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Home » Recipes » Beef

Crockpot Birria De Res Recipe

Modified: Feb 2, 2022 by Kori Butler · Published: Feb 2, 2022

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Crockpot Birria de Res is the easiest and most flavorful method for making this super popular Mexican beef stew! Serve as a stew with its flavorful smoky juices - or shred the meat for use in burritos, enchiladas, or birria tacos! Tip: use the sauce for making dipping tacos! Oh my. Super good!

A warm bowl of birria shredded beef and birria consome.

What is Birria De Res?

Birria de Res is a Mexican braised stew traditionally made with goat (or lamb) - but is now commonly made with beef (Birria de Res). In the United States, for example, beef is easier to source than goat meat.

Birria originated from the Mexican state of Jalisco but has become popular across the world. It has also become an internet sensation.

Traditionally the stew is cooked low and slow until the meat is very tender, then it's removed from the pot and shredded. The meat has many uses, from stews to tacos, burritos, and more! Served with the dipping sauce, it is out of this world!

WATCH: Birria De Res Recipe

You'll Love Crockpot Birria!

"Okay, I love birria de res but I don't always have time to make it the traditional way. This is my crock pot version - made simple and easy enough for every day. Eat it as a stew or shredded as a taco." -Kori

Did you know I also have an oven-braised version? Birria Tacos with Consommé is made in a more traditional method. Use any leftover delicious meat and make Quesabirria Tacos and dip them in that amazing sauce! 🙂

It's Easy. I am a huge beef birria fan and LOVE to eat it - but I don't always want to go through the traditional process for making it. I purposely cut through all steps for this recipe - making it simple enough to toss together and have delicious birria anytime you want it - even during the week.

Super Tasty. Tender, juicy beef chuck cooked all day in a rich, smoky, and medium-spicy sauce. YES, please!

Healthy. This is a healthy homemade dinner recipe perfect for the whole family. It's gluten free, low carb, keto, dairy-free, and paleo!

What You'll Need for Birria De Res

Ingredients needs to make crockpot birria laying on a white board

Easy Birria Recipe Ingredients

  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil - You could also use avocado oil, or any other favorite oil.
  • Boneless Beef Chuck Roast - You can use a bone-in beef chuck roast with this recipe as well.
  • Coarse Salt
  • Ground Black Pepper
  • Diced Onion - I used a sweet onion as I love the mild sweetness a sweet onion lends a dish, but you can use a yellow onion, or another favorite.
  • Ancho Dried Chiles - Ancho chiles are a mild to medium spiced dried pepper thats common in birria recipes. It's also quite common in the stores.
  • New Mexico Dried Chiles or Guajillo - To make this recipe more accessible to everyone I chose dried peppers you can find in your local grocery store. Usually, you can find one of these peppers.
  • Dried Oregano: Mexican oregano is my top choice for this recipe but regular oregano is fine too!
  • Ground Ginger
  • Ground Coriander
  • Ground Cumin
  • Smoked Paprika - Gives this dish an amazing smoky flavor. You won't find this in every birria recipe - but it's a must in my book! If you don't have smoked paprika you can use regular paprika.
  • Garlic
  • Cinnamon Sticks - One of my favorite things about this recipe is the scent of the cinnamon as it cooks and blends with all the other ingredients. It tastes amazing in the stew! Make sure to remove the sticks before blending.
  • Dried Bay Leaves - Make sure to remove the bay leaves before blending.
  • Canned Diced Fire Roasted Tomatoes - I love the smokiness that these tomatoes give the recipe. You can also use diced tomatoes with green chilies, regular diced, or stewed tomatoes. I chose canned tomatoes for ease, but you can opt for fresh if you prefer. If you use fresh, it is best if you remove the skin first.
  • Canned chiles in adobo sauce - I am not a huge spicy lover, so I only used 3 ounces of a 7-ounce can of chiles in adobo sauce. If you like heat, add the whole can!
  • Fresh Lime Juice - Lime juice adds zest, tang, and brightness. You can substitute the juice of a sour orange, lemon juice, or vinegar.
  • Beef Broth - Either beef broth or beef stock is fine.

Crockpot Birria Equipment

  • 6-Quart Crockpot
  • 12-Inch Skillet
  • Handheld blender

Be sure to save this pin to Pinterest for later! 😉

White bowl of Birria de ResPin

Birria Soup Recipe Variations

  • Traditional birria is often made with goat meat or lamb, so feel free to substitute. Beef is much more accessible in many areas, however. You can also use bone-in meat as well. Pork could also be used.
  • Substitute any dried pepper that you have on hand. Each amazing pepper has different flavor profiles and levels of spiciness - so many choices!
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices. It's your recipe, and there are no rules in your kitchen. 🙂
  • If serving as a stew, feel free to add vegetables to this dish - potatoes, carrots, celery, corn, etc.
  • Add a smoky flavor by adding chipotle powder and/or smoky paprika.

