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Birria Enchiladas

  • Author: Sally Thompson
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

Tender, slow-cooked birria meat wrapped in warm corn tortillas, smothered in rich enchilada sauce, and topped with melty cheese and fresh garnishes. These Birria Enchiladas are comforting, flavorful, and perfect for a special dinner or an easy meal prep option.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs beef chuck roast (or short ribs, lamb, or goat)
  • 6 dried guajillo chiles
  • 4 dried ancho chiles
  • 1 large white onion
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 3 whole cloves
  • 1 tsp Mexican oregano
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds (or ground cumin)
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 16 corn tortillas
  • 2 cups enchilada sauce (homemade, store-bought, or birria consomé)
  • 2 cups shredded Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ cup crumbled Cotija cheese
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chiles
    Remove stems and seeds from guajillo and ancho chiles. Toast lightly in a skillet, then soak in hot water until softened.

  2. Blend the Sauce
    Blend softened chiles with garlic, onion, cinnamon stick, cloves, cumin, oregano, and beef broth until smooth.

  3. Cook the Meat
    Season the beef with salt and pepper. Sear in a Dutch oven, then cover with chile sauce, bay leaves, and broth. Simmer on low for 2.5 to 3 hours.

  4. Shred the Beef
    Remove beef from the pot and shred. Strain the broth and reserve for sauce.

  5. Prepare the Tortillas
    Warm tortillas on a skillet to soften.

  6. Assemble the Enchiladas
    Fill each tortilla with shredded birria, roll up, and place seam-side down in a baking dish.

  7. Add Sauce and Cheese
    Pour enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with shredded cheese.

  8. Bake
    Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  1. Garnish and Serve
    Top with Cotija cheese and fresh cilantro. Enjoy!