhanced flavor infusion.
- Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.
Recipe Instructions
Boil the dried chiles in a pot of water until they’re softened, about 10 minutes.
Drain the chiles and blend them with onion, garlic, vinegar, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until smooth.
In a large pot, combine beef chunks and blended sauce, then cover with beef broth.
Simmer the beef mixture over low heat for about 3 hours, or until the meat is tender.
Remove the beef and shred it using two forks.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly toast each tortilla.
Spoon shredded beef onto each tortilla, add cheese, onion, and cilantro.
Roll tortillas into burritos, ensuring the edges are tucked in.
Optional: Briefly grill burritos on skillet for a crispy finish.
Serve warm with lime wedges on the side.
Serving Tips
- Consommé Dipping Sauce: Serve with a side of consommé made from the birria broth for a rich and flavorful dipping experience.
- Mexican Rice: Complement the burrito with a side of seasoned Mexican rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Refried Beans: Pair with creamy refried beans to add a classic touch to your Mexican feast.
- Guacamole: Enhance the meal with fresh guacamole for a burst of creamy, zesty flavor.
- Pico de Gallo: Add a revitalizing and tangy element with a side of homemade pico de gallo.
Storage
To store Birria Burritos, wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze burritos for up to 3 months.
Freezing
To freeze birria burritos, wrap each tightly in foil.
Place in a freezer-safe bag, and store up to three months.
Thaw in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat Birria Burritos, wrap them in foil and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Or microwave for 1-2 minutes, ensuring even heating without drying them out.
Final Thoughts
Birria burritos are a delicious and satisfying dish. They combine tender, flavorful beef with fresh toppings.
Preparing the birria beef a day in advance enhances the taste.
Remember to carefully toast the tortillas to prevent tearing.
Adjust the spice level according to your preference. Serve with lime wedges and consommé for the best experience.
Enjoy your homemade Birria Burritos!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Instead of Beef for Birria?
You can substitute chicken for beef. Use chicken thighs for richer flavor and adjust cooking time to about 1.5 hours. Make certain the spices infuse well, enhancing the taste. This creates a lighter yet flavorful variation of the dish.
What Is the Origin of Birria Burritos?
You’re curious about origins, aren’t you? Birria originated in Jalisco, Mexico, traditionally made with goat. Over time, regional adaptations led to beef variations, and creative twists like birria burritos emerged, blending traditional flavors with modern culinary techniques.
How Can I Make the Birria Less Spicy?
To make it less spicy, reduce the number of chiles or substitute milder ones. Blend thoroughly to maintain flavor balance. Taste as you go, adjusting other seasonings to guarantee the dish remains flavorful yet approachable.
Are There Any Vegetarian Alternatives for Birria Burritos?
You’ll find great vegetarian alternatives, like using jackfruit or mushrooms, which mimic meat’s texture. Sauté them with similar spices used in traditional recipes. Experiment with flavors to create a satisfying, plant-based version that retains authentic essence.
What Side Dishes Pair Well With Birria Burritos?
You’ll want to pair your meal with revitalizing sides like tangy pickled onions or a crisp cucumber salad. Consider creamy guacamole or spicy salsa for added flavor. Roasted vegetables or Mexican rice complement the dish beautifully.
Birria Burrito
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Blender
- 1 large skillet
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Ladle
- 1 set of tongs
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast cut into chunks
- 5 dried guajillo chiles stemmed and seeded
- 3 dried ancho chiles stemmed and seeded
- 1 onion quartered
- 4 cloves garlic peeled
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups beef broth
- 12 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Boil the dried chiles in a pot of water until they are softened, about 10 minutes.
- Drain the chiles and blend them with onion, garlic, vinegar, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a large pot, combine beef chunks and blended sauce, then cover with beef broth.
- Simmer the beef mixture over low heat for about 3 hours, or until the meat is tender.
- Remove the beef and shred it using two forks.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly toast each tortilla.
- Spoon shredded beef onto each tortilla, add cheese, onion, and cilantro.
- Roll tortillas into burritos, ensuring the edges are tucked in.
- Optional: Briefly grill burritos on skillet for a crispy finish.
- Serve warm with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
