Why You’ll Love These Birria Enchiladas
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and wrapped in soft tortillas, this dish satisfies every craving.
- Flavor-Packed: The robust spices of the birria paired with melty cheese and enchilada sauce make every bite irresistible.
- Versatile: Great for dinner parties, meal prep, or a cozy weeknight meal.
Tools You’ll Need
- Foil for covering the dish while baking
- Dutch oven or large pot for the birria
- Blender for the sauce
- Baking dish for the enchiladas
Birria Enchiladas
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
Description
If you’re a fan of bold, rich, and comforting flavors, these Birria Enchiladas are going to be your new favorite meal. Combining the deep, savory essence of birria with the cheesy, saucy goodness of enchiladas, this dish is a match made in heaven. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, these enchiladas are guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients
- For the Birria:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast or short ribs, trimmed of excess fat
- 4 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded
- 2 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded
- 2 dried pasilla chilies, stemmed and seeded
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 large tomato, quartered
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Enchiladas:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional garnish)
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Birria
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and toast the dried chilies for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add beef broth to the pot and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes to soften the chilies.
- Transfer the chilies, onion, garlic, tomato, cumin, oregano, paprika, and 1 cup of the broth to a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear in the pot until browned on all sides.
- Pour the chili sauce over the beef, add bay leaves, and the remaining broth. Cover and simmer on low for 2.5-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and shreds easily.
Step 2: Shred the Beef
- Remove the beef from the pot and shred using two forks. Strain the sauce to remove solids and reserve for later.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly warm the tortillas to make them pliable. Dip each tortilla in the reserved birria sauce, then fill with shredded beef and a sprinkle of cheese. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
Step 4: Bake the Enchiladas
- Once all tortillas are filled and placed in the dish, pour enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a zesty finish.
Notes
- Make Ahead: The birria can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before assembling the enchiladas.
- Customize Your Fillings: Add black beans, roasted vegetables, or extra cheese for a unique twist.
- Don’t Skip the Dipping: Dipping the tortillas in the birria sauce ensures each bite is full of flavor.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Cuisine: American
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
- Freeze: Assemble enchiladas without baking, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
A: Yes, but corn tortillas are traditional and hold up better to the sauce.
Q2: What if I can’t find the dried chilies?
A: Substitute with chili powder, but the flavor may differ slightly.
Q3: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Swap the beef for roasted vegetables or jackfruit and use vegetable broth for the sauce.
Conclusion: A Comfort Food Classic!
These Birria Enchiladas bring together the best of Mexican flavors in a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. From the tender, spiced beef to the gooey cheese and saucy tortillas, every bite is a celebration of flavor. Perfect for dinner, parties, or just treating yourself—you’re going to love this recipe!
Did you try this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below or tag us in your food photos on Instagram. We’d love to see your creations!
Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 420
Protein: 26g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 4g
Enjoy this decadent take on a classic dish, and don’t forget to share it with family and friends!
