Birria Enchiladas combine tender, slow-simmered beef with cheesy corn tortillas for a comforting dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or a hearty weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 45 minutesminutes
Cook Time 3 hourshours
Total Time 3 hourshours45 minutesminutes
Serving Size 8servings
Ingredients
For the Birria
3lbsbeef chuck roast (short ribs, lamb, or goat are fine substitutes)
6dried guajillo chilesRemove stems and seeds
4dried ancho chilesRemove stems and seeds
1largewhite onionHalf for blending, half for garnish
6clovesgarlic cloves
2bay leaves
1stickcinnamon stick
3wholecloves
1tspMexican oregano
1tspcumin seeds (or 1 tsp ground cumin)Use ground cumin if you don’t have seeds
4cupsbeef broth (plus more if needed)
For the Enchiladas
16corn tortillasWarm tortillas on a hot skillet to make them pliable
2cupsenchilada sauce (homemade, store-bought, or use reserved birria consomé)
2cupsshredded Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheeseSwap half for Chihuahua cheese for variations
½cupcrumbled Cotija cheese
Fresh cilantro,for garnish
Instructions
Preparation of Chiles
Remove stems and seeds from the guajillo and ancho chiles. Toast them lightly in a dry skillet—just until fragrant, 20–30 seconds per side—and then soak in hot water until soft, about 15–20 minutes. Drain but reserve some soaking liquid.
Blend the Sauce
In a blender, combine softened chiles, garlic, half the onion, cinnamon stick, cloves, cumin, oregano, and 2 cups of beef broth. Blend to a smooth sauce. Taste and adjust salt.
Sear the Meat
Season the beef with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until deeply browned, about 3–4 minutes per side.
Braise
Pour the chile sauce over the seared meat. Add bay leaves and the remaining beef broth so the roast is mostly submerged. Bring to a low simmer, cover, and cook on low for 2.5–3 hours until the meat shreds easily.
Shred and Strain
Remove the meat and shred with two forks. Strain the braising liquid, reserving the consomé. Thin a cup or two into your enchilada sauce if it’s too thick.
Warm Tortillas
Warm corn tortillas on a hot skillet for 10–15 seconds per side until soft and pliable. Keep them covered with a towel so they don’t dry out.
Assemble
Spoon shredded birria into each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
Sauce and Cheese
Pour enchilada sauce (or diluted consomé) generously over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle with shredded Oaxaca or Monterey Jack.
Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Finish
Top with crumbled Cotija and chopped cilantro. Serve with a small bowl of warm consomé for dipping.
Notes
For extra authenticity or crisp edges, briefly run the assembled enchiladas under the broiler for 1–2 minutes—watch carefully. The shredded birria can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for months. Assemble and bake on the day you plan to serve.