Craving authentic Mexican flavors but short on time? This Instant Pot Beef Birria recipe is your answer! Forget hours of simmering; this recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth tender beef in a fraction of the time, all while retaining that rich, deeply satisfying birria flavor you crave. It's a delicious, healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights or impressive weekend gatherings. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this easy recipe.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
- 2 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Corn tortillas, for serving
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, onions, lime wedges, salsa
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chiles
In a medium bowl, cover the dried ancho and guajillo chiles with boiling water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or until softened. Drain the chiles and remove the stems.
Step 2: Blend the Chile Paste
Using a blender, combine the softened chiles, garlic, onion, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Blend until a smooth paste forms. Add a little of the beef broth if needed to help with blending.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Set your Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode. Add the vegetable oil to the pot and brown the beef cubes in batches. Don't overcrowd the pot; this ensures nice browning. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
Step 4: Build the Birria
Add the chile paste to the Instant Pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Pour in the beef broth, orange juice, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well to combine.
Step 5: Instant Pot Cooking
Return the browned beef to the Instant Pot. Add the bay leaves. Secure the lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release for at least 20 minutes before carefully releasing any remaining pressure manually.
Step 6: Shred the Beef
Once the pressure is released, carefully remove the beef from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks. Skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid.
Step 7: Simmer and Serve
Return the shredded beef to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine with the cooking liquid. Set the Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve the birria in warm corn tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Tips for the Best Birria:
- For deeper flavor, marinate the beef in the chile paste for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Don't skip the searing step! Browning the beef adds incredible depth of flavor.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
- If you don't have an Instant Pot, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker or stovetop. Just be prepared for a longer cooking time.
Birria Variations:
- Spicy Birria: Add more cayenne pepper or a few slices of jalapeño to the paste.
- Birria Tacos: Serve the shredded beef in warm corn or flour tortillas with your choice of toppings.
- Birria Consomé: Strain the cooking liquid and serve it as a delicious broth to accompany the tacos.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories (depending on serving size and toppings) Protein: Approximately 30-40g Fat: Approximately 15-20g Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This Beef Birria recipe is a testament to the power of quick and easy healthy meals. Enjoy the delicious results of this homemade cooking adventure!