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The Mexican Birria Crockpot Recipe Everyone Loves – Slow-Cooked Beef Birria with Rich, Deep Flavor

Mexican Birria Crockpot is the kind of recipe that instantly wins hearts. Slow-cooked beef chuck simmers for hours in a deeply flavorful chile broth until it becomes fall-apart tender, rich, and intensely aromatic. Traditionally enjoyed as a stew or used for tacos, this crockpot version keeps everything simple while delivering authentic, comforting flavor. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, meal prep, or cozy weekends. The slow cooker allows the dried chiles, spices, garlic, and tomatoes to meld into a bold, savory broth that tastes even better the next day. It’s hearty, satisfying, and unforgettable. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing beef recipe with serious depth, this birria is it.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 9 hours
Total Time 9 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat
  • 4 lbs beef chuck cut into large chunks
Dried Chiles & Vegetables
  • 10 guajillo chiles stems and seeds removed
  • 5 ancho chiles stems and seeds removed
  • 3 árbol chiles stems removed (adjust for heat)
  • 2 Roma tomatoes
  • 1 white onion quartered
  • 6 garlic cloves
Broth & Seasoning
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt adjust to taste
  • These ingredients create a broth that’s deeply savory warming, and complex.

Equipment

  • Slow cooker (6–8 quart)
  • Large pot (for soaking chiles)
  • Blender
  • Strainer (optional)
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Chile Sauce
Step 1:
  1. Place the guajillo, ancho, and árbol chiles in a large pot. Cover with hot water.
Step 2:
  1. Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes until the chiles are softened.
Step 3:
  1. Drain the chiles, reserving 1 cup of the soaking liquid.
Step 4:
  1. Add softened chiles, tomatoes, onion, garlic, reserved soaking liquid, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, cumin, oregano, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and salt to a blender.
Step 5:
  1. Blend until completely smooth. Strain if you prefer a smoother broth.
  2. Slow Cook the Birria
Step 6:
  1. Place the beef chuck pieces into the slow cooker.
Step 7:
  1. Pour the blended chile sauce over the beef.
Step 8:
  1. Add bay leaves and gently stir to coat the meat.
Step 9:
  1. Cover and cook:
  2. Low: 8–9 hours
  3. High: 5–6 hours
  4. until the beef is extremely tender and easily shredded.
Step 10:
  1. Remove bay leaves.
Step 11:
  1. Shred the beef directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
Step 12:
  1. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezing:
Freeze beef and broth together for up to 3 months
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave
Add a splash of broth if needed
🥄 Variations
Milder: Reduce árbol chiles
Extra rich: Add an extra cup of broth
Taco-style: Serve shredded beef separately with broth on the side
Meal prep: Portion into containers with broth
Spice-forward: Add more Mexican oregano
❓ 10 FAQs
Is birria spicy?
Mild to medium, adjustable by chiles.
Can kids eat this?
Yes, reduce the árbol chiles.
Do I need to strain the sauce?
Optional, for smoother texture.
Can I use another cut of beef?
Chuck works best for tenderness.
Is this authentic in flavor?
Yes, it follows traditional spice profiles.
Does it thicken overnight?
Yes, flavors deepen and thicken.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger slow cooker.
Is this good for meal prep?
Excellent.
Can I cook it longer?
Yes, low and slow improves texture.
What’s the best way to serve it?
As stew or with tortillas on the side.
🏁 Conclusion
The Mexican Birria Crockpot Recipe Everyone Loves is rich, comforting, and deeply flavorful—everything a slow-cooked beef dish should be. With tender shredded beef and a bold chile broth, this recipe delivers authentic taste with modern convenience.
Once you make it, it’s guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.