Crockpot Birria Recipes are a game-changer in modern home cooking. If you’ve ever wished for tender, fall-apart beef soaked in a rich, spicy, and aromatic Mexican consommé—all without standing over a stove for hours—this is your go-to guide.
Birria, a traditional Mexican stew, has taken social media by storm. This crockpot version delivers that same bold flavor with minimal effort. You’ll discover how to build a deep, layered consommé, avoid soggy tacos, and transform one slow-cooked dish into multiple meals.
Looking for more comfort food made easy? Try this slow-cooker beef chili or our popular spicy shredded chicken.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Crockpot Birria Recipes
- Full of deep, smoky flavor built from dried chiles and spices
- Uses the crockpot for hands-off cooking
- Ideal for birria tacos, quesabirria, and birria ramen
- Easy to batch cook and freeze
- Authentic results with grocery-store ingredients
Ingredients for Crockpot Birria
For the Meat
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
- 1 lb beef short ribs, bone-in
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
For the Birria Sauce (Consommé)
- 4 dried guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed
- 2 dried ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo (optional, for heat)
- 6 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup diced tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
How to Make Crockpot Birria
Step 1: Prepare the Chiles
- Remove stems and seeds from all dried chiles.
- Toast them lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Soak the toasted chiles in hot water for 15 minutes to soften.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- Add softened chiles, garlic, onion, tomatoes, vinegar, and spices to a blender.
- Blend until smooth, adding a little soaking liquid if needed.
Step 3: Assemble in Crockpot
- Season the beef with salt and pepper.
- Place the meat in the crockpot.
- Pour the blended sauce over the meat.
- Add the beef broth to the pot.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
- Cook on low for 8 hours or until meat is fall-apart tender.
- Shred the meat in the pot and stir to coat in the sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- For best flavor, let the meat sit overnight in the consommé.
Serving Ideas and Variations
- Birria Tacos: Dip corn tortillas in consommé, fill with meat and cheese, and fry until crisp.
- Quesabirria: Add shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese for extra melt.
- Birria Ramen: Stir shredded birria into instant ramen with consommé as broth.
- Birria Bowls: Serve over rice with pickled onions and crema.
- Low-Carb Version: Serve in lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice.
Avoid soggy tacos by searing tortillas quickly and using a slotted spoon when filling them.
FAQ – Crockpot Birria Recipes
How many hours should you cook birria?
Birria should be cooked for 8 hours on low in a crockpot. This slow cooking method ensures the meat becomes tender and the flavors meld into a rich, deep consommé.
What cut of meat do you make birria?
The best cuts for birria are beef chuck roast and short ribs. Chuck has great marbling, while short ribs add bone-in flavor that enhances the sauce.
What is the birria sauce made of?
Birria sauce, or consommé, is made from rehydrated dried chiles (guajillo and ancho), garlic, onion, tomatoes, vinegar, and Mexican spices like cumin, oregano, and cinnamon. It’s blended into a smooth, flavorful marinade and slow-cooked with the meat.
How to make birria not soggy?
To avoid sogginess, drain meat slightly before adding it to tortillas. Toast or fry tortillas lightly, and use cheese as a barrier if needed. Serve immediately after assembling.
Related Recipes You’ll Also Like
- Slow-Cooker Barbacoa: A smoky, spicy beef perfect for tacos or bowls.
- Mexican Chicken Tinga: Quick and flavorful, great for weeknights.
- Instant Pot Carnitas: Crispy and juicy, no oven required.
Conclusion
Crockpot Birria Recipes offer a hands-free way to enjoy bold, restaurant-level flavor at home. Whether you’re making classic birria tacos, dipping tortillas in rich consommé, or creating your own version with ramen or bowls, this dish is all about comfort, flavor, and flexibility.
Want more authentic Mexican dishes that fit your busy schedule? Browse our full recipe collection to find your next favorite.