How to Make Birria Stew

Here's how to make this crockpot birria recipe. For complete instructions, please see the printable recipe card below.

1. Season all sides of the meat with salt and pepper.

Seasoning the chuck steak with salt and pepper for beef birria des res.

2. Preheat a 12" skillet on medium-high heat. Add olive oil to the pan. When the skillet is very hot, sear each side of beef chuck roast until golden, about 3 to 4 minutes on each side.

Searing the chuck steak in a cast iron skillet to make crockpot Birria de Res.

3. Remove roast and set aside. Add onions and garlic, and saute until they are caramelized.

Note: if you're in a hurry, skip steps 1 to 3 and add everything to the crockpot.

4. Add the dried ancho chilies and the cooked onions and garlic to the slow cooker, then place the beef roast on top. Add the remaining ingredients to the pot.

Adding the remaining crockpot birria ingredients to the pot.

5. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or until the roast is very tender.

6. Remove the cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, and any hard chili pepper pods. Remove roast from slow cooker and shred meat. Set aside and keep warm.

Blending the birria consomme with a handheld blender.

7. Using an immersion blender, blend the liquids and solids that remain in the pot until smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Serving a bowl of crockpot birria

How to Serve Birria Stew

Serve as a stew, in a bowl with the incredible juices from the pot. Garnish with fresh cilantro and diced onion. I also love a dollop of sour cream and even grated cheese.

Make dipping tacos and serve shredded beef with warm tortillas and a side of the sauce topped with cheese, diced onion, lime wedges, cilantro, and any other favorite topping. Fry or grill the birria tacos if desired. Dip in the sauce. Enjoy!

Serve the shredded meat as a filling in burritos, tostadas, enchiladas, or birria tacos.

Serve with warm flour or corn tortillas, shredded cheese, diced onion, cilantro, and lime.

How to Store Beef Birria Stew

Store cooled leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. you can also freeze it for up to 4 months.

How long does Birria last in the fridge?

If stored in an airtight container birria will last about 4 days in the fridge.

Top Tips For The Best Birria De Res

  • Sometimes you will get dried peppers with tough skins or pods. They will never soften enough to blend, so take a look to see if you have any in your stew and remove them. Why you are at it - don't forget to remove the cinnamon sticks and bay leaves too!
  • If you are in a hurry, you do not need to sear the beef or caramelize the onions. These steps do add flavor to the recipe - but if you skip, it's still all going to taste great!

Birria De Res Recipe FAQs

What is birria meat used for?

Birria meat can be used in so many ways. You could serve it as soup or a stew. It makes a great shredded filling for Birria Tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and tostadas. It's also a great protein to top a salad. I love to have it for breakfast served with hash browns and runny eggs. Good stuff!

Can you make it ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep this entire recipe. Just take it out of the fridge, place the crock in its base, then turn it on! I put everything in the crock and store it in my refrigerator until the day I want to cook it.

How long will this recipe keep?

Up to 4 days if stored in an airtight container.

Can you freeze birria de res?

Yes, birria de res can easily be frozen. Separate the meat from the juices, then shred the beef. Put the meat and the juices into separate freezer-proof containers, and once they are cool, you can freeze for up to 3 months.

How long does Birria take to cook?

Birria cooked in a crock pot takes 8 to 10 hours to tenderize the meat and blend the flavors.

📖 The recipe.

Looking down on a bowl of birria garnished with slices of lime, shredded cheese, and cilantro

Crockpot Birria Stew

Crockpot birria is the easiest and most flavorful method for making this super popular Mexican beef stew. Serve as a stew with its flavorful juices, or shred the meat for use in burritos, enchiladas, or birria tacos! Use the sauce for dipping your tacos!
4.80 from 5 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
Author Kori Butler
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 8 hours hrs
Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Course Main Dish Recipes
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8
Calories 467 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 pounds chuck roast
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 1 large sweet onion (chopped)
  • 5 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 3 ancho chiles (dried)
  • 3 new mexico chiles (dried)
  • 14.5 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes
  • 3 ounces chiles in adobo sauce (use more if you like it spicy!)
  • 2 cinnnamon sticks
  • 2 bay leaves (dried)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon coriander
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • serve with: tortillas, cheese, diced onion, lime wedges, and cilantro.

