Picture a warm bowl of savory birria, steam rising as the aroma of spices and tender beef fills the air.
There’s something about this Mexican classic that feels like a cozy hug on a plate.
With the help of an Instant Pot, it’s surprisingly easy to achieve such rich flavors at home.
Simple ingredients transform into a mouthwatering dish, making every bite a celebration of taste.
Let’s bring this dish to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Instant Pot
- 1 Blender
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Spoon
- 1 Bowl
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
- 2 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
- 1 dried chipotle chile, stemmed and seeded
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Corn tortillas, for serving
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Instant Pot Birria, follow the timeline below:
Preparation and Cooking Timeline:
- Reading and Setup (10 minutes)
- Read through the entire recipe and gather all the necessary equipment and ingredients.
- Prep Work (20 minutes)
- Cut the beef chuck roast into chunks.
- Stem and seed the guajillo, ancho, and chipotle chiles.
- Peel the garlic cloves.
- Quarter the onion.
- Measure out the oregano, cumin, black pepper, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, and beef broth.
- Cooking (1 hour 30 minutes)
- Sauté Mode (10 minutes)
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the vegetable oil.
- Brown the beef chunks in batches and set them aside.
- Toast and Flavoring (5 minutes)
- Toast the chiles in the same pot until fragrant.
- Add garlic, onion, oregano, cumin, black pepper, cinnamon, and vinegar to the pot.
- Simmer and Pressure Cook (50 minutes)
- Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaves.
- Return the beef chunks to the pot and stir to combine.
- Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 45 minutes.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes.
- Shredding and Sauce (20 minutes)
- Remove the beef and shred with two forks.
- Strain the sauce and blend until smooth.
- Return the sauce and shredded beef to the pot and set to sauté mode for an additional 10 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.
- Resting Time (10 minutes)
- Allow the birria to rest after cooking for flavors to meld together.
- Serving (10 minutes)
- Warm the corn tortillas.
- Serve the birria in bowls, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges, alongside corn tortillas.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the vegetable oil.
Brown the beef chunks in batches and set aside.
In the same pot, add the guajillo, ancho, and chipotle chiles, and toast until fragrant.
Add garlic, onion, oregano, cumin, black pepper, cinnamon, and vinegar to the pot.
Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaves.
Return the beef chunks to the pot and stir to combine.
Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 45 minutes.
Allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining pressure.
Remove the beef and shred with two forks.
Strain the sauce and blend until smooth.
Return the sauce and shredded beef to the pot and set to sauté mode for an additional 10 minutes.
Adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.
Serve the birria in bowls, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges, alongside corn tortillas.
Serving Tips
- Tacos: Serve the birria in warm corn tortillas topped with fresh cilantro and onions for a classic taco experience.
- Quesabirria: Use the birria as a filling for quesadillas, adding melty cheese and serving with a side of consommé for dipping.
- Tostadas: Layer the shredded birria on crispy tostada shells with avocado slices and a drizzle of Mexican crema.
- Birria Soup: Enjoy the birria as a hearty soup by serving it with its rich broth, adding a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.
- Burrito: Roll the birria in a large flour tortilla with rice, beans, and your choice of toppings for a satisfying burrito.
Storage
To store Instant Pot Birria, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
The flavors improve over time.
Reheat gently on the stove or microwave for best results.
Freezing
To freeze birria, let it cool completely.
Then transfer to airtight containers.
Label with the date and store for up to three months.
Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat birria, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat.
Stir occasionally.
Alternatively, use a microwave with a cover to retain moisture.
This guarantees the meat stays tender and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, Instant Pot Birria is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings the taste of authentic Mexican cuisine to your kitchen.
The combination of tender beef and rich, spicy sauce creates a delightful meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
With the convenience of the Instant Pot, this recipe simplifies the traditional cooking process while preserving the dish’s distinct flavors.
Whether served with warm corn tortillas or enjoyed on its own, birria is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Remember to allow the flavors to meld by letting the dish rest after cooking.
Enjoy the delicious taste of birria, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for an added burst of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat Instead of Beef Chuck Roast?
You can substitute beef chuck roast with lamb shoulder or pork shoulder. Make certain the meat’s marbled, as this enhances tenderness. Adjust cooking time based on the meat’s thickness to maintain ideal texture and flavor profile.
How Can I Make the Birria Spicier?
To increase the heat, add more chipotle chiles or include cayenne pepper for extra spice. Ascertain the balance of flavors remains intact by adjusting other ingredients as necessary. Taste and modify during the simmering stage for precision.
What Are Some Alternative Garnishes for Birria?
You can enhance birria with alternative garnishes like pickled red onions, thinly sliced radishes, or crumbled queso fresco. These additions provide contrasting textures and flavors, elevating the dish’s complexity and offering a delightful culinary experience.
Can I Make This Recipe Without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe for stovetop or slow cooker. Sear beef in a pot, follow with chiles, spices, and liquid. Simmer gently for 2-3 hours until tender. Adjust seasonings and serve with garnishes.
How Do I Toast Chiles Without Burning Them?
Set a skillet over medium heat, add chiles, and frequently turn them using tongs. Toast until fragrant, ensuring they don’t blacken, about 30 seconds per side. Remove promptly when puffed and slightly darker for best flavor.
Instant Pot Birria
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot
- 1 Blender
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Spoon
- 1 Bowl
Ingredients
- 3 pound beef chuck roast cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 dried guajillo chiles stemmed and seeded
- 2 dried ancho chiles stemmed and seeded
- 1 dried chipotle chile stemmed and seeded
- 4 clove garlic peeled
- 1 large onion quartered
- 2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 cup beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
- Corn tortillas for serving
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the vegetable oil.
- Brown the beef chunks in batches and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the guajillo, ancho, and chipotle chiles, and toast until fragrant.
- Add garlic, onion, oregano, cumin, black pepper, cinnamon, and vinegar to the pot.
- Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaves.
- Return the beef chunks to the pot and stir to combine.
- Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 45 minutes.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining pressure.
- Remove the beef and shred with two forks.
- Strain the sauce and blend until smooth.
- Return the sauce and shredded beef to the pot and set to sauté mode for an additional 10 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.
- Serve the birria in bowls, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges, alongside corn tortillas.
Notes
