Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsBenjo's TacosBeef Birria Recipe

Beef Birria Recipe

Inspired by Benjo's Tacos
Time3h
Serves8

A corn tortilla fried with cheese, onion and cilantro.

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Ingredients

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Beef Birria Preparation

Method

Beef Birria Preparation

  1. 1

    Prepare the Chilies

    Remove the stems and seeds from the guajillo and ancho chilies. Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for approximately 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Transfer to a bowl and cover with hot water. Let soak for 15 minutes until softened.

  2. 2

    Blend the Marinade

    In a blender, combine the soaked chilies, garlic cloves, onion, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth, adding a little soaking water if needed.

  3. 3

    Cook the Beef

    In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the beef chuck roast and pour the blended marinade over it. Add the beef broth and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shredded.

  4. 4

    Shred the Beef

    Once cooked, remove the beef from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the beef using two forks and return it to the pot to absorb the flavors.

Tortilla Preparation

  1. 5

    Prepare the Tortillas

    In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add a corn tortilla and sprinkle cheese on one half of the tortilla. Add a portion of shredded beef, chopped onions, and cilantro on top of the cheese.

  2. 6

    Fry the Tortilla

    Fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape. Cook until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and keep warm while repeating with the remaining tortillas.

  3. 7

    Serve

    Serve the beef birria tacos hot with extra chopped onions and cilantro on the side, along with lime wedges for squeezing over the tacos.

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