Instructions
 

  • Season all sides of chuck roast with salt and pepper
  • Preheat a 12" skillet on medium-high heat. Add olive oil. When skillet is very hot sear each side of chuck roast until golden, about 3 to 4 minutes each side.
  • Remove roast and set aside. Add onions and garlic, and saute until they are caramelized.
  • In a crockpot add the dried chilies, cooked onions and garlic, and then the beef roast. Add remaining ingredients on top.
  • Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or until the roast is very tender.
  • Remove the cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, and any hard chile pods or skin.
  • Remove roast from crockpot and shred meat. Set aside and keep warm.
  • Using an immersion blender, blend the liquids that remain in the pot until smooth.
  • Serve the shredded beef and sauce with tortillas, cheese, diced onion, lime wedges, cilantro, and any other favorite topping.

Video

Kori's Tips

  • Don't miss all of our helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes that can be found in our post. Check it out!
  • SUBSTITUTIONS: This recipe is medium spicy. If you prefer it spicier, substitute spicier dried peppers and/or use more chipotles in adobo sauce. If you prefer mild - half or omit the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (or use mild); 
  • TOP TIPS: Sometimes you will get dried peppers with tough skins or pods. They will never soften enough to blend so take a look to see if you have any in your stew and remove them; If you are in a hurry you do not need to sear the beef or caramelize the onions. These steps do add flavor to the recipe - but skip if you don't have time.
  • SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Serve as a stew or shred the beef and serve in quesabirria tacos. Use the sauce to dip your tacos in.

Nutrition

Calories: 467kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 37gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 117mgSodium: 3371mgPotassium: 1090mgFiber: 6gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 3663IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 6mg
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Mention @seekinggoodeatsofficial or tag #seekinggoodeats! Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.

© 2025 Seeking Good Eats™

More Mexican Recipes

If you are looking for more tasty Mexican-style recipes, check these out:

  • Green Chili Pork Stew Recipe
  • Birria Tacos Recipe with Consommé
  • Chicken Tinga Tostadas
  • EASY Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
  • Mexican Ground Beef Recipe
  • Mexican Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe

Also, be sure to try:

  • Barbacoa Chipotle
  • Mexican Slaw Recipe
  • Carne Enchiladas
  • Homemade Chicken Enchiladas with Red Sauce

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. christopher!

    October 15, 2022 at 9:05 pm

    I’m trying the recipe tonight hopefully all goes well!
    I’ve been waiting to use this recipe. Can you sub beef with Goat?lamb?
    Would I have to change the recipe?

    Reply
    • seekinggoodeats

      October 26, 2022 at 1:18 pm

      Absolutely you can substitute goat or lamb. I don't believe you need to change anything! Enjoy!

      Reply
  2. Ryan

    October 08, 2022 at 1:24 pm

    Making this today, how much smoked paprika?

    Reply
    • Kori

      October 08, 2022 at 6:28 pm

      1 teaspoon, enjoy!

      Reply
  3. MARY TOGNAZZINI

    August 30, 2022 at 9:59 am

    THIS LOOKS SO GOOD BUT I DO NOT USE DRIED CHILIS, WHAT CHILI POWDERS SPICES CAN I USE, I THINK I HAVE THEM ALL.

    Reply
    • Kori

      August 30, 2022 at 10:18 am

      Hello and thank you for trying the recipe out! I've only used the dried peppers in this recipe, but since both the dried chiles in this recipe are on the mild side so I would suggest maybe 1 tablespoon of standard dried chili powder and then use a little hot chili powder of choice (like cayenne) to add the spice in. I recently made this and added a little smoked paprika and it was amazing too! I'm a recent convert to using dried peppers. If you are up for it, give them a try sometime - it's as simple as tossing them in and they soften up wonderfully! With that said, why run to the store if you already have chili powders? 😉 Let me know how it turns out with the chili powder. Enjoy!

      Reply
  4. Cori Ann Robertson

    April 15, 2022 at 12:40 am

    I'm making this to serve for Easter breakfast. Wish me luck!

    Reply
    • Kori

      April 15, 2022 at 9:08 am

      Great! I hope you enjoy 🙂 That sounds so delicious - Kori

      Reply
  5. Carrie

    February 04, 2022 at 11:32 am

    Made this yesterday and it was amazing! The whole family loved it!! I’m using leftovers for tacos today. 😍 Can’t wait.

    Reply
    • Kori

      February 04, 2022 at 11:33 am

      Awww! Thank you so much. I'm super happy you loved this recipe!!

      Reply
4.80 from 5 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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Hey there, I'm Kori.

I’m a culinary school trained chef specializing in holistic nutrition and wellness. I’ve always been a major foodie, and as I’ve aged, the full impact of my love of food—and not-necessarily-healthy eating habits—caught up to me. In an effort to make positive changes in my life (and hopefully yours, too), I created this website where I could share great-tasting, craveable, healthy recipes.

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